Military order (religious society)

A military order is a religious society, which means it's made up of people who share the same religious beliefs. Some military orders were formed hundreds of years ago to protect Christians while they made pilgrimages (when they traveled to holy places). Other military orders have been formed to provide special help to poor people, to fight illness, or to care for people who are sick. Each military order is usually ruled by a leader, who is called a 'Grandmaster'. Brothers (male members) and sisters (female members) in the order usually dedicate their lives to following the rules of the order, doing good deeds, and praying. Some military orders still exist today, while others have closed down or merged with other orders.