Newsletter - Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem - Lieutenancy of Ireland

Centuries of Service to Christians in the Holy Land

A chara,

On July 23rd, 1847, Pope Pius IX restored the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which was followed a few months later by the episcopal ordination of Fr. Valerga and his appointment as Patriarch of Jerusalem. 175 years and eight Patriarchs later, the Latin Patriarchate continues its mission of service to the Christian religious and lay communities of the Holy Land.

You will recall a Gospel reading in October related to the 10 lepers and the fact that only one returned to thank the Lord for his cure from Leprosy. In September, I was privileged to participate in our 14th Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Burquin is a small village in Northern Palestine and we visited this community of about 80 Christians, which is the site of that miracle. It was a magic moment for me to walk and pray in a site associated directly with the Lord and to share the hospitality of the Greek Orthodox community there.

During the Pilgrimage we visited a number of the projects supported by your alms; schools, an orphanage, a home for the elderly and we were courteously received everywhere, I remember particularly the seminary. While the Christian population is small, and has suffered economically it is vibrant and punches well above its numerical weight. This is due in no small way to your support by prayer, funds and when on pilgrimage by the joy of our visits to small isolated communities. Without doubt, you make the difference in the Land of Jesus.

Looking forward we have two immediate functions: the first in Tallaght in November to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady Queen of Palestine and the second in Knock in late January. At both events we shall have information sessions for prospective members. Why not invite a friend, colleague or acquaintance to accompany you and who knows what might result - membership!

Article 4 of our Constitution commits each member to “seek to call to the attention of Catholics, other Christians, the members of other religions and men of good will of the whole world the good works in which the Order is involved in the Holy Land, as well as the promotion of the union of Christians and inter-religious understanding and cooperation”. I ask you to speak to others about the Order, and its works and ambitions in the Land of Jesus. An ideal opportunity presents itself in January when we pray for Christian unity. Well in advance of the norm I wish you and yours a very happy and joyful Christmas. God bless.

Knights and Dames with the Archbishop of Tuam and newly invested Knight Gary Brian O'Sullivan, KHS following his investiture on 15th October 2022 at The Neale, Co Mayo.

May 2022 - Installation of the Bishop of Galway

On Sunday May 1st 2022, our Lieutenant Peter Durnin, together with thirteen Knights and Dames, were honoured to be invited and attend the Installation of Dr. Michael Duignan as Bishop of Galway.

The ceremony took place within the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas, Galway. Eiver O’Hanlon and his wife Rose Kirby were invited guests of Bishop Duignan. Mairéad and Peadar O’hIci, residents of Bearna in the Diocese participated in the presentation of gifts, part of the liturgical service.

Amongst the concelebrants were His Excellency Most Rev. Jude Thaddeus Okolo, Papal Nuncio to Ireland. After his installation, Bishop Duignan knelt in prayer before an Icon of the ‘Irish Madonna of Hungary’, otherwise known as ‘The Consoler of the Afflicted ’, which was brought to the Cathedral of GyŐr, Hungary in 1652 by Bishop Walter Lynch from Galway, who was fleeing English persecution in Ireland.

May all who face this month of November with the loss of a loved one all too fresh in their hearts be reminded about the empty tomb. Into the darkness the light of the Risen Christ will shrine. God is indeed with us and may we find life and hope in his loving embrace.

Can we make the Prayer for the Holy Souls this November our own.

Lord, be good to them and show them all your love.

Lord, be kind to them and grant them peace above.

Lord be merciful to them and wipe their sins away.

Lord, be generous to them, with all my heart I pray.

Lord, be gracious to them, for all the good they have done.

Lord, be gentle with them, for sufferings undergone.

Lord, may we meet again, when heaven’s crown is won. Amen.

Very Rev’d Gerard MacCormack, KHS

June 2022 – Farewell Reception for the Apostolic Nuncio

On Wednesday 29th June 2022 our Lieutenant Peter Durnin and his wife Nora, together with a number of members were honoured to attend a formal reception at the Apostolic Nunciature in Dublin to celebrate the five years His Excellency Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo served in Ireland prior to his departure and new assignment to the people and Church in the Czech Republic.

