Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre - Lieutenancy of Ireland - April 2023

Órd Eachaíochta den Tuama Naofa d’Iarúsailéim - Leifteananacht na hÉireann Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem - Lieutenancy of Ireland

https://holysepulchre.ie

Centuries of Service to Christians in the Holy Land

Dear fellow member,

Hopefully you are reading this in the Easter Season, the most significant season in the Christian calendar. I do not propose to recite all the various events we participated in since our last edition. Personally I missed involvement in our Marian Pilgrimage to Knock, always a good spiritual start to the year and meeting friends old and new in a convivial atmosphere. That event marked the conclusion of Fr. Francis Mitchell’s meritorious service as ecclesiastical master. It was appropriate that the service of Fr. Francis was recognised by His Eminence the Grand Master’s award of the Gold Palm of Jerusalem, ad multos annos. In the medium term we shall meet again in the Ecclesiastical Capital at Armagh, inter alia to meet some of our aspiring members. For the first time we shall have amongst that party two new members aged in their thirties. The influx of a large number of new members gives great confidence to our fellow Christians in the Holy Land that their needs in a time of exceptional anxiety are a subject of concern and support by the Order and of course this Lieutenancy.

Next November the Grand Master has convened a CONSULTA of the Grand Magisterium and all the Lieutenants of the Order. H.E. Cardinal Filoni has decided to focus on FORMATION which will involve at various levels the formation of Dames and Knights, Lieutenants, Magistral delegates etc as well as collaborators and clergy. His Eminence indicates that the quality of the service rendered to the Order not only honours God but also makes our members glad to be part of a Body that meets purposes and expectations shared by the Order itself.

I take this opportunity to thank so many of you who wished me well whilst I was convalescing from two illnesses which marked the start of my year.

Deus lo Vult

Peter Durnin Lieutenant

In This Issue:

2 Gold Palm of Jerusalem Award

2 New Ecclesiastical Master of Ceremonies

2 The Empty Tomb

3 Jerusalem Cross No. 67

3 Pilgrim Shell Awarded to Fr. Gerard MacCormack in Jerusalem

4 Projects funded by the Lieutenancy

5 Reflections on a visit to Jordan

6 Lieutenancy of Hungary Investiture

6 Ireland and Malta

6 Dominican Retreat Centre, Dublin.

6 Magistral Delegation of Norway Investiture

7 Petition for Canonisation

Fr. William Doyle

7 Grand Master Invests New Members

8 Annual Pilgrimage to the International Eucharistic & Marian Shrine, Knock

9 Holy Land Commission

9 Upcoming Events

9 Members’ Obituaries

10 Books

11 New Members

12 Cniotáil chun tacaíocht a thabhairt don creche i mBeithil.

12 Knitting to support the Bethlehem Creche

12 2025 Holy Year

Page 2, The Empty Tomb by Fr. Derek Darby KCHS

Gold Palm of Jerusalem Award

In recognition of the dedicated service of Very Reverend Francis Mitchell, JCL, KCHS, over the past nine years the Cardinal Grand Master has awarded the Order’s Gold Palm of Jerusalem to Fr. Francis. Palm leaves are worn in memory of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

The award was presented to Fr. Francis, on behalf of the Cardinal Grand Master, by Most Reverend Michael Neary, KC*HS, Archbishop Emeritus of Tuam during the Gala Dinner in the Knock House Hotel on Friday 27th January 2023 following the celebration of Holy Mass in the Apparition Chapel at the International Eucharistic & Marian Shrine, Knock, County Mayo on the occasion of the Lieutenancy’s Annual Marian Pilgrimage.

Fr. Francis is the 13th Lieutenancy of Ireland recipient of this rarely issued award.

The Empty Tomb

Christianity is the religion of the Empty Tomb for in it was buried the one who died a sacrificial death, and after three days experienced a glorious resurrection. This fundamental truth was discovered by the women who came to the tomb on Easter morning. The disciples, Peter and John, verified this truth when they entered the empty tomb and saw the clothes in which Jesus was buried. The angel proclaimed the fact that the tomb was empty: “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay ” (Matt. 28:5, 6). The soldier guards reported to the Sanhedrin that the tomb was empty (Matt. 28:11-15).

If that wasn’t enough, the risen Christ testified to the empty tomb by appearing to: the women who came to the tomb and were returning after they saw the angel who announced Christ’s resurrection (Matt. 28:9, 10); Mary Magdalene at the tomb (Mark 16:9; John 20:11-17); Peter (Luke 24:34; 1 Cor. 15:5); two disciples who were walking to Emmaus on Easter afternoon (Luke 24:13-31); the eleven, including Thomas, one week later (John 20:26- 29); seven disciples who were fishing at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14); the eleven disciples on an appointed mountain in Galilee (Matt. 28:16-20); all the apostles on the Mount of Olives immediately before His ascension (Luke 24:50, 51; Acts 1:3-9; 1 Cor. 15:7).

After His ascension, Jesus appeared to Paul on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:3-8; 26:16-18; 1 Cor. 15:8; 1 Cor. 9:1), to Paul in the temple at Jerusalem (Acts 22:17, 18), and to Paul in prison (Acts 23:11).

