Christmas Greetings 2019

On Thursday 19th December, following an invitation received by the Lieutenant, a delegation composed of HE Kt. Gr. Off. Roberto Buontempo, Lieutenant; Chev. Dr. Ruben Depasquale, Chancellor; Chev. Christopher Busuttil Delbridge, Secretary; and Chev. Michael Pace Ross, Lay Master of Ceremonies, exchanged Christmas greetings with His Grace Mgr. Kt. Gr. Off. Charles J. Scicluna Archbishop of Malta and Grand Prior of the Maltese Lieutenancy and His Excellency Mgr. Kt. Gr. Off. Joseph Galea-Curmi Auxiliary Bishop of Malta at the Archbishop’s Palace in Valletta.

Christmas Gathering 2019

On Thursday 12th December 2019, the Maltese Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem held its Annual Christmas Gathering. Thanks to the benevolence of our Grand Prior, His Grace Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, this event took place at the Archbishop’s Curia in Floriana. Mass at the Curia Chapel was followed by a reception in the Refectory. This event was well attended by members and postulants alike along with their families. All proceeds from this event will go to the project being supported by the Maltese Lieutenancy in the Holy Land.

His Excellency Roberto Buontempo, Lieutenant.

New Grand Master for the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

By decision of the Holy Father, His Eminence Cardinal Fernando Filoni has been appointed Grand Master of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre starting this December 8 2019, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.

We publish below the official communiqué of His Eminence Cardinal Edwin O’Brien, Grand Master of the Order since 2012, who concludes his mandate a few months after reaching the age of 80.

“It is with complete acceptance and appreciation that I welcome the decision of Pope Francis to replace me as Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. I am especially pleased that His Holiness has appointed His Eminence Fernando Cardinal Filoni as my successor.

I have been privileged well beyond the time of my letter of resignation, submitted over five years ago. Throughout my more than eight years as Grand Master, my personal faith and love of our Church have deepened as I have witnessed our members’ commitment to the goals of our Order, expressed in different cultures and languages, all profoundly Catholic!

I am most grateful to the two Governors General with whom I have served, Their Excellencies, Professor Agostino Borromeo and Ambassador Leonardo Visconti di Modrone. Our collaborators in the Grand Magisterium and the daily, dedicated service of our office staff largely account for the steady growth of our Order. Their commitment to our lieutenancies and to the mission of the Latin Patriarchate has been unwavering.

Finally, I welcome His Eminence, Cardinal Filoni as Our Grand Master. His long and broad pastoral and administrative experience in service to the Universal Church will be precious assets as he leads our Order into the future. I offer him my full and fraternal support as I beg the continued intercession of Our Lady of Palestine.”

[Write-up reproduced from the Official EOHSJ Grand Magisterium website:

http://www.oessh.va/content/ordineequestresantosepolcro/en/gran-magistero/il-gran-magistero/news-dal-gran-magistero/benvenuto-al-nuovo-gran-maestro.html]