His Excellency is a true friend of the Lieutenancy and the Irish people: having been educated by Irish Missionary priests in Nigeria; central to the preparations for the visit of Pope Francis to Ireland in 2018; invested into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem at the Convent of Mercy, Ardee, Co. Louth in 2018 and received warmly by parishioners and clergy whenever he travelled throughout the country, in his role as Apostolic Nuncio and personal friend.

November Reflection

November is the month dedicated to the Holy Souls. For many it is the bleakest and most difficult month of the year, made ever more poignant on the death of a loved one.

Perhaps it is for that very reason that it is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the mystery of death and loss. In these November days when everything is dark and dreary and dismal we can somehow discover that the loving hand of God is all the time at work in us.

Psalm 119 puts it so eloquently ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path ’. It’s those simple words that always find resonance in my heart when I stand at the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on every pilgrimage, in silence and in awe.

Lieutenant H.E. Peter Durnin, GCHS, his wife Nora and His Excellency Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, KC*HS

Lieutenant H.E. Peter Durnin, GCHS; Chevaliers Mark Kane, KCHS; Gearóid Williams, KC*HS; Peadar O’hIcí, KCHS; Dame Mairéad O’hIcí, DCHS; Dame Carmel Murray, DCHS; Chevaliers Seamus Murray, KCHS; Dónal Burke, KCHS and Richard Hearns, KHS photographed prior to the Installation ceremony.

Chevalier Joe Tiernan, KC*HS and His Excellency Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, KC*HS

Marriage at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican

The Wedding of Rodney Leonard and Rachel Kelly took place on 9th May 2022 at the Chapel of the Choir in St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Wedding Mass was celebrated by His Excellency the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo and concelebrated by Fr. Enda Murphy, Capo Officio Congregation of Faith at the Holy See. Afterwards there was a small reception at the Pallazo Della Rovere, the headquarters of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

The couple would like to thank in particular Peter and his wife Nora for their help and also Gloria, the private secretary to the Governor General, who made their day such a perfect one.

The couple would like to thank also the many members who wished them well and sent cards and flowers. Needless to say Fr. Enda’s homily was excellent and was partly based on the miracle of water into wine, which was very fitting on the day !

The procession began in the Diocese of Meath, from the Holy Family Church, Ballsgrove and crossed the River Boyne to the National Shrine to St. Oliver, otherwise known as the St. Oliver Plunkett Memorial Church, in the Archdiocese of Armagh.

The chief Celebrant was Bishop Michael Router, Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh. The Homilist was Canon Benny Fee, P.P., Clonoe, County Tyrone. For more information about St Oliver Plunkett Martyr, Saint and Patron Saint for Peace and Reconciliation in Ireland - see link http://www.saintoliverplunkett. com/

July 2022 - Members Directory 2022

In July, prior to the Vigil and Investiture Ceremonies, an updated ‘Members Directory2022’ was printed and 2 copies were posted to each member of the Lieutenancy.

It is recommended that one copy be kept at home and the second in one’s car or office, where it can be readily accessed and referenced as required.

Whenever Members’ contact details change, one should notify our Secretary, Confrère Mark Kane, without undue delay, by email Secretary@ holysepulchre.ie

Donations to the Holy Land

July 2022 – The Annual Procession with the Relics of St Oliver Plunkett

On

Thanks to the generosity of our Members, the Lieutenancy has recently donated a further €55,000 to the Grand Magisterium of the Equestrian Order for the benefit of the ‘Living Stones ’ in the Holy Land.

This brings the Lieutenancy’s year to date total remittance up to €250,000; of which €57,302 is being spent to install essential life-saving fire safety works, specifically the installation of a water tank and pump to feed a new fire alarm system in the Elderly House of Beit Efraim in Taybeh, West Bank, see report elsewhere.