New Ecclesiastical Master of Ceremonies

The Lieutenant is pleased to confirm the appointment of Very Reverend Derek Darby, KCHS, Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Planning in the Diocese of Meath, as Ecclesiastical Master of Ceremonies.

Fr. Derek was invested into the Order in 2013 and is well known to members, having participated in many Order events including the Order Pilgrimages to the Holy Land in 2016 and 2019.

We wish Fr. Derek well in his new role and will support him in prayer and by action.

In his homily for Holy Saturday (16 April 2022), Pope Francis, reflected, ‘The first proclamation of the resurrection was not a statement to be unpacked, but a sign to be contemplated ’. Therefore, the empty tomb tells us that the grave could not hold Jesus…. that he rose bodily from the tomb. In His resurrection, Jesus demonstrated his mastery over death: “Christ being raised from the dead dies no more; death no longer has dominion over him ” (Rom. 6:9). Because Christ was raised from the dead on that first Easter, we, the Body of Christ, are destined to be raised to immortality when He returns. The empty tomb holds that promise of victory over death for all believers.

Thanks to the empty tomb, we can make the leap from nothingness to life. In the Book of Genesis we are told, ‘….the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep ’ (Gen. 1:2). From nothingness, God brought forth life. We are later told, ‘God said “Let there be light”………and God saw that the light was good ’.

Just as on the ‘first day ’ God created light to scatter the darkness, so too ‘on the first day of the week ’, on the day of Christ’s Resurrection, we are told it was ‘still dark ’ (Jn.20:1) when Mary of Magdala arrived at the tomb to find the stone moved away. From within the darkness of the tomb came a new light, ‘the new creation has come ’ (2Cor 5:17).

Fr. Francis Mitchell and Archbishop Emeritus Michael Neary.

V. Reverend Derek Darby.

In the Prologue of John’s gospel, we are told, ‘In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ (John 1:4-5) In other words, through the Empty Tomb, God is once again proclaiming over His creation that ‘it is good!’ Daily in the Lord’s Prayer, we pray, ‘Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven ’ (Matt. 6:10). The empty tomb is the first great answer to that prayer – Through Christ’s obedience – thy will be done - God’s kingdom has come on earth, the divine kingdom is breaking into the world….and it is good!

As Pope Francis invites us to contemplate the enormity of the Resurrection [empty tomb], the Gospel according to John throws up a remarkable, almost insignificant detail about a cloth [napkinσουδάριον (soudarion)] that was originally placed over the face of Jesus. In fact, a whole verse is dedicated to describing the manner in which the cloth was meticulously folded and set aside from the grave clothes: “Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings.” (Jn. 20:6-7)

Hebrew tradition uncovers the significance of the folded cloth in the empty tomb. In Jewish table etiquette, if one has finished their meal, they would rise from table, wad up the napkin and throw it onto the table. The wadded napkin meant, “I’m finished” and signalled for the table to be cleared. But if the guest got up from the table, folded their napkin neatly and laid it beside their plate, the servant would not touch the table, because the folded napkin indicated, “I am returning!”

If we reread the empty tomb through the lens of Jewish table etiquette, what was Jesus signalling if not His return in glory, His second coming? As he said to his disciples, he says to us: ‘Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, …. and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory’ (Mt. 24:30).

The empty tomb, as an enduring symbol of the Resurrection, is the ultimate validation of Jesus’ inspired teaching and His divine nature. It is proof of his triumph over sin and death. It is the foreshadowing of the resurrection of his followers. It’s the basis of Christian hope. When we allow that message of amazing grace to fill our hearts, we will not only look forward to His return, but like the disciples on the First Easter……we will run to tell people about the Empty Tomb…… Christ is Risen, He is Risen. Alleluia!

by Fr. Derek Darby KCHS

Jerusalem Cross No. 67

Following our Order Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in September 2022, positive feedback was received by the Grand Magisterium relating to the impact of our

contribution to and meeting with the ‘living stones’ in Jordan and Palestine.

Consequently François Vayne, Communications Director for the Grand Magisterium, requested from the Lieutenancy a short report for inclusion in the Order’s international publication - Jerusalem Cross No. 67. http://www.oessh.va/content/ ordineequestresantosepolcro/en/media/le-nostrepubblicazioni/newsletter-67.html

The Report focused on our Lieutenancy’s funding the construction of additional classrooms at the Mafraq Latin Parish School in Jordan; the fire safety works at the Beit Afram Elderly Home in Taybeh, Palestine and the bond that has been created with the Latin Communities whom we have prayed for and interacted with, who now benefit from better living, educational and working conditions.

Pilgrim Shell Awarded to Fr. Gerard MacCormack in Jerusalem

On 25th October 2022, Very Reverend Gerard MacCormack, KHS was awarded the Pilgrim Shell and Commemorative Parchment by Monsignor William Shomali, General Vicar and Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and Palestine.

Fr. Gerard was participating in the annual Meath Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, which was led by Most Reverend Dr Tom Deenihan, KC*HS, Bishop of Meath.

The next, 21st consecutive Meath Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Holy Land will take place from 24th November to 2nd December 2023.

