Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem
Centuries of Service to Christians in the Holy Land
On the 4th Sunday of Advent, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, visited Gaza to show solidarity with the Christian community. He presided over Holy Mass at the Holy Family Latin Catholic Church and administered confirmation to youths, delivering a heartfelt sermon emphasizing hope, unity, and the light of Christ during the Christmas season
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On Monday, 16th December 2024, Irish Confrère Donnacha Fahy, KHS had the honour of an audience with His Excellency Bishop Dr. Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, Latin Patriarchal Vicar in Jerusalem and Palestine, at the headquarters of the Latin Patriarchate in the Old City of Jerusalem. Donnacha was awarded the Pilgrim Shell of the Latin Patriarchate, recognising his first pilgrimage as an invested Knight of the Equestrian Order. This moment marked the culmination of his three-week pilgrimage of solidarity to the Holy Land, where he met with the ‘living stones’ and visited sacred sites in Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, Jaffa, and Jerusalem.
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In a recent interview, Iranian writer Azar Nafisi shared a powerful reflection, “the will of history is to love others.” Her book, adapted into an award-winning film at the 2024 Rome Film Festival, recounts a somber story from her years in Tehran. This reflection reminds us that we must always “remain human.”
But how can we remain human in the face of violence, war, and hatred? To remain human is especially challenging in our secularized and disoriented society. For Christians, staying human is anchored in Christ, whose Incarnation signifies God becoming fully human. Despite everything, this is the true meaning of Christmas—a time to rediscover the preciousness of life and our humanity.
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The Order’s French Lieutenancy proudly serves as the honour guard for the revered Crown of Thorns relic at Notre Dame de Paris. Rescued from the 2019 cathedral fire, this relic, brought to France by King Louis IX in the 13th century, is displayed for public veneration every Friday. Recently, the Irish Lieutenancy had the honour of participating in the ceremonies marking the return of the Crown of Thorns to Notre Dame at the cathedral’s reopening. Chevalier Stephen Dorgan GCHS and Dame Barbara Dorgan DC*HS represented the Lieutenancy, with Ireland granted front-row seats for this nationally significant event. Watch the full ceremonies and witness the Order’s dedicated role at: Notre Dame de Paris Reopening.
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On Saturday, 14th December 2024, our Irish Confrère visited Jaffa and Tel Aviv to connect with the Hebrew-speaking Catholic communities in Israel. Under the guidance of Fr Piotr Zelazko, the Saint James Vicariate for Hebrew-Speaking Catholics provides pastoral care to these small but dedicated congregations across Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, Beersheba, and Tiberias. This mission highlights the importance of solidarity and spiritual support within the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
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Donnach Fahy recorded a conversation with George Akroush. George Akroush, project coordinator for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, speaks candidly […]
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In these dark days of ongoing conflict and uncertainty in our region, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem remain resolute in proclaiming the timeless Christmas message of the True Light shining in the darkness: the birth of our Lord Jesus in Bethlehem. They steadfastly offer hope and renewal to their local congregations and the world, reminding us that Christ’s Nativity brought the light of God’s salvation into the world, illuminating all who would receive Him.
As spiritual leaders in the very places where Jesus was born, ministered, and rose from the dead, they continue to testify to the sacred light of Christ. Through worship at holy sites, welcoming pilgrims, and ministering to those in need, they advocate for peace, justice, and mercy in a land still fraught with turmoil. In this hopeful Christmas spirit, they call upon all Christians and people of goodwill to join in their noble mission of bringing about peace and healing in the Holy Land and beyond.
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On Friday, 13th December 2024, Irish Confrère visited the Offices of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, meeting with key staff members including Mr Sami El-Yousef, CEO, and Mr George Akroush, Director of the Projects’ Development Office. The visit highlighted the impactful contributions made through the Emergency Appeal for Gaza, benefiting 140,000 people since the war’s onset. Detailed insights into their relief efforts and the crucial work of the St James Vicariate for Hebrew-speaking Catholics were also shared. This visit underscored the importance of solidarity and support within the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
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It is hard to believe that another year is ending and that we are already in the advent season. Christmas […]
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On Monday 9th December 2024, Irish Confrère Donnacha Fahy KHS had the privilege to visit the offices of Bethlehem Care […]
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