€43,000 was recently spent to fund the refurbishment of the Latin Patriarchate Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception in Bir Zeit, West Bank specifically re-roofing the church, waterproofing and redecorating the ceiling and interior walls.

In 2019, €64,895 was spent to build 4 additional classrooms at the Latin Patriarchate Parish School in Mafraq, Jordan and €63.400 was spent to carry out refurbishment works in the Latin Patriarchate Parish School in Safout, Jordan.

Sunday July 3rd 2022, our Lieutenant Peter Durnin together with Knights and Dames of our Order, participated in the Annual Procession with the Relics of St Oliver Plunkett in Drogheda, County Louth.

Thomas Kilduff, Raphael Kelly, Mark Kane, Bishop Michael Router, Rodney Leonard, Peter Durnin, Gerald Tallon and Dr Frank Hurl prior to the commencement of the procession.

Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Lieutenancy of Ireland

During our recent pilgrimage 5th - 14th September 2020, members were able to visit each of the 4 projects; meet with the Engineers who supervised the works; the teachers, students, community, residents, Parish Priests and Sisters in charge who ensure the ‘Living Stones ’ benefit directly, as a result of alms remitted by the Lieutenancy.

Peter Durnin and Gearóid Williams with Sisters María Pia and Maria Alma from the Institute of Incarnate Word Sisters at Beit Efraim Elderly Home, Taybeh

Mr

Very Rev. Francis Mitchell, Eiver O’Hanlon, Peter Durnin, Gerard Harbinson with Msgr. Aldo Tolotto, Parish Priest at Safout

During the Vigil ceremony, the four postulants Aileen Sheridan, Fiona Kane, Deacon Derek Leonard and Dermot Brennan declared and signed their lifelong promise to the Order at the altar. The promotion of the following Knights and Dames took place also:

Grand Cross: Brendan O’Reilly, Maureen Jones

Commander with Star/Grand Officer: Frank Hurl, Raphael Kelly

Commander: Anne Harrington, Mark Kane, Aindrias Ó Caoimh, Flor Madden, Alphonsus Mealy, Peter Moylan, Glenn Kielty

Anne Harrington receiving her promotion from Bishop William Shomali.

July 2022 - Chapter Meeting

July 2022 - Promotions and Vigil Ceremony

The annual Liturgical Ceremonial of the Vigil at Arms took place in the Pontifical College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare on the evening of Friday 22nd July 2022. His Excellency Bishop William Shomali, the General Vicar and Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem, representing His Beatitude Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, was the honoured guest of our Lieutenancy.

Peter Brennan, Deacon Derek Leonard, Fiona Kane and Aileen Sheridan signing their life-long promise to the Order at the altar.

On the morning of Saturday 23rd July 2002, Knights and Dames of the Lieutenancy; Seán Cardinal Brady, Grand Prior; His Excellency Bishop William Shomali; Professor Bart McGettrick, President of the Holy Land Commission and Member of the Grand Magisterium; invited overseas members from the Lieutenancies of England and Wales, Malta and Switzerland attended the Chapter Meeting of the Lieutenancy in the Renehan Room of the Pontifical College, Maynooth.

Members in front of plaque at Mafraq

Adeeb Ibrahim, Head of Engineering Department, Latin Patriarchate with Dame Mairéad Walls and Chevalier Damien Walls at Bir Zeit

Jim Holohan, Very Rev. Francis Mitchell, Fr Ray Murrin, Very Rev. Pat Mangan, Bishop William Shomali; Very Rev. Gerard MacCormack, Chris Nolan and Damien Walls.

Bishop William Shomali addressing our Chapter Meeting

July 2022 - Investiture

On the morning of Saturday 23rd July 2002, the Ceremonial Investiture of new Knights and Dames, including the celebration of Holy Mass, took place.

Our Grand Prior, Seán Cardinal Brady, GCHS, performed the investiture of Deacon Derek Leonard, Dermot Brennan, Aileen Sheridan and Fiona Kane.

Holy Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Eamon Martin, KC*HS, Primate of All Ireland assisted by amongst others Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Denis Nulty, KC*HS.

