Heritage and Mission

The Order of the Teutonic Knights of St. Mary's Hospital in Jerusalem, in short the German Order, is a clerical institution of life consecrated to God under papal law, the field of work of which is the apostolate in the world. Relying upon the gift of the Holy Ghost, the members devote themselves entirely to God in particular close succession to Christ for the glorification of God as well as for building up the Church and for the world’s salvation. Due to the religious vow of the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience taken in public, these members are connected to the Church and its work of salvation and are thus anxious to achieve absolute love in the ministry of God’s kingdom and - developed to a glorious proof of the Church - to prefigure the heavenly glory (cf. can. 573).  
Incorporated in the Order of the Brothers is the congregation of the Sisters of St. Mary's Hospital in Jerusalem, which is under the general administration of the Grand Master with the general council. The religious order is subdivided into provinces, which from ancient times are also called bailwicks (Ballei). The Order is entitled to admit oblates to the provinces. The institution of the associates of the German Order is affiliated to the Order. The members of this institution - called associates or Marian Fathers - are secular or clerical persons, who support the work of the Order to the best of their abilities, support the Order’s undertakings, and aspire to put into practice its ideals.

Rules of the Teutonic Knights of St. Mary’s hospital in Jerusalem, Nos. 1 - 2