Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/367

 MEXICO (REPUBLIC.)

ORDER OF THE MADONNA OF GUADALOUPE

Was founded after the model of the old one of the Emperor Iturbide, on the 11th November, 1853. The head of the Mexican government is Grand Master, and nominates twenty-four Knights Grand Cross, one hundred Commanders (exclusive of foreigners), and an unlimited number of Knights.

The Order is worn suspended by a sky blue ribbon with violet borders, and consists of a golden cross, enamelled red green and white, and placed upon palm leaves and an olive branch, with the Mexican eagle above it. The middle of the front shows the figure of the Madonna of Guadaloupe, with the inscription: 'Religion, Independence, Union.' The red middle of the reverse contains the enamelled inscription: 'Heroic Patriotism.' The Order has its chapter, festivals, costume (of satin and taffetas), spiritual and secular officials, salaries and hospitals, all after the model of the old European Orders.