The Knights of Pius XV

[Erich Honecker]

[center][img]http://flagspot.net/images/r/rel-ofmc.gif[/img][/center]

Announcing the establishment of an elite Catholic warrior order to protect His Holiness, Pope Pius XV unwaveringly as [i]"God's Marines"[/i] to engage in the direct defense of the Holy See as well as the Catholic-Christian faith, should ever it come under violent assault. In its existence, the Knight's order pursues intellectual research, and cultural pursuits in addition to missionary work, giving retreats, hospital and parish ministry, promoting social justice and ecumenical dialogue.

Established is the Formula of the Institute of the Knights of Pius XV. We offer the plan of this order's organization to be approved by His Holiness;

[left]
[i]"Whoever desires to serve as a soldier of God beneath the banner of the cross in our society,
which we desire to be designated by the name of Jesus, and to serve the Lord alone and the Church, his spouse, under the Roman pontiff, the vicar of Christ on earth, should, after a solemn vow of perpetual chastity, poverty and obedience, keep what follows in mind. He is a member of a Society founded chiefly for this purpose:

To strive especially for the defense and propagation of the faith and for the progress of souls in Christian life and doctrine, by means of public preaching, lectures, and any other ministration whatsoever of the word of God and further by means of the Spiritual Exercises, the education of children and unlettered persons in Christianity and the spiritual consolation of Christ's faithful through hearing confessions and administering the other sacraments.

Moreover, he should show himself ready to reconcile the estranged, compassionately assist and serve those who are in prisons or hospitals and, indeed, to perform any other works of charity, according to what will seem expedient for the glory of God and the common good."[/i][/left]

[Beauty]

"Zaboor welcomes The Knights of Pius XV to the new world."

[Axolotlia]

The PRA wonders where The Knights of Pius XV will be located.

[Vedran]

"The Union of Arctica does not welcome theological military units or religion-based military units, no matter the level of organization or perceived legitimacy, as these units are a part of the problem of religious militarism. Members of the Knights are hereby placed on no-admittance lists and are not permitted to enter the Union's territory under normal circumstances."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

[quote]
[b]To: The Grandmaster of the Knights of Pius XV
From: His Holiness Pius XV and Her Grace Maria Magdalena von Hapsburg[/b]
[i]
Your Excellency,

News of the creation of such an organization only brings good tidings to the entire Church, knowing that there are those brave men and women willing to defend the Papacy and its institution as well as the grand seat of the Catholic Church itself, both I and the Protector of the Faith, accept your willingness to act and aid with open arms. That said, while accepting the existence of your order, given the anti-militancy stand of the Christian communities of the world, if possible both I and the Duchess of Austria would like to meet with the leaders of your order to understand the true meaning of such a noble movement. Thus, I would invite any representative, or yourself to Rome at your earliest possible convenience.

That said, both I and the Duchess accept your service and bid the Order to come to Rome as well. After our meeting, I would be more than happy to inspect the Order and make judgments on future responsibilities and engagements.

I look forward to the meeting with haste.

With God's Love,

Pius XV[/i]
[/quote]

[Centurius]

"We must second the comments of the Union of Arctica, any kind of organization with a militant nature is a potential risk to the world. Until the Knights can clarify their militant ideals they are banned from entering the Athenian Federation by land, air or through the sea."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

[quote name='Centurius' timestamp='1299852457' post='2659898']
"We must second the comments of the Union of Arctica, any kind of organization with a militant nature is a potential risk to the world. Until the Knights can clarify their militant ideals they are banned from entering the Athenian Federation by land, air or through the sea."
[/quote]

"If this will be a problem for Athens, then the Knights are welcome to continue their duties in Austria. A defense force that seems more like the Swiss Guard, to warrant such fear from the rest of the world, we feel is undeserving and shameful. But if this is how the world will act, then Austria will simply open her arms to those still willing to fight for the Christian Faith."
-Maria Magdalena von Hapsburg

