The Order – Symbols

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, with the approbation of the Church, has its own proper rites and ceremonies which express its distinctive characteristics and mission within the mystical Body of Christ, the Church. The Sepulchre of Christ is the great symbol of this special association of the Christian faithful dedicated to fulfilling the mission and purposes entrusted to them by the Church.

……………………………….

Mottos Of The Order

Deus Lo Vult
God Wills It

Today the motto signifies a commitment to a Christian way of life – very different from that of the medieval knights who took up the cross. Though of ancient origin, the motto is ever alive and vibrant, for it inspires the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre to crusade for equality, justice for all, and peace in the Holy Land so that Christian, Jew, and Muslim may live side by side in love of God and each other-“God wills it!”

Oportet Gloriari In Cruce Domini Nostri Jesu Christi!
It Behooves Us To Glory In The Cross Of Our Lord Jesus Christ!

Blessed Pope John Paul II directed members of the Order to always remember the “twin” motto of the Order. It should help us to look to the Wounds and the Holy Cross of Jesus as our inspiration and the source of our strength, courage and peace of mind to do the Will of God and to give of ourselves even as Jesus did—as a total gift of ourselves—a living sacrifice of praise to the Lord and for those we serve in His Name.

……………………………….

Insignia Of The Order

The insignia of the Order is, according to ancient custom, the Cross (which takes its name from Godfrey of Bouillon) and specifically the gold “Cross Potent” enameled in the color of blood, with four red crosslets with gold borders attached at the four sides. The ribbon from which the Cross hangs is black watered silk.

……………………………….

Coat of Arms of The Order

The Order carries through ancient tradition, the Coat of Arms attributed to the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, which is of silver to the Jerusalem Cross of gold and enamelled in the color of blood.

A gold helmet, topped by the Crown of Thorns of Our Lord Jesus Christ, at the crest of the terrestrial globe surmounted by the Cross, flanked by two bands of silver with the Jerusalem Cross of cardinal-red at the center.

Attendants: Two angels with red dalmatic: the one (at right) the Crusader flag; the other (at left) supporting the Pilgrim’s Staff and the Shell.

Motto: “Deus lo vult” in capital Roman characters on a forked band under the point of the shield.