The Order
The Order of the Knights and Dames of the Holy Grail is an international Christian order of chivalry, constituted in collaboration with the International Association of the Camino del Santo Grial and devoted to the Holy Chalice venerated in Valencia.
History
Behind the medieval legend of the Grail stands a tradition venerated by the Church: the Holy Chalice of Valencia, a cup of oriental agate which, according to tradition, was brought to Rome by Saint Peter, entrusted to the deacon Lawrence and sent by him to his native Huesca, in Aragon, to save it from persecution.
Through the Middle Ages the chalice was guarded at the monastery of San Juan de la Peña and passed into the keeping of the Kings of Aragon. In 1437 it was given to the Cathedral of Valencia, where it is venerated to this day. Saint John Paul II in 1982 and Benedict XVI in 2006 celebrated Mass with it.
The Camino del Santo Grial retraces this journey from the mountains of Aragon to Valencia. The International Association of the Camino del Santo Grial, which promotes it, has presented the route to the Council of Europe as a candidate European Cultural Route.
San Galgano
In Tuscany the tradition of the Grail is joined to the memory of Galgano Guidotti, a knight who in 1180 renounced his arms and drove his sword into the rock of Montesiepi, where it still stands in the form of a cross. His conversion is commemorated by the Order on 3 December.
The Order today
The Order was constituted in collaboration with the International Association of the Camino del Santo Grial to give the tradition of the Holy Chalice a living fellowship of Christians from every nation.
Its members follow a common rule of prayer and formation, keep the feasts of the Order and take part each year in the pilgrimage along the Camino del Santo Grial. Through its Diplomatic Office, the Order is developing relations with institutions and organisations of every country.
The Grand Magistry
Ana María Mafé García
Patron of the Order
President of the International Association of the Camino del Santo Grial, author and one of the foremost scholars of the Holy Chalice. Her patronage binds the Order to the living tradition of the Camino.
Riccardo Pace
President and Grand Master
Economist and author, he has chaired associations, directed international projects and collaborated with leading institutions, from the European Central Bank to national governments and global foundations.
The Council of Honour
Presidents of kindred institutions, Notable Experts, Christian associations and cultural bodies who counsel the Grand Master. Its members are appointed by magistral decree.
The Round Table
The Knights and Dames of the Order. Knighthood is conferred upon Brothers and Sisters who have distinguished themselves by their service, their impact and their contribution to the mission of the Order.
Brothers and Sisters
The beating heart of the Order: an international fellowship of men and women united by faith and committed to building a better world of peace.
The Coat of Arms
At the heart of the shield stands the Chalice, sign of the Sacrifice of Christ and of the Holy Grail to which the Order is devoted. Behind it, two crossed swords recall the knightly vocation: strength placed at the service of faith and of the weak.
Above the Chalice descends the dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit, who guides the Order and gives life to its fellowship. The border of the shield bears crosses alternating with scallop shells: the cross of Christ, and the shell, ancient sign of the pilgrim, recalling the Camino del Santo Grial and the road that every member is called to walk.
The field is red, the colour of the Blood of Christ and of the martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, Patron of the Order.
Ad Sanctum Graal, Pro Gloria Dei
To the Holy Grail, for the glory of God.
Join the Order
Petition to join, open to Christians of every nation who commit to serve the Kingdom of Christ.