Bishop Deenihan will again lead the Pilgrimage and Fr. Gerard will be the Spiritual Director. Further details available from Navan Travel tel: 046 9068600. Website: travalue.ie

Fr. Gerard MacCormack receiving the Pilgrim Shell and Commemorative Parchment from Monsignor William Shomali.

Projects funded by the Lieutenancy

1. Abu-Hermar, Eqypt - Village Church 2013 ROAOC Approved project

2. Ajloun, Jordan - Church Rehabilitation

3. Aleppo, Syria - Franciscan Friars, Syria Carmelite Sisters

4. Amman, Jordan - Our Lady of Peace Centre

5. Aqaba, Jordan - ‘’Stella Maris’’ Church

6. Balad Amman, Jordan -

7. Bethlehem – Maternity Hospital, Bethlehem University, Hostel for girls attending Bethlehem University, Daughters of Charity St. Vincent Creche, E eta Paul VI Institute, Hogar Nino Dios Institute

8. Beit Jala, Bethlehem - funding of the printing press and an extension to Seminary

9. Beit Sahour, Bethlehem –

10. Bethany, West Bank - St Mary’s Kindergarten, Comboni Sisters

11. BirZeit, West Bank - Parish Hall, Church Roof repairs

12. Gaza - Holy Rosary Sisters School & Convent, Cartias Gaza Humanitarian Aid donations

13. Haifa, Galilee -

14. Hashimi, Jordan - purchase of land for school

15. Jerusalem - St. Louis French Hospital, East Jerusalem Fund

16. Jish/Gush Halav, Northern Israel - Youth Centre/Library upgrade

17. Jordan - Iraqi Refugees Humanitarian Aid donations

18. Kerak, Jordan - secondary school & parish church

19. Madaba, Jordan - 2 x school projects

20. Mafraq, Jordan - Classroom extension

21. Marj al Hamman, Amman, Jordan - Latin Convent

22. Naour, Jordan - school capital expansion computer & science labs

23. Nazareth, Galilee -

24. Rameh, Galilee - school extension €100,00 and school fees

25. Safout, Jordan - School upgrade

26. Al-Salt, Jordan, Latin Parish

27. Taybeh, West Bank - Beit Afram Home for the Elderly

28. Tabgha, Galilee - Latin Church

29. Tla’Al’Al Amman, Jordan - building of a church hall and presbytery

30. Zebadbeh, West Bank

Since its establishment in 1986, the Lieutenancy of Ireland has donated in excess of €5.1m to support the Christian communities in the Holy Land, by way of Humanitarian Aid initiatives; Educational Projects and Pastoral Support activities.

Members’ donations are sent to the Grand Magisterium which governs the allocation of funds to initiatives, projects and activities that have been identified, verified and prioritised as most deserving. Each year, a new list of priorities prepared by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem in agreement with the Presidency of the Grand Magisterium and the Holy Land Commission are communicated to the Lieutenancies and Magistral Delegations worldwide; for information, consideration and selection.

The map and table above represent and detail the large number, diverse range and location of initiatives, projects and activities funded by the Lieutenancy of Ireland in Palestine, Jordan, Israel, Egypt and Syria to date.

You may see this in a more illustrated format on our website at https://www.holysepulchre.ie/index. php/goals/293-projects-funded-by-the-lieutenancyof-ireland-since-its-foundation

2023 Project – The Latin Parish Convent, Al-Salt, Jordan

This year 2023, the Lieutenancy of Ireland has committed to funding £45,000 towards the cost of essential refurbishment works to the Parish Priest’s House, part of Al-Salt Convent, Jordan; together as a joint initiative with the Lieutenancy of the Principality of Monaco which will fund an additional £20,000.

Al-Salt is the first parish that was established by the Latin Patriarchate in East Jordan in 1866.

The refurbishment works, which are detailed in Project Report 375/23, include: repair of the roof; replacement of ceiling tiles; insulation of the roof and wall to fix the dampness problem; upgrade of electrical wiring and sanitary accommodation to make the house a liveable space, with all means of comfort available to the Parish Priests for years to come.

In September 2022, our Communications Officer met with the Latin Parish Priest of Al-Salt, Fr. Riad Hijazin, and viewed the Latin Parish Church of the Assumption of Our Lady.

It was here that Saint Sister Marie Alphonsine Danil Ghattas, mother founder of the Rosary Sisters opened her first school for the education of girls in the Holy Land. In the crypt below the current church

is a Shrine to Sister Alphonsine, the site of the original and oldest church in Jordan.

Holy Land Coordination - Pastoral Pilgrimage to Jordan 2023

From 14th to 19th January 2023, the annual Holy Land Coordination group’s Pastoral Pilgrimage took place, led by Chair of the HLC, Most Reverend Nicholas Hudson, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, visiting the Christian community in the North of Jordan.

Participating in the Pilgrimage were Most Reverends’ William Crean, Bishop of Cloyne and Martin Hayes, Bishop of Kilmore.

The Holy Land Coordination focuses on the three ‘P’s: Prayer, Pilgrimage and Persuasion.

Bishop Martin has kindly submitted a personal reflection on his participation in the pilgrimage for the benefit of members of our Order, which is most informative and enlightening.

