Frequently Asked Questions about the Noble Company

Q: I have never heard of The Noble Company of St. Mary of Walsingham. What is it?

A: The Noble Company of St. Mary of Walsingham, ("the Noble Company"), is a select group of distinguished individuals who perpetuate the legacy of their ancestors and the history and ideals of through their personal example.
Q: What are the joining requirements?

A: Final grant of membership is by invitation, though interested persons are welcome to apply. Membership by heredity is based on descent from a noble family of any country or by descent from a member of the Noble Company. Membership by personal merit is based on a record of professional achievement, community work, and humanitarian service. When vacancies occur, candidates are considered for membership at the levels of Serving Companion or Noble Companion (hereditary). Candidates are considered internationally, based on their record of personal achievements and charitable works.
Q: How long has the Noble Company been around?

A: The Noble Company of St. Mary of Walsingham was founded in 2008.
Q: Why are Companions granted a Hereditary Collar or Collarette?

A: We are the sum of our ancestors. They walk with us in our DNA. The collar represents recognition for the totality of Nobility of Character of the member and his/her ancestors and descendents. It is a reminder of the Noble Concept to be handed down to future generations. The grand collar is conferred on the hereditary Noble Companions, who may also use the collarette.
Q: How many members are there?

A: Currently the Noble Company is limited to 100 members.

Q: Who is "Our Lady"? Who was St. Mary of Walsingham?
A: "Our Lady of Walsingham" is the title used to describe St. Mary, the mother of Jesus. The title is believed to be derived from a vision of Mary held by an English noblewoman, Richeldis de Faverches. Lady de Faverches had her vision in 1061 in the village of Walsingham, Norfolk, England. She built a holy house at the site which became one of the principle places of pilgrimage (after Rome and Jerusalem) in the Middle Ages. The Noble Company is not English, however. It takes its name from the Pontifical Court of the Apostolic See of Sts. Stephen and Mark.
Q: Is the Noble Company formally a Catholic or Orthodox organization?

A: The Noble Company is ecumenical and non-sectarian, and Companions need only identify as Christians. Based on its original mandate, it is formally under the spiritual protection and authority of the Orthodox Old Catholic Apostolic See of Sts. Stephen and Mark. The Noble Company has no direct administrative affiliation with the Roman Communion (often known as the Roman Catholic Church), the Ecumenical Patriarchate, or any other ecclesiastical body or church.

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