Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/413

178 who wore the Cross as given Tab. II. No. 10, are still alive, and the abolition has, moreover, never been publicly or officially announced.

There still exists at Rome a knighthood, the members of which generally pass by the name, ' Merciful Brethren of the Holy Ghost.' Both priests and laymen belonging to it, make vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, and engage themselves, besides, to nurse and assist the sick, even in times of pestilence. Since the Pontificate of Innocent III., under whose reign the Knights of the Order came over to Rome from France, they have had the sole management of the hospital of Santo Spirito, at Sassia, near the Vatican.

The badge is a white Cross, embroidered upon the coat, or suspended round the neck.