Míle buíochas a Easbaig Mháirtín

Reflections on a visit to Jordan

by Bishop Martin Hayes

I was included in this year’s pastoral pilgrimage to represent the Irish Episcopal Conference with Bishop William Crean and as a member of the IEC Council for Justice & Peace. I was privileged to be invited to participate as I was going to the Holy Land, the place where the people of the Scriptures walked and lived their lives. It was my first visit to Jordan. I had visited the Holy Land, specifically, Israel in 1999, as part of a pilgrimage from the Archdiocese of Cashel & Emly. The objectives of this pilgrimage were to offer support to the Christians of Jordan and to highlight the important role that they play in Jordanian society.

I participated alongside the other members of the Holy Land Coordination Group in visiting and praying with parish communities, Caritas, migrants, children with disabilities, youth faith groups and Ambassadors to Jordan. We visited and prayed at the Biblical sites of Madaba, Mt. Nebo and the Baptism of Jesus at the Jordan River guided by the Jordanian Tourist Board. Also, we met with two Christian members of the Jordanian Parliament.

During the pilgrimage, I had a feeling that Jordan, in view of its geographic position and the generous nature of its people is overwhelmed with migrants.

I was struck by the fact that 1/3 of the population of Jordan are migrants, mainly Palestinians, Syrians and Iraqis and that the latter do not have refugee status (which affords health care and permits to work). We met Iraqi women who were in a training programme with Fr. Mario Cornioli P.P. of the Mar Yousef Pastoral Centre, Jabal Amman where they manufactured clothing with the help of an Italian fashion designer and derived an income by way of a training allowance. Most of the women had unsuccessfully applied multiple times for a visa to the USA, Australia, Canada over 6-8 years. They do not wish to return to Iraq as they do not trust their former neighbours who would have pointed them out as Christians to Islamic State (IS).

On Sunday, 15th January, we divided into different groups to visit parishes. Our group visited The Parish of St. Paul the Apostle, Ajloun, 70 miles north of Amman and joined them for Sunday Mass. The congregation were mainly older with the choir consisting of 5 young people, the last of their contemporaries who had elected to stay in Ajloun as most young people move to Amman or emigrate as economic conditions in Jordan are poor. The Parish Priest, Fr. Saqer Hijazeen stated that relations with the local Orthodox Christians was not good and that the Latin Catholic community felt under threat from the surrounding Muslim population and therefore socialised within the Church compound. By contrast, we met two Christian members of Parliament later who were adamant that relations between Muslim and Christian politicians were very good and that they worked well together.

It was good to visit the Biblical sites and to appreciate the mosaics depicting events of the Bible that have been found and those refurbished in particular, at St George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Madaba and Mt. Nebo, the site associated with Moses overlooking the Promised Land. We visited the site of the Baptism of Jesus at the River Jordan and celebrated Mass nearby in the Church of the Baptism of Christ at Al-Maghtas, which requires further funding to complete its construction.

On returning home I have a concern for the migrants in Jordan, the Christians in Jordan, and the future of the Christian sites in Jordan. Jordan has a poor economy leading to emigration, in particular, among Christians who are gradually reducing in number. The Christians who make up less than 5% of the total population are made up of different denominations and will struggle to maintain a presence in Jordan.

Fr. Riad Hijazin, Parish Priest of Al-Salt with Thomas Kilduff, Communications Officer.

Bishop Martin Hayes, Diocese of Kilmore with Bishop Jamal Daibes, Patriarchal Vicar of Jordan.

Photo credit Marcin Mazur, Catholic Communications Network, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales Mazur/cbcew.org.uk.

While Christians and Muslims work well together owning to the benevolent reign of King Abdullah, the relationship with Israel is most difficult as part of Jordan was taken over by Israel and Jordanians cannot travel freely into Israel. Also, a pilgrimage to the Holy Land consisting of Jordan, Israel, Lebanon and Palestine is not feasible due to the restrictions at the borders with Israel.

Lieutenancy of Hungary Investiture

Over the weekend of 7th-9th October 2022, the Lieutenant and his wife Nora, accompanied by our Communications Officer, were guests of the Lieutenancy of Hungary on the occasion of the investiture of

His Excellency Dr. Béla Jungbert was extremely gracious in his welcome to the visiting representatives from Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and Croatia.

On the Sunday morning Holy Mass was celebrated in the Hermina Memorial Chapel, named after Archduchess Hermine Amalia of Austria, in which are displayed relics of Blessed Emperor Karl (King Charles IV of Hungary); The Holy Cross; Calvary and Blessed Bartolo Longo.

The Chapel was inaugurated on September 8th 1856 by Cardinal János Scitovszky, Archbishop of Esztergom in the presence of the composer Franz Liszt, Knight Grand Cross of our Order, who composed and personally conducted a musical piece ‘Mass for Male Voices’ with organ accompaniment for the occasion.

It was an enjoyable honour to hear the piece performed during the celebration of Holy Mass by a distinguished baritone of the Lieutenancy, Confrere Miklós Zsolt Tóth, KHS.

Ireland and Malta

Lieutenant in the Hermina Memorial Chapel, Budapest in front of a relic of Blessed Bartolo Longo.

Ireland with the establishment of the Magistral Delegation of Malta on 10th March 1996, prior to its elevation as a Lieutenancy by decree of the Grand Master on 25th May 2000.