Amongst those in attendance were Her Excellency Karen Van Vlierberge, Ambassador of Belgium to Ireland and His Excellency Giovanni Buttigieg, Ambassador of Malta to Ireland; family and friends of the new investees.

Their Excellencies Giovanni Buttigieg, Ambassador of Malta to Ireland; Bishop William Shomali; Her Excellency Karen Van Vlierberge, Ambassador of Belgium to Ireland; Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All Ireland and His Excellency Peter Durnin, Lieutenant.

Dr Austin and Anne Mescal with Chevalier Professor Richard Conroy

Mark Kane, Fiona Kane, John Coleman and Lynda McGivneyNolan

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land 2022

Can anyone who is a Knight or Dame, and who hasn’t visited the Holy Land, truly understand the purpose of the Order?

The Lieutenancy of Ireland travelled on its fourteenth pious pilgrimage to the Holy Places from 5th to 14th September 2022. Led by our Lieutenant H.E. Peter Durnin and with Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly, SMA as our Spiritual Director, a group of thirty Knights, Dames and friends walked in the footsteps of Our Lord.

Many of us had been there before, others for the first time; some were postulants of the Order and a few were just curious. Staying at the magnificent Magdala Centre, located adjacent to the Sea of Galilee, we had the perfect springboard from which to go to the sites of Jesus’ teaching, miracles and

Members of Council presented their reports and His Excellency Bishop William Shomali gave an illuminating update on the current situation affecting the ‘Living Stones ’ in the Holy Land.

Invited overseas guests and members of the Lieutenancy seated at our Chapter Meeting

Group Photo of new investees with Cardinal after the investiture

table-fellowship. For our first three days, we allowed the Fifth Gospel of Galilee enlighten our reading of the Four Gospels.

Day Four was spent travelling through the West Bank, calling first to the breathtaking Chapel of the Ten Lepers in Burqin, built over the site of the well where Jesus performed one of his most recalled miracles. It is the 4th oldest Christian Church in the World. We then drove onwards to visit the Church of St Justin Martyr in Rafidia, near Nablus, which serves a very small faithful Latin congregation in a predominately Muslim city. We travelled then to Bir Zeit, a town where the Lieutenancy has sponsored a number of projects namely the refurbishment of the Church roof and interior and also the all-purpose Community Hall.

We continued onwards south to Taybeh, the last remaining entirely Christian settlement in Palestine, for an audience with H.B Patriarch Emeritus Michel Sabbah who resides at the Beit Afram Home for the Elderly, which is managed by the Sisters of the Word Incarnate. This year, our Lieutenancy has donated a substantial sum towards the cost of urgently needed Fire Safety works at the residential care facility, to safeguard the 20 residents and staff.

We finally arrived at the summit of our pilgrimage, the City of David, Jerusalem. Staying at the Notre Dame Centre, we met again His Excellency Bishop William Shomali, at the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem who presented first time pilgrims with their Pilgrim Shells. We then visited The Custodia of the Holy Land where we met with and were received warmly by Fr Fergus Clarke and Fr Ibrahim Faltas, Custodian Vicar, who presented pilgrims with the Pope Leo XIII medal commemorative decoration

Of course, we travelled to the town of Bethlehem to visit The Church of the Nativity and worship at the place of Jesus’ birth. We were fortunate also to visit both the ‘Creche of Saint Vincent’, operated by the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul and also the nearby ‘Hogar Niño Dios’ Special Needs Centre, operated by the Sisters of the Word Incarnate, which welcomes children with psycho-physical disabilities. We visited also the Seminary of the Latin Patriarchate in Beit Jala, where we met with the Rector, Fr Bernard Pogge and Mr Issa J da’boub, founder and General Director of the Ecumenical Centre for Pilgrims and Biblical Studies.

But for most of our next three days, we relived the last week of Our Lord’s life, at the Garden of Gethsemane, in the Upper Room. Around the streets and alleyways of the Old City we took turns to carry His Cross, and then to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre itself. Words cannot describe or encapsulate the experience of entering the ‘Edicule’, the small edifice that contains the Tomb of Our Lord, the empty tomb.

