The Maltese Cross also called of St. John, eight-pointed or octagon, is the distinctive symbol used since the 12th century by the knights and nuns of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem (also called Order of Malta since King Charles I of Spain granted this island to the Order in the 16th century).
The Cross of the Order of St. John is white because of the importance given to the purity to be had, both inside the heart and on the outside, without macula or stain. The eight points of the cross are in memory of the eight beatitudes we must always have with us, the first being spiritual satisfaction; the second, to live simply and without malice; the third, to live in humility; the fourth, weeping the faults and sins; the fifth, to love justice; the sixth, to be merciful; the seventh, to be clean and sincere of heart and thought; and eighth, endure afflictions and persecutions for justice. And these virtues must be engraved and kept in hearts, for the preservation of souls.
