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The Papal Order of the Golden Spur |
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Italian: Ordine dello Speron d'Oro Otherwise known as the Order of the Golden Militia
Officially known as the Order of the Golden Militia (Annuario Pontificio 2012, Libreria Editrice Vaticana 2012), the Order of the Golden Spur is the second highest of the Papal Orders. Some consider this to be the earliest of Papal chivalric institutions (Guy Stair Sainty, "History of the Papal Orders", Alamanch de la Cour, date unknown). It is presented to those who have rendered distinguished service to the Catholic Faith. During some parts of history, this Order was reserved for Heads of State. The Order has its origins in the Papal noble title, Count (Palatine) of the Lateran Palace, and was regularly conferred with this title. It was conferred during this time by the Holy Roman Empire. By the 19th century, members of the Roman curia and other prelates has the privilege of submitting nominations for the Order, which was so widely distributed that it became a scandal. In 1841, Pope Gregory XVI suppressed the Order and absorbed it into the Order of Saint Sylvester. There is remained until Pope Saint Pius X restored it in his reforms of the chivalric orders in 1905. The modern Order is given only in one grade, that of Knight. Membership is officially limited to one hundred knights, though the Pope may waive this limitation |
As with all Orders of the Holy See, there is no set method of nomination for this Order. The Holy See is free to nominate and award in any manner in which she sees fit. However, awards of the Order of the Golden Spur are typically made on the recommendation of Diocesan Bishops or Archbishops or Nuncios for special merit or service. If it is processed through the local Bishop, then the usual procedure is for that Bishop to nominate the candidate through the appropriate Apostolic Nuncio, who then forwards the recommendation to the Cardinal Secretary of State in Rome. Awards are also sometimes made on specific recommendation of members of the Roman Curia. Specific procedures can vary. Upon approval, a diploma is issued in Latin (with the candidate's forenames also translated into Latin where possible), and it is signed in almost every case on behalf of the Roman Pontiff by the Secretary of State of the Vatican. The award also usually requires the payment of a nominal "tax" to cover expenses concerned and support the work of the Church. It may be paid by the recipient or by someone else on his behalf. Even though Vatican reforms no longer confer a special status on Papal knights, the receipt of a Papal knighthood ought to serve as an impetus for service on the part of the recipient. Sometimes non-Catholics receive the honor.
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