Dominican Retreat Centre, Dublin.

On Saturday 12th November 2022 the Lieutenancy’s Annual Day of Reflection in honour of Our Lady Queen of Palestine was held at the Dominican Retreat Centre, Dublin.

Fr. Francis Mitchell, our Ecclesiastical Master of Ceremonies, gave us a very enlightening presentation on the Sunday Gospels for the Season of Advent and reminded members that Advent, like Easter, is penitential - a time of penance. We were reminded also of the reassurance of Matthew’s Gospel which begins with reference to Emmanuel “God is with us ” and closes with the reassuring words of Jesus “I am with you always, until the close of the Age ”. Holy Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Bill O’Shaughnessy, assisted by Deacon Derek Leonard, during which deceased members of the Lieutenancy were remembered by name and prayed for.

Following lunch, Members of Council gave an introductory presentation to Aspirants.

Over the weekend of 4th- 6th November 2022 Member of Council Mairéad Walls, accompanied by Confrère Damian, represented the Lieutenancy on the occasion of the investiture of eleven new members of the Lieutenancy of Malta. The Investiture was presided over by that Lieutenancy’s Grand Prior, Archbishop Charles J Scicluna, in the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Paul, Mdina.

His Excellency, Roberto Buontempo cordially welcomed Mairead and Damien, acknowledging in particular the assistance of the Lieutenancy of

Magistral Delegation of Norway Investiture

Over the weekend of 18th – 20th November 2022, the Lieutenant and his wife Nora, accompanied by our Communications Officer, were guests of His

Mairéad and Damien Walls with His Excellency Roberto Buontempo at the Investiture ceremony in the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Paul, Mdina (2022).

Deacon Derek Leonard and Fr. Bill O’Shaughnessy.

Eiver O’Hanlon, Dr John McCullen, John Morgan.

Excellency Huan Ngoc Nguyen, Magistral Delegate of Norway on the occasion of the investiture of two new members of the Order in St Olav’s Cathedral, Oslo.

The Investiture was presided by the Grand Prior, Most Reverend Bernt Ivar Eidsvig, Bishop of Oslo and was attended by representatives from the Lieutenancies of Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark, the Magistral Delegate of Latvia; Vice Governor General Enric Mas and Member of the Grand Magisterium Helene Lund.

A white tie dinner was held at the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club in Dronnigen, Oslo following the Investiture Ceremony.

Representatives of the Lieutenancies and Grand Magisterium at the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club, Oslo. Lieutenant and Nora at the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club, Oslo.

Petition for Canonisation Fr. William Doyle

Fr. William Doyle was a spiritual leader who touched many souls during his lifetime and long after.

On Sunday 20th November 2022, Most Rev Tom Deenihan, KC*HS, Bishop of Meath Diocese celebrated the opening session for the Cause of Sainthood of Fr. Doyle at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar, County Westmeath.

In attendance were many members of the Lieutenancy including the Primate of All Ireland, Eamon Martin, KC*HS; Primate of Ireland, Dermot Farrell KC*HS; Bishop Emeritus of Meath, Michael Smith KC*HS; Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Development in the Diocese of Meath, Very Reverend Derek Darby, KCHS and, Fr. Robert McCabe KHS., with the Lay Participation led by our Chancellor Gearoid Williams.

Grand Master Invests New Members

Over the weekend of 25th – 27th November 2022, the Lieutenant and his wife Nora, accompanied by our Communications Officer, were guests of the Lieutenancy of England and Wales on the occasion of the investiture of seven new members of the Order in The Metropolitan Cathedral of St George, Southwark, London.

The Investiture was presided by the Grand Master His Eminence Fernando Cardinal Filoni and attended by the Governor General His Excellency Leonardo Visconti di Modrone.

His Excellency Michael Byrne welcomed visiting members to a gala luncheon at the Mansion House, by kind arrangement of The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of the City of London Vincent Keaveny, GCHS.

Communications Directors John Lord, Lieutenancy of England and Wales; Patrick ‘Boots’ Wellington, Lieutenancy of Scotland and Thomas Kilduff, Lieutenancy of Ireland.

Presentation to Students of Dublin City University

On Wednesday 9th November 2022, the Lieutenant and Lay Master attended Dublin City University at the invitation of Fr. Seamus Mc Entee, Spiritual Director and gave a 90 minute presentation to members of the St Dominic Society on the structure and mission of the Order.

Thomas Kilduff, H.E. David Smith, Lucia Smith, Miles Simpson, H.E. Leonardo Visconti di Modrone, Nora Durnin, Joe Mc Nally, H.E. Peter Durnin.

Group Photo of clergy.

56th World Day of Peace Mass, Dublin

On Sunday 1st January 2023, to commemorate the 56th World Day of Peace, members of the Lieutenancy were in attendance at the celebration of Holy Mass at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Dublin celebrated by Archbishop Dermot Farrell, Primate of Ireland, in the presence of An Uachtarain Michael D Higgins and An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

Annual Pilgrimage to the International Eucharistic & Marian Shrine, Knock

Members of the Lieutenancy travelled from all over the island to participate in the annual Pilgrimage to the International Eucharistic & Marian Shrine, Knock, County Mayo on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th January 2023

On Friday evening, Evening Prayer which included Recitation of Psalms and Praying of the Stations of the Cross took place in The Parish Church of St John the Baptist following which Holy Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus of Tuam, Most Reverend Michael Neary in The Apparition Chapel assisted by Very Reverends’ Francis Mitchell, Derek Darby and Gerard MacCormack.

