Clandestine marriages by Knights of Malta

Abstract

Marriage and knighthood in the Order of Malta appeared to be fundamentally incompatible, though not entirely so. When a new knight joined the 'Convent,' he was obligated to take solemn religious vows that included poverty, chastity, and obedience. The vow of chastity involved two key commitments: continence, meaning the abstention from sexual activity, and celibacy, which signifies the rejection of marriage. Knights were prohibited from marrying, yet the interpretation of marriage itself was a source of significant confusion until the Council of Trent established clear requirements and formalities in 1563.