Welcome

“You are to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
~ Acts 1.8

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem – Eastern Lieutenancy is an association of Roman Catholic Christian faithful entrusted with an important mission from the Holy Father – to serve as witnesses to the Christian faith and supporters and protectors of the Church and the living Christian communities in the Holy Land.

The Order’s mandate originates from the time of the crusader knights who were responsible for protecting the Christian pilgrims traveling to the sacred sites. Today the Order’s members continue to aid the Church in the Holy Land and to strengthen the practice of Christian life amongst its members.

Lenten Message from the Lieutenant

4 March 2025

Dear Knights and Dames,

As we begin the season of Lent in anticipation of Easter, let us take a moment as knights and dames to reflect on the responsibilities entrusted to us as members of this noble order. The introduction of the document on formation for members of the order states we are called to “live the Christian faith to the full, with a special commitment to the Holy Land.” It is most appropriate, therefore, during this season of preparation in observance of the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ that we consider the following:

Ongoing formation. Being a knight or dame of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is a lifetime project, a process of continuous formation through prayer, reflection and service, bringing us ever closer to the Lord by following his footsteps of love and charity. Read the reflections by our grand master, Fernando Cardinal Filoni, which focuses on the spirituality of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre.
Prayer. As our members institute Holy Hours throughout our respective dioceses, consider attending one near you, spending time with the Lord in the Eucharist, the source and summit of our spiritual life as Catholics. Be open to how the Lord speaks to each of us with mercy, forgiveness and love. And show that same mercy, forgiveness and love to those you meet daily.
Works of Charity. God in his goodness has given much to us: Consider making a gift to help those who, through no fault of their own, have been displaced or impoverished, especially to our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, who were the first to hear and receive the Good News of Jesus Christ.

It is in this same spirit that the Grand Magisterium enacted updated general regulations for the order worldwide on 1 January 2025. While the official translation into English is not yet available, it is important all members be aware that these new regulations are in effect, understanding they are meant to encourage greater participation in the life of the order and personal spiritual growth. A summary of the regulations is enclosed.

Please know you and your intentions are in my daily prayers. And I ask the same for our order in these times of chaos and uncertainty. Deus lo vult!

Michael J. La Civita, K.G.C.H.S.

Lieutenant, Eastern Lieutenancy, U.S.A.