On Day 8, we crossed the River Jordan into the Hashemite Kingdom, visiting Bethany Beyond the Jordan and Mount Nebo. Staying with the Rosary Sisters in Amman, we met with His Excellency Jamal Khader Daibes, Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan recently episcopally ordained and travelled to the nearby parish of Safout and the far-away town of Mafraq, the Latin schools in each being supported by donations from the Lieutenancy.

Sites visited during the 2022 Pilgrimage

Our Spiritual Director, Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly, SMA, KC*HS was afforded the honour of ‘cutting the ribbon’ to open a new 4 classroom school extension, which is critical to ensuring the continued Christian education of local students. During our pilgrimage we of course met many eminent people. However, nothing compares to meeting the ‘Living Stones ’, these Christians living their faith in the land of Our Lord.

This article began by posing a question; can anyone who is a Knight or Dame and who hasn’t visited the Holy Land truly understand the purpose of the Order? If you stay only in your home country, in your own Lieutenancy, then you do not see or experience the purpose of our giving.

In the Prayer of Saint Francis it says, ‘It is in giving that we receive ’. When you visit the people and parishes of the Holy Land you will definitely receive more than you have given, in the warm welcome, faith and hospitality of the Christian schools and parishes. It is in that sense of solidarity that you will truly understand the purpose of the Order.

Dr Frank Hurl, KC*HS

Pilgrimage Reflection of our Chancellor, Chevalier Gearóid Williams

KC*HS

I was privileged to be part of the 2022 pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The ultimate highlight was of course the visit to the places of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our saviour Jesus Christ and the celebration of Holy Mass at this Cathedral of the Holy Sepulchre.

Our guide, Bader Abu George Rabai, brought the significance of the various locations where Our Lord suffered his Passion very clearly to our minds and helped us see the life of Jesus in the context of the fulfilment of the Prophecies about the Messiah in the sacred scriptures.

I was struck by the welcome the Knights and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre received everywhere in the Holy Land. We were able to see the physical improvements, which our contributions had made to several schools, the seminary and institutions for the abandoned infants, the intellectually disabled and the very old. Our visits to these made real the connections we had with them and the very great privilege we have of being able to support modern day heroes carrying out the charitable mission of the Church in very stressful circumstances

Meeting with Sr. Denise Abu Haidar, Superior; Iskandar Andon, Social Worker and George Tawil, Administrator at the Crèche of St Vincent in Bethlehem

Visiting with Sr. Maria at the Hogar Niño Dios’ Special Needs Centre, Bethlehem

Visit to the Chapel of the Ten Lepers at the Holy Monastery of St. George, Burquin.

Meeting with Fr Louis Hazboun, Parish Priest, Church of the Immaculate Conception Bir Zeit

Pilgrim Members at the entrance gate to Capernaum

Re-enacting the Passion of His Cross on the Via Dolorosa - 8th Station

Pilgrim Members at the entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

Most Rev. Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly ‘cutting the ribbon’ to formally open the 4 classroom extension at Mafraq School, Jordan.

On an official level, I noticed that the top Irish diplomats accredited to Israel and Palestine thought enough of the Contribution we make to the Holy Land to personally dine with us and brief us on their overview of the situation in the Holy Land. The Official Church in Jerusalem and Jordan received us with courtesy and reminded us again of the importance of our Mission.

This pilgrimage strengthens our Faith, reinforces our commitment to the Order and makes us appreciate the centrality of the work of the Order to the aims of the Church.

A reflection on my journey to the Holy Lands, Dame Fiona Kane, DHS

What struck me most was in the years since my last visit very little had changed. Each religion worshipping in the places where Jesus Christ lived and died. Joe and I took a walk through the Muslim and Armenian Quarters of Jerusalem and felt safe. We packed in a lot, we can remember the visits to the nursing home, orphanage and schools which were met with joy and celebration privately and when I see their faces, I think how lucky we are in this country to have all the benefits we have.

