Ave Crux Alba (" Greetings, white cross ") is the hymn of the Sovereign Order of Malta . The order, which dates from the time of the Crusades and was expelled from his territory of Malta by Napoléon Bonaparte in 1798 , is still regarded today as a subject of international law and, in addition to other features of a state, also has an anthem.
The white cross mentioned in the text has been a symbol of the order since the 13th century.
Ave Crux alba, summae pietatis signum,
Ave Crux alba, salutis nostra sola spes,
Corda fidelium inflamma adauge gratiam, adauge gratiam.
Ut omnia vincat tuorum ardens caritas,
Ut omnia vincat tuorum ardens caritas.
Greetings, white cross, sign of the highest piety,
Greetings, white cross, the only hope of our salvation,
inflame the hearts of believers and increase grace, increase grace.
That the burning love of yours will overcome everything,
That the burning love of yours will overcome everything.
