The Order was an active religious order with the aim of "Glorifying God through the sanctification of its members, service to the Faith and the Holy See, and welfare work" (p. 10). Its distinguishing characteristics were welfare work and sovereignty. In international protocol, it was to be treated as an independent state. With descriptions of the requirements for and duties of officers, and charts of religious lines of responsibility and civil relationships.

This documentation, discussion and illustration of a collection of works of art dispersed in churches, museums and other historical buildings in Malta has been designed to illustrate the Order's early legacy in Malta.