On Saturday morning, Holy Mass was celebrated by Archbishop of Tuam, Most Reverend Francis Duffy in the Apparition Chapel, assisted by Very Reverends’ Derek Darby, Gerard MacCormack and Fr. Richard Gibbons, Parish Priest of Knock.

Presentations to Aspirants & Promotions

Members of Council gave an introductory presentation to three Aspirants and one new Member Confrere William Fitzpatrick, KHS.

A number of diplomas of promotion were awarded to members following dinner at the Knock House Hotel

• Knight Commander – John O’Dowd (Sligo)

• Knight Commander – Judge Aindrias O Caoimh (Dublin)

Bene Merenti – Dr. Frank Hurl (Dublin)

Gold Palm of Jerusalem – Very Reverend Francis Mitchell JCL (Tuam)

Oliver, Mark, Eliza and Emily Kane with President Higgins.

Veronica Holohan, Jim Holohan, Dr Mary Holohan, Peadar O Mordha, Fiona Kane, Raphael Kelly, John Mc Grath, John Mc Caffrey, Aine and Brendan O’Reilly, Anne Mc Donagh.

Archbishop Emeritus Michael Neary. Knights, Dames and Congregation.

Archbishop Francis Duffy.

Dames with Fr. Derek Darby and Fr. Francis Mitchell.

Michael Victory, Raphael Kelly and William Fitzpatrick.

John O’Dowd, Aindrias O Caoimh, Dr Frank Hurl, Fr. Francis Mitchell with Gearoid Williams, Most Reverend Michael Neary.

Holy Land Commission

The Lieutenancy extends its congratulations to Confreres Prof. Bart Mc Gettrick and Dr. Detlef Brümmer on their reappointment, respectively as President and Member of the Holy Land Commission, as recently announced by His Eminence Cardinal Grand Master Filoni.

In addition, we are delighted to learn of and congratulate Confrere Tim Milner, from the Northern Lieutenancy USA, on his appointment as a new Member of the Holy Land Commission

The Holy Land Commission visited the Holy Land from 6th to 11th March 2023 and will report on the status of the projects to the Grand Magisterium at the Spring Meeting scheduled for 19th April 2023.

Members’ Obituaries

John Jackman, KCSG, KCHS (1995)

John Jackman, who died on Saturday 10th December 2022 in his 83rd year, was admitted to the Order in 1995

Confrère John was husband to his beloved wife of 60 years, Dame Janet DCHS and father of six grown up children. He was born in December 1939 and when only three years of age, his father Peter was killed in a tragic accident, aged 29 years.

John was a successful businessman and industrialist, whose company John Jackman Engineering Ltd employed up to 350 people at the height of its success. However, John’s introduction to employment began at the young age of 13 working in a hotel in Kilkenny before he emigrated to Birmingham, at the age of 17, to seek better employment opportunities.

Upcoming Events

27th/28th May 2023 - Northern Mass and formal dinner – St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh.

21st/22nd July 2023 - Promotions, Vigil, Chapter Meeting and Investiture Ceremonies will take place over the weekend of Friday 21st July and Saturday 22nd July 2023, again at St Patricks Pontifical University, Maynooth.

21st July 2023 - Gala Dinner at The Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth on Friday evening .

22nd July 2023 - Lunch in the Pugin Hall, following Saturdays Investiture Ceremony.

2nd September 2023 - Ladies’ Day for Dames of the Lieutenancy.

17th September 2023 - Dublin Mass and Lunch.

18th November 2023 - Annual Day of Reflection, Dominican Retreat Center, Dublin.

John was gifted at working with steel and in Birmingham worked for the prestigious lighting company Lucas, where he was an exemplary employee and attended night school to study welding and engineering. His natural leadership led to him starting his own steel fabrication business in Birmingham, where he also met his wife Janet, whose family came from North Wales.

John and Janet were married in Birmingham in June 1965, where their two eldest sons Pat and Martin were born. In 1970, John and Janet moved back to Ireland when he established John Jackman Engineering a major employer in Wexford Town, exporting steel products to Europe, the USA, Australia and even Papua New Guinea.

Demonstrating entrepreneurial skills, John took over and operated an established Supermarket and Service Station in 1987 and established also a manufacturing company producing metal coat hangers.

Confrère John was a man of strong Catholic faith and his dedication to religion and charitable works resulted in him being invested as a Knight Commander of St Gregory the Great and a Knight Commander of the Equestrian Order and elected a Knight of St Columbanus rising to its third most senior office as Supreme Chancellor.

Both John and Janet participated in Order Pilgrimages to the Holy Land and were recipients of the Pilgrim Cross. Confrere John’s Funeral Mass took place in The Church of the Immaculate Conception with burial afterwards in Galbally cemetery, Wexford Town.

Prof. Bart Mc Gettrick, Dr. Detlef Brümmer, Tim Milner.

Maynooth Investiture.

