Joining the Order means making a life time commitment to witness to the faith, practice Christian life, and carry forward charitable works for the moral and material support of the Christian communities of the Holy Land, always acting with that discretion which distinguishes Christian charitable efforts.

The purpose of joining the Order is to serve the Catholic Church and promote initiatives to preserve the Christian presence in the Holy Land in a dynamic of dialogue and peace with followers of other religious traditions. The purpose of joining the Order is not to become a member of a prestigious organization in order to boast of one’s status or acquire personal benefits and advantages.

Usually, though not always, a candidate is presented by an existing Member of the Order. A period of formation of no less than 12 months is required. If the candidate completes this period successfully, he/she may apply for admission to the Order through the Lieutenancy.

Aug 30

Formation Document

Following the Order’s Consulta held in November 2023, during which the Instrumentum Laboris on the “Formation” of Members was studied, the Grand Master and Governor General have approved a Formation Document which serves as a guideline for admitting new Knight and Dame Candidates to the Order, as well as for the ongoing development of existing Members. This long-awaited document, issued on the Solemnity of Pentecost, has been approved ad biennium, and takes immediate effect. Knights and Dames of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem know that their identity is rooted in the paschal mystery of Christ's death and resurrection. The membership of a Knight or Dame in the Order of the Holy Sepulchre is rooted in the fundamental commitments set forth in Article 4 of our Constitution: personal renunciation, generosity, courage, solidarity, concern, involvement and cooperation. Knights and Dames place themselves in the ideal continuation of those men and women who followed the Master, listened to his teaching, offered him hospitality and followed him to the Cross; then, when risen, they assumed his mission as Koinonìa, that is, the Community of faith, or even Ekklesìa, that is, the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ, definitively fulfilled at Pentecost by the gift of the Holy Spirit, and sent to preach the Gospel to all nations. Membership in the Order is not an occasional commitment; it entails stability. Once requested, accepted and received, Investiture is considered forever. Every Candidate and Member of the Order is requested to keep on file a copy of this fundamental document, along with the texts of the Constitution and the Order’s Spirituality.

KHS Ireland