The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem with an estimated 30,000 members worldwide continues to grow with the creation of new Magistral Delegations, Lieutenancies and the Investiture of Dames, Knights and Ecclesiasticals in Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia including The Pacific.
In 2018 H.E. Fernado Cardinal Filoni, The Grand Master of the Order appointed H.E. Enric Mas, Vice Governor General responsible for Latin America whose skill and dedication, in close collaboration with the Grand Magisterium and through ongoing communication and frequent visits, has enabled coordination between all the activities in Rome and those of the region.

This work has yielded numerous results:

  • In Argentina, there has been a reassuring revival of dialogue between members of the Order and the local episcopate, which had previously faced some difficulties.
  • In Brazil, prominent figures from various regions have stepped into the scene, allowing for a confident outlook on the prospects for expanding the Order in a country with immense potential and deep devotion. In addition, the Lieutenancy of Portugal has collaborated with the Lieutenancy of Sao Paulo on the dissemination of documents from the Grand Magisterium to members in their common language.
  • In Columbia, the leadership transition within the Bogotá Lieutenancy has brought new energy and fresh perspectives to members.
  • The Lieutenancy of Mexico has been playing a leading role in training efforts, which has benefitted neighboring countries too.
  • The Lieutenancy in Venezuela continues to operate and grow in spite of the difficult political and economic circumstances at this time.
  • A new Magistral Delegation was established in The Dominican Republic in May 2024 with the appointment of The Magistral Delegate, Grand Prior and investiture of the 10 Dames and Knights which included the first Knight from Guatemala, Chevalier Julio Menchú.
  • Honduras, Panama, and Guatemala have been visited, and direct contacts have been initiated with local ecclesiastical authorities.
  • Chile, Paraguay, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, The Antilles are other countries where potential openings are being explored with the aim of expanding the Order’s presence in Central America.

H.E. John Secker, the Vice Governor General responsible for Asia and Pacific overseas the development and management of the Order in Australia, New Zealand, Guam, Philippines, Malaysia and Taiwan.

  • In Australia, the Order is active in all capital cities with current membership of around 500 Dames and Knights.
  • In New Zealand, the Order is reaching out from its initial roots in Auckland to other New Zealand Dioceses as it looks to consolidate its presence amongst the relatively small New Zealand Catholic population.
  • 22 Dames and Knights were invested into the Lieutenancy of Tawain at Tapei Cathedral in October 2024.
  • In Penang Diocese, Malaysia there are approximately 50 Dames and Knights who, since 2014, have been integrated as a Section of the Lieutenancy for Western Australia.
  • Conversations are currently underway in India and Singapore which it is hoped will lead to the Order becoming established in those countries in the relatively near future.

H.E. Jeàn-Pierre Marie de Glutz-Ruchti, Vice Governor General responsible for Europe and Africa overseas the development and management of the Order in Europe, Nordic and Baltic countries and South Africa.

  • The Order in South Africa was established in 2010. In September 2024, H.E. Juan Luis Cabral The Magistral Delegate for South Africa welcomed the Investiture of 16 new Dames and Knights in Cape Town. Discussions are taking place currently in Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Gaborone signalling a promising future for the Order in South Africa.
  • A joint Nordic and Baltic Investiture of Dames and Knights took place in St Olav’s Cathedral in July 2024. Twelve new Dames and Knights were invested. Members include natives of Sweden and Denmark, Norway, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Iceland, Catalan, Spain, Venezuela, Poland, Philippines and Vietnam indicative of the international and global dimensions of the Order.
  • In November 2024, the Grand Master elevated the Magistral Delegation of Norway to Lieutenancy status, in recognition of its activity, development and growth.
  • The various European Lieutenancies continue to grow its membership and host Investiture ceremonies throughout the year, which are very well attended including by visiting Dignitaries. Arrangements have been made by The Governor General to harmonise and improve communication among the different European Lieutenancies.
  • The 7 Lieutenants of Italy meet with the Lieutenants of Malta, Switzerland and Liechtenstein for discussion in Italian
  • The Lieutenants of Germany, Austria, Croatia Hungary and Poland meet for discussion in German
  • The Lieutenants of Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and France meet for discussion in French
  • The Lieutenants of Spain and Portugal meet for discussion in Spanish
  • The Lieutenants of Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, Gibraltar, England and Wales meet for discussion in English.

H.E. Thomas Pogge, Vice Governor General responsible for North America overseas the development and management of the Order within the Lieutenancies of America, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico; its 14,500 members the largest represented membership of the Order.
The Grand Master and Governor General have had productive meetings with ecclesiastical leaders from a number of Central and West African French speaking counties Cameron, Senegal, Gabon, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso to evaluate the possibility of expanding the Order on the Continent.
The evident and potential further growth of the Order is very satisfying and will benefit greatly both its membership and most importantly the “living stones” of the Holy Land, whom we are committed to support by prayer, pilgrimage and donation.