Maltese cross

A Maltese cross on a black ribbon embroidered with a gold thread, belonging to Count Michał Potulicki. The white arms of the cross extend from the centre and are forked at the ends. The four arms symbolise four virtues: loyalty, honour, temperance, and prudence; the white colour (which is a colour of the Knights Hospitallers), symbolises eight knightly virtues: loyalty, mercy, generosity, courage, honour and glory, contempt for death, helpfulness, faithfulness to the Church.
Order Pro Merito Melitense (Order of Merit of the Chivalric Order of Malta) is a state award bestowed by the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, established in 1126.
The order is awarded to men and women whose activities enhance the honour and prestige of the Hospitaller Order, who actively promote Christian values, or are engaged in charitable work in line with the Christian tradition defined by the Catholic Church.