Knights for Peace and Sanctification in the Middle East

Catholic World Report ^ | 4/2/13 | William L. Patenaude

[marshmallow]

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem works to support the people and shrines of the Holy Land.

Almost a thousand years after its founding, an order of crusader knights remains active in the Holy Land. Its mission is not armed battle but the carrying out of the order’s original ideals: personal holiness, evangelization, defense of the weak, and charity towards all. Its members also pledge to support the upkeep of the shrines where Christ was born, prayed, mounted his cross, and rose from the dead.

Founded soon after the First Crusade, the pontifical Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem currently has some 28,000 clerical, religious, and lay members across the globe. While the order’s titles, regalia, and ceremonies of investiture come with great honor and dignity (and a rigorous nomination process), membership comes with a lifetime pledge of spiritual and worldly support for the Holy Land. As a result, the order offers countless prayers and millions of dollars annually to build, operate, maintain, and expand schools, youth centers, hospitals, seminaries, homes for religious, pre- and post-natal clinics, and the only Catholic institution of higher education in Israel, Bethlehem University.

“Our primary aim is personal sanctification,” stresses Cardinal Edwin O’Brien, Grand Master of the worldwide order. “I am convinced that with this focus on holiness, the charism [to support the people and shrines of the Holy Land] comes into full bloom.”

The charitable order grew out of the need to govern Jerusalem after Godfrey de Bouillon and his crusaders freed the city from Muslim control in July 1099. The resulting “Order of Canons” included knights who had exhibited noticeable leadership skills and Christian charity. These soldiers-turned-protectors would take the Augustinian Rule of poverty and obedience and swear to defend the Holy Sepulchre (the site of Christ’s resurrection).......

[FatherofFive]

The charitable order grew out of the need to govern Jerusalem after Godfrey de Bouillon and his crusaders freed the city from Muslim control in July 1099.

Christianity – Fighting to preserve civilization from the EVIL Islamist hordes for a thousand years. And now we are letting them just walk in and take over.

[mosesdapoet]

Another reason why Scotland’s Carninal O’Brien is being hammered.

[marshmallow]

Different Cardinal O'Brien.

Cardinal Edwin O' Brien is American.

[mosesdapoet]

Oh! THE IRISH one. Didn’t know we had an O’Biren what is his background ? Thanks for the info. I knew about the Knights of St John Templar they have a museum on Malta this group you refered to also thanks for the posting.