They are recognizable by their large white capes. The women wear black ones. But all of them have a very striking cross: an emblem of five crosses representing the five wounds of Christ.
More than 3,600 knights and ladies belonging to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem have gathered at the Cathedral of Rome, Saint John Lateran.
There, they completed the pilgrimage that led them inside the basilica. Afterwards, Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Grand Master of the Order, celebrated Mass in the basilica.
Many of the works that support Christians in the Holy Land depend on their contributions. Right now, the help they provide is more necessary than ever.
ENRICO VENTI
KNIGHT OF THE EQUASTRIAN ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE, SANTA CROCE
I’ve been part of it for 32 years now. The purpose of the Order is to support the works in the Holy Land, which at this particular moment is clearly even more appreciated. So for us, it’s an honor and a pleasure to support the initiatives of Cardinal Pizzaballa, because that’s what we do.
The institution works entirely on behalf of the Catholic Church in Palestine, Jordan, and Israel, and provides financial support to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, so that it can expand its work by maintaining schools, social activities, and educational programs.
The Order is made up of over 30,000 members and is present in more than 40 countries around the world, organized into 64 delegations.
It is also the oldest chivalric order in the world, founded in the year 1098 by Godfrey of Bouillon, Duke of Lower Lorraine and Protector of the Holy Sepulcher.