John James (Jack) Fadden, KC*HS, (2009)

Jack Fadden, KC*HS, who died on Saturday 10th February 2023 in his 85th year, was admitted to the Order in 2009.

Confrère Jack was born in Ballyheane, near Castlebar in County Mayo, one of nine children born to John and Mary Fadden. He grew up there along with his sisters and brothers before going to Templemore in order to enlist in the ranks of An Garda Siochána.

His first appointment was to Ballyconnell, County Cavan and it was there in the year 1960, while on a border checkpoint, that he met his future wife to be Mary Waterson cycling across the border from Teemore to Ballyconnell town. They met a week later at a dance here in Ballyconnell and were married four years later. They were blessed with a family of two girls and six boys.

The Ballyconnell border posting was a difficult and dangerous one throughout his time there and on 8 June 1972 Jack was present when Garda Inspector Sam Donegan was killed by a booby-trap bomb on the border. An oral and written record of the events of this tragic day have been recorded and is available in the archives of Cavan County Library https:// www.irishlifeandlore.com/product/jackfadden-b-1938/

Confrère Jack was a great family man and a great Irishman too, dedicating his life to serving his country as a member of An Garda Siochána. He was a man of integrity and principle, a man of deep faith and prayer. He contributed a great deal to the Church and to his parish community.

He was an active member of the local St Vincent de Paul Society, a Trustee of the Knights of St. Columbanus and a Grand Officer of our Order. Jack was the recipient of the Pilgrim Shell having participated in two Order Pilgrimages in 2016 and 2018. In early November 2022, Jack returned again on pilgrimage to the Holy Land accompanied by two of his children, Yvonne and Raymond.

Confrère Jack had great devotion to Padre Pio and the saint’s words ‘Pray, hope and do not worry’ are already inscribed on the headstone, where Jack was laid to rest alongside his beloved wife Mary.

Suaimhneas sioraí dóibh go léir - May they rise to eternal glory

Death or impending death of a member, what must I do ?

Please contact either the Lay Master: Raphael Kelly at tel: 086 8346088 or Lieutenant: Peter Durnin at tel: 087 6591992 or by email LayMasterofCeremony@ holysepulchre.ie or Lieutenant@holysepulchre.ie

The Lieutenancy has now ceased the operation of the telephone alert system. Our Secretary, Confrère Mark Kane, KCHS now notifies all members by email and where members require special assistance in lieu of an email (such as a telephone call), the Secretary will personally take care of this. However, he must have your up to date telephone number.

Deceased Members

A List of deceased Members from the Lieutenancy of Ireland has been compiled and is available for viewing on our Members’ Handbook and Order Website https://holysepulchre.ie. Members are encouraged to review the list each month and remember the deceased Member and their family in prayer.

The following Members will be remembered in prayer during the month of April.

April 1st Thomas Lynch, KSG, KCHS (2020)

April 2nd Thomas Joseph Stephens, KHS (2002)

April 2nd Mona Hanlon, DCHS (2008)

April 4th Finbarr Collins, KHS (2018)

April 8th Thomas Feargal Smithwick, KCHS (1984)

April 8th Vincent Brendan Gallagher, KC*HS, KCSG (2009)

April 13th Margaret Mooney, DC*HS, Silver Palm of Jerusalem (2020)

April 18th Brian Murphy-O’Connor, KC*HS (2022)

Books

Second Vatican Council Memories – Bishop Michael Smith, KC*HS

In July 2022, a new book “Vatican Council Memories ” written by Most Rev’d Michael Smith, Bishop Emeritus Diocese of Meath, was published by Veritas Publications.

In his book, Bishop Michael revisits his experiences as a young student of the Pontifical Irish College in Rome invited to join a small group tasked with creating the official record of the events on the Second Vatican Council one of the most influential events in the history of the Catholic Church.

Book available to order online at Veritas Publications - price £19.99

https://www.veritasbooksonline.com/vaticancouncil-memories-9781800970113-46753/

Ireland and the Crusades

In January 2023, an interdisciplinary volume of essays from leading scholars detailing Ireland’s connection with the Crusades was published in book form, titled “Ireland and the Crusades ” by Four Courts Press.

The Editors are Edward Coleman, lecturer and assistant professor in the School of History, UCD; Paul Duffy, senior archaeologist with IAC Archaeology and Tadhg O’Keefe, full professor in the School of Archaeology, UCD.

Book available to order online at Four Courts Press - price £49.50

https://www.fourcourtspress.ie/books/2021/ ireland-and-the-crusades/contents

New Members

Members are reminded that to sustain a viable and active Lieutenancy, it is vital that new Aspirants are identified. Our Chancellor, Confrère Gearóid Williams KC*HS is always keen to speak with Members who have Aspirants in mind.

Article 34 of our Constitution specifies that candidates for admission to the Order must be Catholics of exemplary faith and corresponding moral conduct who actively take part in the life of their local Churches and generously support their spirituality.

In addition, they must be animated by the wish to live the spirituality of the Order intensely and contribute to the carrying out of its mission.

Link to the Constitution: http://www.oessh.va/ content/ordineequestresantosepolcro/en/media/lenostre-pubblicazioni/constitution.html

If you have a candidate who you would like to be considered for the 2024 Investiture or to obtain further information on proposing new members, make contact with our Chancellor by email Chancellor@HolySepulchre.ie or by phone 065 9052292.