[Erich Honecker]

[quote name='Centurius' timestamp='1299852457' post='2659898']
"We must second the comments of the Union of Arctica, any kind of organization with a militant nature is a potential risk to the world. Until the Knights can clarify their militant ideals they are banned from entering the Athenian Federation by land, air or through the sea."
[/quote]

[i]"Is not your nation itself militant in nature? Then all men and nations are a potential risk to the world; while you maintain your military- a defence for your own creeds, have we not the same right?"[/i]

Grand Master Lombardi
of the Knights of Pius XV


[quote]To: The Grandmaster of the Knights of Pius XV
From: His Holiness Pius XV and Her Grace Maria Magdalena von Hapsburg

Your Excellency,

News of the creation of such an organization only brings good tidings to the entire Church, knowing that there are those brave men and women willing to defend the Papacy and its institution as well as the grand seat of the Catholic Church itself, both I and the Protector of the Faith, accept your willingness to act and aid with open arms. That said, while accepting the existence of your order, given the anti-militancy stand of the Christian communities of the world, if possible both I and the Duchess of Austria would like to meet with the leaders of your order to understand the true meaning of such a noble movement. Thus, I would invite any representative, or yourself to Rome at your earliest possible convenience.

That said, both I and the Duchess accept your service and bid the Order to come to Rome as well. After our meeting, I would be more than happy to inspect the Order and make judgments on future responsibilities and engagements.

I look forward to the meeting with haste.

With God's Love,

Pius XV[/quote]


[i][left] Your grace,

This invitation is indeed an answer to my prayers. I would love to share with you the basis and truest trues of our order, placed upon me by what I consider no less than divine inspiration. The defense of the faith and devoted work to it in service to Your Holiness, from which our name is derived, is one of complete dedication and love of our Father. By the time you recieve this reply, I will be well on my way to meet with your grace.


Grand Master Lombardi
of the Knights of Pius XV[/left][/i]

[Centurius]

"Very well then, consider the ban in effect indefinitely."

[Sarah Tintagyl]

Given the restrictions that Athens imposed on the Knights, something that would have to be discussed at a later date, Grandmaster Lombardi was only asked to bring a small entourage of his Knights to Rome. Given that Italy was Athenian territory minus the Vatican itself, which was Austrian, both the Pope and the Duchess thought it best to keep things small and seemingly non-threatening to their Athenian neighbors. It was necessary to keep a good relationship with the Greeks, after all, the free defense provided by their armies in Italy to the church from any form of radicalism was welcomed with open arms. Yet, even with the restricting conditions, Lombardi and his entourage would be received in Rome by a front detachment of the Swiss Guard.

Ernst Strigat, the Captain of the Swiss Guard was there at the airport to receive the delegation and greeted the Grandmaster with a firm handshake and a smile after his descent from the plane. "Signor Lombardi, it is a pleasure, both His Holiness and Her Grace are waiting for you in the Vatican. If you would be so kind as to follow me, we have a limousine prepared for your departure."

Strigat guided the limousine through the narrow Roman streets, with the Athenian ban, it was from the Pope's good graces with local government officials that even this visit was allowed, but the limousine made good time through the crowded Roman streets and entered quietly into Vatican territory. Once in the Vatican, the Athenian patrols disappeared immediately, replaced Swiss Guards and a few Austrian soldiers that stood over certain buildings and political posts. Finally they arrived in the open square of the Basilica, there were only a handful of tourists in the area and the afternoon was bright, a perfect day for a meeting of this nature. After they arrived, Strigat escorted the Grandmaster through the halls of the Vatican, up to the Pope's personal quarters where he was currently having lunch with the Duchess of Austria. Upon pushing open the glass doors of the upper floors and being escorted further by cardinals and deacons, the Grandmaster finally found himself entering the study of the Pope and walking into the room where His Holiness sat.

