Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/421

182 as do the Knights, except that the cross, which is worn by them as a star, has no upper point, nor does it contain, as in that of the other classes, the initials:'I.H.S. V.' These letters signify: 'In hoc signo vinces' (In this sign thou shalt conquer), while two Greek letters Α (Alpha, the first), and Ω (Omega, the last of the Greek alphabet) in the centre, together with a cross, resting upon the letter ' P.' are to represent: 'God and Jesus Christ' (Father and son), the beginning and end of all things.

The Grand Prior, chief of the spiritual part of the Order, wears the costume of a bishop: a long blue mantle with red lining, and a blue and red coat. He officiates in the church of the Order, Santa Maria della Steccata, and possesses numerous privileges granted to him by the Popes, among others the right to issue dimissory letters to fourteen persons.

The Chapter is usually held on the 11th December.

THE ORDER OF ST. LOUIS

Was revised on the 11th August, 1849, by Duke Charles III., as an Order of Merit, both civil and military, It had been founded by his father, Duke Charles II., in the year when he abdicated the throne.

The Dukes of Parma are always Grand Masters.

The Order is divided into Grand Cross Knights, Commanders, Knights, first and second classes, and Members decorated with the fifth class cross.

The number of the Knights Grand Cross is fixed at twenty, of the Commanders at thirty, of the first class Knights at sixty, of the second class Knights at eighty, and of the fifth class members at one hundred; exclusive of reigning princes, and distinguished foreigners.