Thanks to Archbishop Kieran, Father Feargal and Fr Francis their sermons were truly enlightening and personal and brought each place to life for us. I am going to give you my highlights only, first on my list must be the renewal of vows in Cana this was a very special moment, and I was glad we had all our friends around us to honour this event, I must say the first time I got married it wasn’t celebrated by an Archbishop.

Secondly was my experience in the Jordan, sipping my feet into the water was exhilarating and the Mass on the riverbank was most special. We must remember this is where Jesus was baptised and the beginning of our faith.

Third was the most special of all, walking down to the Holy Sepulchre fully robed and standing in that most holy place.

Lastly, I must comment on all the people we met on our journey, including the religious and lay people who give of our their time to educate us in what is going on in the Holy Land, and especially to Abu George (Bader) Rabadi who made the whole visit come to life.

Members of the Order renewing their wedding vows at Cana

Renewal of baptismal vows in the River Jordan

Bene Merenti award

During our recent visit to Jerusalem, our Confrère Dr Frank Hurl, KC*HS was presented with the Bene Merenti Medal of the Latin Patriarchate, by direction of Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa OFM, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.

Award being presented to Dr Frank Hurl by Bishop William Shomali; with his wife Elaonor.

Walking robed through the Old City towards the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Most Rev. Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly, Thomas Kilduff, His Excellency Don Sexton, Representative of Ireland to the State of Palestine; His Excellency Kyle O’Sullivan, Ambassador of Ireland to the State of Israel; Mr Sami El-Yousef, Chief Executive of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem; Peter Durnin.

The medal is an honour awarded by the Patriarch for service to the Catholic Church in the Holy Land. Confrère Dr Frank has been our Pilgrimage Officer for eight years, organising three pilgrimages to the ‘Living Stones ’.

Congratulations Chevalier Frank. He is the first Irish person to receive this Award.

Pilgrim Shell awards

• Gearóid Williams

• Fiona Kane

Fred O’Brien

• Gerard Harbinson Seán Lynch

• Lynda McGivney-Nolan

• John Coleman

Pope Leo XIII Medal awards

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October 2022 - Western Mass

The ‘Western Mass’ took place on Saturday 15th October 2022 at 11.30am in St. John the Baptist Church, The Neale, Co. Mayo. It was concelebrated by Most Reverend Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam; Most Reverend Michael Neary, D.D. KC*HS, Archbishop Emeritus of Tuam; Very Rev. Pat Mangan, P.E., KCHS; Very Rev. Declan Carroll, P.P. and Very Rev. Francis Mitchell, JCL KCHS, who was the Homolist.

In attendance were 50 Knights and Dames who had travelled from all over the island, as well as from the United States and Portugal. Prior to the celebration and offering of Holy Mass, the Investiture of Chevalier Gary Brian Sullivan was conducted by Most Reverend Michael Neary, D.D. KC*HS, Archbishop Emeritus of Tuam. Following the investiture, promotions were awarded to the following members:

• Glenn Kielty to the rank of Knight Commander

• Peter Moylan to the rank of Knight Commander

A luncheon was held, after Mass, in Ashford Castle. Our Lieutenant expressed thanks to both Ger and Catherine Concannon for organising this very successful and prestigious event.

Gary O’Sullivan being invested.

• Mairéad Walls

• Anthony Fay

Brendan O’Reilly, Peter Durnin, Julie O’Sullivan, Gary O’Sullivan and Don Lydon

Glenn Kielty receiving the ‘Scroll of Promotion’ from Lieutenant

Peter Moylan receiving the ‘Scroll of Promotion’ from Lieutenant

Lieutenant presenting ‘Jerusalem Cross’ plaque to Ger and Catherine Concannon

Sheelagh Hillan

Damien Walls

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.

Members’ Obituaries

John A. (Anthony) Harrington, KCSG., GCHS., admitted 1973

Confrère John, who was our longest serving member, died on 19th May 2022.