"Your Holiness." Said Strigat upon arrival, "My I introduce Grandmaster Lombardi of the Knights of Pius XV." The Captain bowed and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Both the Pope and the Duchess rose to their feet happily and bowed their heads to the Grandmaster. "Signor Lombardi," The Pope began, "It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person. Please, come sit, and let me introduce you to Maria Magdalena von Hapsburg, the Protector of the Catholic Faith."

Maria nodded quietly with a smile and beckoned the Grandmaster forward. "It is a pleasure Herr Lombardi."

After Lombardi was seated and he had been offered both food and drink, Pius leaned forward and rested his hands on the table. "I'd like to begin by asking what your intentions are Grandmaster. As you are well aware, Athens controls Italy, and by proxy has a great deal of say what goes on in the Vatican. They are against military forces garrisoned in the city, but a small force will be allowed. Anything larger than that, the Duchess has agreed to integrate the Knights within the Austrian Army, as Protector of the Church, Austria will be maintaining security of the Church and hopefully other sects of the faith in years to come. But I would like to know what exactly you have planned."

[zzzptm]

While Mexico disapproves of the mingling of religion with government, we nevertheless respect the right of others to believe as they will, provided their beliefs do not lead to war. We greet the Knights and welcome them to the brotherhood of free nations.

[Generalissimo]

[quote name='Erich Honecker' timestamp='1299861497' post='2659979'][i]"Is not your nation itself militant in nature? Then all men and nations are a potential risk to the world; while you maintain your military- a defence for your own creeds, have we not the same right?"[/i][/quote]Within Procinctia the Knights of Pius XV will be given right to maintain an armed presence equal to the military of our country, which is none whatsoever.
As a completely demilitarized country, therefore definitively not militant, Procinctia also shares the concerns of Athenian Federation and Union of Arctica.
As country lacking a standing armed force of any sort Procinctia simply cannot risk the presence of an armed militant nongovernmental organization.

The Knights of Pius XV, despite our forthright misgivings and pragmatic caution, are permitted access to the Procinctian Aleutian. . .
. . . but strictly forbidden from bringing their own weapons into the country.

- Catalina Martinez, interim administrator of Procinctia -

Edited March 11, 2011 by Generalissimo

[Aggressivenutmeg]

The Knights of Pius XV, with the exception of its militant wing which will be banned, are welcome to operate inside the Australian Free State prvided their operations are within the law.

Edited March 11, 2011 by Chernarussia

[PresidentDavid]

"The United States approves of this organization dedicated to[b] protecting[/b] the [b]Pope[/b] and those of the [b]Vatican[/b]. It is nice to see an organization that seems to have [b]no offensive[/b] objectives to other religions. If you ever need anything you are more then welcome to come into the United States."
Said President David.

Edited March 11, 2011 by PresidentDavid

[Triyun]

Having been on the receiving end of militant christianity numerous times, the United Federation of the East closes its waterways, land, and airspace to the knights.

[Erich Honecker]

Grand Master Lombardi bowed his head humbly before the Holy Pope, turned to Maria Magdalena & returned a warm smile. He was nearly overwhelmed to be in the presence of His Holy Father & a light tremble followed his beginning words as we worked to suppress his emotions.
[i]
"Your grace, I speak for myself as I do for every one of my Knights today & those to come, when I say that I am prepared beyond all fears, passed all boundaries of caution, & despite the dangers of the path, to do that thing which few in our world today are prepared anymore to sacrifice. Father, my Knights & I do offer our very lives in service to God & the head of His Church on earth, Your Holiness, Pope Pius XV."[/i]

The Grand Master's eyes darted upward as he fought back tears of passion. He made the sign of the cross as he gathered himself.

