I very much enjoyed reading the article An Army Of Mannequins (March 14) telling how Heritage Malta is undergoing a restoration project of old knightly armour in cooperation with, and under the patronage of Gasan Mamo Insurance.
The article noted that the group of mannequins are being dressed-up as foot soldiers in different coats-of-armour using parts from the Palace Armoury’s extensive reserve stock.
The Knights ruled Malta from 1530 to 1598; but their legacy will continue with the future display of the mannequins which represent a rich heritage.
Although the purpose now is just to have a sample of each type of mannequin on display, I would hope that more and more knightly mannequins with restored armour will be added with time.
I enjoy seeing mannequins of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jersusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta. Similarly, I enjoy seeing mannequins of another ancient papal order: The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon, sometimes known as the Order of the Temple, or, even better by their casual distinction as the Knights Templar.
The Knights of St John as well as the Knights Templar were both chivalric orders which were consecrated, blessed and sanctioned by papal decree.
Their efforts during the crusades literally preserved Christianity, despite modern scholars trying to re-write history by disparaging both or by alleging atrocities. Although both the Knights of Malta and Knights Templar were brother knights, there were cases of internal rivalry. Yet, when the chips were down, one Christian knight would come to the aid and defence of another, when called upon.
Granted, warfare is no game. It is a bloody fight to the finish. However, I believe that it is useful to see armour of the knights on display now. Armour was used as a defensive measure: to thwart the penetration of knife, dagger, sword or spear or to repel anything swung at a knight’s head, chest or legs. Sticks, stones and tree branches and the like were all improvised weaponry. Armour is what preserved the knight’s life. By preserving his life, the knight could fight on another day – not as a pure aggressor, but simply to defend Christendom.
Too many people these days take Christianity’s existence for granted.
They even take the Holy Bible’s existence for granted. My religion and my holy book did not survive by sheer luck alone: it was due to fervent faith coupled with fervent force of my forebearers to resist and repel enemy forces which promoted a different brand of “religion” (Islam) by brutal domination and involuntary conversion. Early Christians stood their ground. Self-defence and self-preservation are honourable traits and their deeds reflect a defensive posture.
I am thankful for the defensive armour used all those centuries ago and I am thankful to the ancient knights for their courage. I am also thankful to the faithful men of today such as the Brotherhood of Blessed Gerard (of which I am a member), which is the relief arm of the Order of Malta.
Whether dressed in robes or in suits of chain-mail armour, chivalry isn’t dead. It must be on display... and its honourable precepts must be emulated by future generations. Being “defenders of the faith” requires men and women willing to put the armour of God on.