The Knights Templar are typically imagined patrolling the sun-blasted sands of the Middle East, waging uncompromising war against the enemies of the faith and protecting pilgrims from the violence that was all-too common at that time and place. While this is certainly true, it was not actually the lived reality for most of the members of the order. The operations across the sea in the Latin Kingdoms of the Middle East required a vast quantity of resources. Consequently, the Knights Templar managed an extensive network of manor houses and estates across the length and breadth of Europe which funneled funds and material to support these operations. 

 

Thus, the life of a Knight Templar was not usually the brutal reality of war in an unforgiving locale. It was the quiet, simple life of prayer and work. A knight of the order was more likely to serve Our Lord by shearing sheep and praying the Divine Office than to charge the Saracen hordes. This lay spirituality–everyday work punctuated by established times set aside for God–is ideally suited for adaptation to our modern context. It is this spirituality that we, the Militia Templi, strive to live by.

Please consider joining us this Lent for Ash and Sword, a devotion that is an introduction to the Roman Divine Office and our spirituality in the Militia Templi. This will be a gradual introduction over the course of the Fridays and Saturdays of Great Lent, with readings and explanations covering the Divine Office and the spirituality of the Knights Templar. Resources will be made available on this page. May God bless you.