[i]"My intention is the actualization of a strict order of defense & service to the Catholic Church & what remains of the Christian world. Ours in an order that is strictly in & of Christendom. We plan not, to meddle in the affairs of they who do not seek our services, nor to instigate conflict on religious, nor any basis. We respect Athens & as well have no intent to march by arms into these Holy grounds. Our mission is defense & the Holy Vatican is clearly well defended.

So then, where the defense of the faith is necessary & needed, that is where we will be. The situations that call forth our services will dictate the level of sacrifice we commit, but we realize & encounter this by a code that states; 'there is never too much to be given when done so in service to Our Lord.'Our role is the sacrifice; the reward is for all Christendom after to reap. Also Father, I have aspirations for the Order to fund & train missionaries. We are in support of any & all missionary work of the Church & will certainly do so by your guidelines. We are prepared for battle, both militarily & spiritually for the love of God & the urgency of these heathenous times."[/i]

[Sarah Tintagyl]

"Such discipline brings my joy to my ears my Son." Pius said laying his hands on the Grandmaster's shoulders. "We are at a pivotal moment in history for the Church, after decades of battling between ourselves, being cast out of countless countries, there is finally the chance that Christianity will return to spreading the Good News across the entire world. Your willingness to cooperate with local authorities who may not all respect our message will only help in our struggle to eke out a greater existence. Many in the world seem worried that the birth of a Knightly Order will only cause a rise in militancy fanaticism. I am very happy to know that this will not be the case."

"Of course," Maria began resting her face between her hands. "There is a great deal of work that needs to be done still. I assume, Herr Lombardi that you know of the recent moves to establish a Catholic League. While this seems more of an all-encompassing Christian organization, the training of missionaries and perhaps the defense of pilgrims, and Christian Communities through out the world, could come in handy. I am not totally sure whether the League will advocate your services, however, I can assure you as well as His Holiness that the Vatican has need of your knights. What is important right now is if we could get an estimate on the total strength of your forces, their military experience and training, as well as their educational history. One thing that this Papacy, unlike the others which have existed is attempting to change is the radicalism that existed in the Church."

"And that radicalism," The Pope added, "Is precisely due to the fact that the followers of Christ were disrespecting themselves trying to follow in the footsteps of Popes such as Julius II and other warmongers."

The Duchess of Austria chuckled, "Of course, some realism should be applied here. Your order is of a military nature which can, and will probably used for defense. That said, as further guidelines and doctrine is laid out by the League, then application can come afterward." She turned to Pius and sipped from a cup of coffee. "What would you say Your Holiness? Where do the Knights go from here?"

Pius folded his hands, a wave of solemness crossing over his face. "I believe what is necessary is to begin is while the League gets itself in order, the Knights can begin deploying to the Vatican."

"However," chirped in Maria, "Given the Order's shaky discussions with the Athenians, I suggest not deploying any large amount of defenders to Rome. Athens will not look kindly on such a move and given that we need their support to grow the Church, it is imperative that the See and Athens remain in good faith. I have a personal friendship with the Emperor of the Western Federation and a great deal of people in both Italy and Portugal are Catholic, I believe if I could speak to him, he would reconsider the ban on this Order. Until then, if there is a large force, deploy them to Ljubljana, Istria, or other points in Austria, there they can be housed and trained. The Vatican is small, unfortunately not like the Papacy of Old, we have sparse room in which to play this game."

"That all said Signor Lombardi." Pius touched the Grandmaster on the shoulder again. "Do you have any concerns or problems with our recommendations?"

[Margrave]

Grand Master Christopher Khendon II, of the Order of Saint Aquetaine:

"To my brothers in Christ;

"I was pleased to hear of your emergence onto the world stage. In this day and age, the church is ever in need of defenders and missionaries, and even as you we also strive to bring safety and order to the lands of the Faith, that our Church may be saved from any evil-doing by wicked men. If it pleases you, I would meet with you once you establish residence; it would be good to make a kinship with you and yours for the betterment of both our orders."

[Dinoz94]

Nova Scotia recognizes the Knights.