Members from other Lieutenancies

If you become aware of members from other Lieutenancies living in or visiting Ireland, please inform both our Chancellor Chancellor@ HolySepulchre.ie and Lieutenant Lieutenant@ holysepulchre.ie

Welcome

We welcome on transfer from the South Eastern Lieutenancy of the United States, Confrère J Gerard O’Connor, KCHS having been invested at The Cathedral of St Mary, Miami in 2003.

John recently returned to live in Malahide, but continues to return frequently to the USA for business.

Members will recall that Confrère John attended the Investiture Ceremony in Maynooth in 2022 and we look forward to welcoming him again at future Lieutenancy events.

Lieutenancy ‘Going Paperless’ Trial

Our Secretary Mark Kane is progressing the ‘Going Paperless’ trial to reduce the number of documents that get posted to Members. Approximately 29% of Members have now gone ‘paperless’. It is imperative that the Secretary has your most up to date email address.

Request for Submission of Articles

We trust that you find this and previous editions of our Newsletter informative and interesting. Your assistance in providing new articles is encouraged and is expected. Email our Communications Officer at Communications@holysepulchre.ie

Mass Cards, Ties, Garment

Bags, Prayer Books

Members who wish to purchase Order Mass Cards, Lieutenancy Ties, Garment bags for carrying cloaks, morning and evening Prayer Books should contact our Retail Director, Confrère Peter Moylan tel: 087 0678508.

Raphael Kelly, John Reid, John McCullen, Catherine Reid, Gearoid Williams at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar in November 2022.

a thabhairt don creche i mBeithil.

Tá Dame Veronica Holohan, lena cáirde ag leanacht ar aghaidh ag bailiú airgid ó bheith ag cniotáil clocaí tae phota ar a bhfuil cosúlacht Uachtaráin na hÉireann, Mícheál D Ó hUiginn orthu.

Um an dtaca seo tá níos mó ná €4,000 bailithe ag an grúpa seo. Tá siad ag tabhairt tacaíocht do na diallachtaí agus an foireann ó Daughters of Charity de St Vincent de Paul atá san creche i mBeithil a bhunaigh siad chun an obair tabhacht a dhéanamh.

Knitting to support the Bethlehem Creche

Dame Veronica Holohan, together with some friends, continue to raise money from the sale of hand-knitted Tea Cosy’s in the image of Uachtaran na hEireann, Micheal D. O’ hUiginn.

To date, Veronica has collected and given over €4,000 to aid the orphans and staff at the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul Creche in Bethlehem.

2025 Holy Year

Members and friends should note that our next Lieutenancy Pilgrimage to the Holy Land is planned for 2025. Full details will be communicated to members, when the itinerary is confirmed.

Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Lieutenancy of Ireland

Council of the Lieutenancy

Lieutenant : Peter F. Durnin, GCHS ‘’Rosaire’’, Moneymore, Drogheda, Co Louth A92 RF6F email Lieutenant@holysepulchre.ie tel: 041-9830278; 087-6591992

Grand Prior : His Excellency Seán Cardinal Brady, Knight Grand Cross

Chancellor : Gearóid Williams, KC*HS

Feagurroge, Kilrush, Co Clare V15 C513 email Chancellor@holysepulchre.ie tel: 087 2254617

Secretary : Mark Kane, KCHS

Deich Garraí Glas, Corofin Village, Cummer-Tuam, Galway, H54 XE10 email Secretary@holysepulchre.ie tel: 091 442277

Treasurer : Anthony Harbinson, KC*HS

3 Corrina Park, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 OHA email Treasurer@holysepulchre.ie tel +447789480466

Ecclesiastical Master of Ceremonies Very Rev’d

Derek Darby

Lay Master of Ceremonies : Raphael Kelly, KC*HS email LayMasterOfCeremony@holysepulchre.ie tel: 086 8346088

CHY (Revenue) No. 8617

Registered Charity No. (RCN) 20021399

Northern Ireland Registration No. IE0004

https://holysepulchre.ie

Councillors : Dr. Stephen Dorgan, KC*HS with responsibility for I.T. and Planning

Mairéad Walls, DC*HS with responsibility for Logistics email Logistics@holysepulchre.ie

Thomas Kilduff, KC*HS with responsibility for Press and Media email Communications@holysepulchre.ie tel: 087 7444985

Lieutenants of Honour :

H.E. M Joseph McDonnell, GCHS

H.E. Nicholas McKenna, GCHS

H.E. Charles Kelly, GCHS

Novice Master : Commandant R.F. Hearns, Grand Officer

Archivist : Very. Rev. Feargal MacGrady, Knight Commander

Pilgrimage Director : Dr Frank Hurl, KC*HS, with additional responsibilities for Heraldry

Lieutenancy’s Registered Address:

EOHSJ c/o Ivan Healy, Beatty & Healy, 30 Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.

https://www.facebook.com/EOHSJIreland-103192924739584

Cniotáil chun tacaíocht

Veronica Holohan with Dames at Bethlehem Creche in 2022.

Veronica with a knitted tea cosy.