Members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem from North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware and Washington D.C., gathered for their annual meeting and investiture, hosted by the Diocese of Raleigh and highlighted with a Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral celebrated by Lieutenancy Prior, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore.
The Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy of the chivalric order under the protection of the Holy See in Rome, which supports the Church in the Holy Land, welcomed 29 new members. The Order traces its roots nearly a thousand years, to those Knights who guarded the Empty Tomb of Jesus in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during the Crusades. His Holiness Pope Leo XIV remains its protector. Today, men and women of the order still defend and support the Christian presence in the Holy Land through charitable work. They also work actively in their parishes and dioceses in service to those churches.
Invested from the Diocese of Raleigh were: Kathy Maresca, Reverend Douglas E.A. May, M.M.; Very Reverend Scott McCue, V.F., pastor of St. Michael the Archangel in Cary; Deacon Jorge Rosende; Lynn Rosende; Deacon Matthew Sullivan and Maria Magdalena Zamundio Dunbar.
During the proceedings, Eduardo Sanchez and Eileen Sanchez were promoted to the ranks of Knight Grand Cross and Dame Grand Cross, respectively. The Pilgrim Shells, symbolising a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, were awarded to Very Reverend Michael Burbeck, V.G., K.H.S., Ronald Pledger K.H.S., and Peggy Schaefer, D.H.S.
The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem has approximately 30,000 members in 40 nations worldwide who contribute millions of dollars annually to fund schools, hospitals, clinics, seminaries, and welfare projects managed by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (including institutions like Bethlehem University) across Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian territories, and Cyprus.
The Order remains a vital lifeline for that community. Knights and Dames wear capes featuring a red “Jerusalem cross” that has four miniature crosses in each corner of the main cross. Each of the five crosses represents the five wounds of Christ. Learn more about their work at www.midatlanticeohs.com.
Photos
Photos by Bob Witchger
