Our Purpose
Mission & Values
Pro Fide, Pro Utilitate Hominum
For the Faith, in the Service of Humanity
The Eight Pointed Cross (known as the Maltese Cross) which is of white metal depicting purity.
The four arms of the Cross depict the four cardinal virtues of the Order:
Prudence
Carefulness and wisdom in all our actions.
Justice
Doing the right thing by people, always.
Temperance
Moderate behaviour in all circumstances.
Fortitude
Courage and endurance in adversity.
From 1888 the Cross was embellished by the addition of lions and unicorns. These are the supporters of the Royal coat-of-arms, and their use was a special grant by Queen Victoria, who made the Order of St John an Order of Chivalry that year.