Meet the Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre BY JOHN STEGEMAN
If you have ever seen men and women dressed in white and black cloaks with a red Jerusalem cross at Mass, you’ve encountered the knights and dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (EOHSJ). EOHSJ is an ancient lay institution under the protection of the Holy See. Just how far back it goes is unclear. Some note a historical mention in 1336, while others trace the origin of the order all the way back to 1099 during the Crusades. Once responsible for the defense of the Holy Land, the order was reconstituted under Pope Pius IX who tasked it with providing material and spiritual support to the Latin Patriarchate (similar to a diocese) of Jerusalem. The order has around 30,000 members in nearly 40 countries. The amount of aid rendered to the Latin Patriarchate each year by the order is nearly $12 million. While the lieutenancies (regional groupings) and sections (local chapters) do gather a few times a year, the order is not a social club. Local events by the Cincinnati/Dayton 1 2 | THE CATHOLIC TELE G RAPH
section include an annual dinner for the archbishop, a retreat and the celebration of one of the four feast days of the order. In addition to vesting for major events like ordinations, if desired, the knights and dames attend funerals of fellow members in regalia. “We don’t come together as often [as some other organizations],” said Dan Andriacco who, along with wife Ann, serves as co-president for the Cincinnati/Dayton section. “When we do come together, it is in solidarity with the Holy Land, and to support each other, support our archbishop and grow in holiness.” According to a lieutenancy website, members are distinguished by their practice of Christian faith, living by high standards of moral conduct, their involvement in the Church at the parish and diocesan levels, their willingness to engage in the apostolate of the order, their ecumenical spirit and their active interest in the needs and problems of the Holy Land.”