Having worked in the travel industry, John had visited the Holy Land on numerous occasions. His religious devotion, frequent pilgrimages to Jerusalem and interest in heraldry made him aware of the Equestrian Order. He had interest in and finished his professional career in the Jewellery business.

John was invested a Knight of the Order in September 1973 in Jerusalem by the then Patriarch, His Beatitude Giacomo Giuseppe Beltritti. On the inception of the Lieutenancy of Ireland in 1986, John took on the responsibility of Chancellor, under the leadership of His Excellency Tom Sheahan, founding Lieutenant.

John maintained an active role in the development of our Lieutenancy and as a result of his commitment was promoted successively, reaching the rank of Knight Grand Cross and received the rarely awarded Golden Palm of Jerusalem in 2011.

John’s funeral took place on Friday June 10th 2022. Requiem Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Ennis Road, Limerick with burial afterwards in Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery in Limerick. The Lieutenant and Brian Mc Carthy represented the Lieutenancy at the funeral.

Mary Josephine McCusker (née Foran), DHS, admitted 1986

Consœur Mary, who died on 20thAugust 2022 was another of our longest serving members, having been one of the first three Dames invested into the Lieutenancy of Ireland at the

Inaugural Investiture Ceremony at Holy Cross Abbey, Co. Tipperary on the 26thJuly 1986.

Mary was born in Barking, London in 1936, the daughter of John and Josephine Foran and endured the ‘Blitz’ and hardships of the post war years. Her father John, to whom she was devoted, was a member of the Lieutenancy of England and Wales.

Mary trained and practiced as a Radiographer. It was during her training at University College Dublin that she met her future husband, Dr John whom she married and were blessed with two children Gerry and Fiona.

Consœur Mary was buried wearing her Mantilla and Cloak of the Order, as was her wish, following Requiem Mass in St. Brigid’s Church Cabinteely, Dublin on Wednesday 24th August 2022 at which the Order was represented by our Lay Master Raphael Kelly and Gerard Lawler.

Robert K. (Bob) Gahan, KC*HS, admitted 1991

Confrère Bob died peacefully on Monday, October 3, at St Michael’s Hospital, Dún Laoghaire, after a short illness at the age of 92.

Bob was actively involved in the Lieutenancy for many year, having been invested in 1991. He was a generous benefactor to the Christian community, the ‘Living Stones ’. He visited the Holy Land as a pilgrim in the year 2000, under the direction of H.E. Joe McDonnell. He was awarded the Pilgrim Shell by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and was promoted successively to the rank of Grand Officer. In addition, he participated in the Year 2000 International Pilgrimage to Rome. In his professional life, Bob was RTÉ’s Assistant Director General and played a significant role in Irish state broadcasting over several decades.

Born in Ballina, Co Mayo, on February 9, 1930, he was a fluent Irish speaker. On his retirement from RTE, Bob moved to live in Stepaside, Co Dublin, in 1974, where he was named its Lord Mayor. Predeceased by his wife Jo in 2012, he is lovingly remembered by his daughters Aideen, Brenda, Maria and Niamh.

President Michael D Higgins was represented at the funeral Mass by his Aide-de-Camp Colonel Stephen Howard in St Mary’s Church, Sandyford Village. The Mass was followed by burial at St Patrick’s Cemetery, Glencullen. The Lieutenancy was represented by our Lay Master, Raphael Kelly, as the Lieutenant was abroad at the Hungarian investiture.

Alphonsus (Phonsie) O’Byrne, KCHS, admitted 2003

Confrère Phonsie died peacefully at his home O’Byrne The Manor, Trim, County Meath on Thursday, October 28th in his 93rd year.

Phonsie and his late wife Dame Marion were both actively involved in the Lieutenancy for many years, following his investiture in 2003. His brother Msgr Syl predated him as a member of the Order in the United States. They were regular visitors to the Holy Land where they were awarded the Pilgrim Shell by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. In 2010 they were accompanied there by their daughter Rebecca and son-in law Dr Niall Maguire demonstrating their active support for the Christian community, the ‘Living Stones’. In addition, they participated in the International Pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2005.

