The spiritual elements and ecclesiastical possessions of the Order are nearly annihilated in Spain and Portugal by the political events of the present century.
MILITARY ORDER OF ST. JAMES OF COMPOSTELLA.
Spain cherished, in early times, a lively reverence for the relics of St. James the elder, which were preserved at Compostella. She had adopted him as her patron saint after the victory of Clavijo, while the marvels, connected with those relics, continually drew vast numbers of pilgrims from distant parts to Galicia, long before the beginning of the twelfth century. To support these pious wanderers in their journey, the canons of St. Eloy established hospitals under their own management. The high roads being subsequently rendered unsafe by the vicinity of the Moors, thirteen noblemen united their strength and wealth for the protection of the Christian pilgrims, and, in accord with the canons, resolved to found an Order similar to that of the 'Hospitalers' or 'Templars.' For that purpose, they delegated a deputation to Rome to seek the Papal consent.
Pedro Hernandez de Fuentes, head of the deputation, returned with the desired Bull, dated 5th July, 1175, in which the statutes were framed in seventy-one paragraphs, himself instituted Grand Master of the Order, and the possessions and conquests of the Order guaranteed to it by the Holy Chair. A council of thirteen Knights was instituted with authority, not only to elect a Grand Master, but even, with the consent of the Prior and the Chapter, to depose him, should he be found guilty of mismanagemant or neglect of duty. The inspection of the hospitals was confided to four visiting members, who had full power to remedy all sorts of abuses
