The Abbey-Principality is pleased to announce the launch of the Companionates of the Order of the Crown of Thorns and the Order of the Lion and the Black Cross.

The idea that there should be a rank in the Order of the Crown of Thorns below that of Knight was first planned in 1938, when a draft scheme of membership was presented to Prince-Abbot Edmond I that made provision for Companions. However, the Companionate has had to wait until now to be formally inaugurated.

The Companionate is therefore the introductory rank of membership in the San Luigi Orders, and is available to men and women of good character located anywhere in the world. For Christians of any denomination, membership is as a Companion of the Order of the Crown of Thorns. For members of other faiths or those of no religious belief, membership is as a Companion of the Order of the Lion and the Black Cross. The Companionate offers an opportunity for members of the public who wish to become involved in the work of the San Luigi Orders, since its members are full members of the Orders, and those who show an active commitment to this work will be eligible for promotion to the higher ranks in due course.

Insignia for Companions

Companions are entitled to wear the Companionate Medal of the respective Order. The Companionate Medals are of 40mm diameter finished with gold and worn from the chest ribbon of the respective Order. They bear an image of the insignia of their Order on the obverse, while on the reverse of both medals is depicted the full achievement of arms of the Abbey-Principality of San Luigi.

Click the images below to enlarge them.

D	Companion of the Order of the Crown of Thorns (obverse) Medal of a Companion of the Order finished in gold depicting the insignia of the Order on the obverse and the arms of the Abbey-Principality on the reverse. The medal is worn on the chest ribbon of the Order.
CD	Companion of the Order of the Lion and the Black Cross (obverse) Medal of a Companion of the Order finished in gold depicting the insignia of the Order on the obverse and the arms of the Abbey-Principality on the reverse. The medal is worn on the chest ribbon of the Order.
CD	Both Companionate Medals (reverse) The reverse of both Companionate Medals depicts the full achievement of arms of the Abbey-Principality of San Luigi.

In informal dress, companions may also wear the lapel badge of San Luigi (depicted at the top left of this page) which is available to purchase separately.