Phonsie was a long-standing senior member of the Knights of St. Columbanus and the recipient of its ‘Honorary Life Membership’ award. He and Marion were very involved in the distribution of Holy Communion, promotion of Eucharistic Adoration and Catholic faith formation in their local parish in the Diocese of Meath.

Commencing as a sales representative he joined the very successful and renowned drapery Frewen & Aylward in Dun Laoighaire specialising in menswear.

Predeceased by his wife Marion, DC*HS in March 2019, Phonsie is lovingly remembered by his children Rebecca, Martin, Gavin, Rachel, nieces and nephews, including Confrère Pat O’Byrne KHS., his brother in law, Eugene Duffy, brother of Marion, extended family and friends.

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 November.

Nov. 3rd Joseph Connolly, KCHS (2021)

Nov. 4th Fr Gerard (Gerry)Ryan, CSSp KCHS (2019) a brother of Chev. Vincent

Nov. 5th Very Rev’d Gerard Stanley, KCHS (2010)

Nov. 5th Mary Josephine (Maura) Taylor, DC*HS (2012)

Nov. 8th Mary Fitzgibbon, DHS (2006)

Nov. 8th Thomas Mac Kenna, KSS, KCHS (2011)

Nov. 11th Edward Mc Grady, KCHS (2013), an uncle of Fr Feargal.

Nov. 13th Dr John James O’Reilly, KHS (1998)

Nov. 25th Thomas Francis Sheahan, GCSG, GCHS (1996)

Nov. 29th Loughlin Sweeney, KSG, GCHS (2018)

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.

New Members

Our Chancellor, Confrère Gearóid Williams KC*HS is always keen to speak with Members who have Aspirants in mind.

The concept of knighthood in 21st Century Ireland is difficult to relate with. As a means of creating social distinction it does not sit well in an egalitarian Republican society. However knighthood in the sense that membership of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem involves is a call to service.

This call requires us to make commitments, both financial and spiritual, which we intend to honour for the rest of our lives. We promise to live good Christian lives in complete fidelity to the Holy Father and we further promise to financially support Christians and the Christian institutions in the Holy Land.

As an Order, we are almost 1000 years old but the commitment to support of Christians in the Holy Land dates back to Saint Paul and the importance of our mission has been emphasised by the present Holy Father deeming us to be a central body of the Church.

We therefore must be conscious of our obligation to share this mission and to find fellow Catholics who are willing to assume the obligations of membership. Please do your best to find suitable candidates and sponsor their admission to our Order or else recommend them as suitable to any member whom you feel might be in a better position to advance the candidacy.

If you have a candidate who you would like to be considered for the 2023 or 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.

May they rise to eternal glory.

Upcoming Events

12th November 2022 – Our ‘End of year Retreat/ Day of Reflection/Order Event in honour of Our Lady Queen of Palestine’ will take place again in the Dominican Retreat Centre, Tallaght, Dublin D24 KA40 on Saturday, 12th November 2022, beginning at 9.30am and finishing at 2pm with Lunch.

27th/28thJanuary 2023 – Our annual Order ‘Pilgrimage to the International Eucharistic & Marian Shrine, Knock, Co. Mayo’ will take place on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th January 2023

25th/26th March 2023 – Our Order ‘Spring Mass and black-tie Banquet Dinner’ will take place over the weekend of Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th March 2023, at a venue to be confirmed.

21st/22nd July 2023 – Our annual ‘Promotions, Vigil, Chapter Meeting and Investiture Ceremonies’ will take place over the weekend of Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd July 2023, again at the St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare W23 TW77.

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 to be encouraged and is expected.

Our next newsletter will include a detailed article on the projects supported by the Lieutenancy over the years. If you have photographs taken at these sites, please email our Communications Officer at Communications@holysepulchre.ie

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 25% of Members have now gone ‘paperless’. It is imperative that the Secretary has your most up to date email address. Secretary@holysepulchre.ie.

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

Francis Mitchell JCL

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