The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (Latin: Ordo Equestris Sancti Sepulcri Hierosolymitani, OESSH), also called the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, is a Catholic order of knighthood under the protection of the Holy See. The pope is the sovereign of the order which, with the five other papal equestrian orders and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, are the only orders of chivalry that are recognized and protected by the Holy See.
The order creates canons as well as knights, with the primary mission to "support the Christian presence in the Holy Land".
The order today is estimated to have some 30,000 knights and dames in 60 lieutenancies around the world. The cardinal grandmaster has been Fernando Filoni since 2019, and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem is grand prior. Its headquarters are situated at Palazzo Della Rovere and its official church in Sant'Onofrio al Gianicolo, both in Rome, close to the Vatican City.
St Joseph AACC Knights & Dames
PROTECTING THE MOTHERLAND, THE HOLY LAND
The St Joseph AACC Kights of the Holy Sepculer Group falls within the Western Lieutenancy, of the USA, which encompasses the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino. There are nine (9) regions within the USA. St Joseph AACC Knights and Dames began during the tenure of Sir Msgr Labib Kobti. Sir Jala and Dame Nelly Rabadi are the first couples, from St Joseph AACC, to be ordained, followed by other amazing Parish couples.
One of the projects our group is involved in is the Our Lady Queen of Palestine Project (OLQP). "ts a way for us as Knights and Dames of the Order to engage ourselves in the work and service of our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land and bring awareness of the great needs of the Mission of QLQP" said Raida Sayegh, and especially serving the children. Some of the past projects St Joseph AACC Knights & Dames contributed to;
2012-2013, Backpacks filled with school supplies, for North/South Zarqa Catholic Schools.
2013-2014, St Vincent Ain Karim, built a parking lot in front of their special needs home
2014-2015, Provided outdoor equipment, games, sporting gear, and after school activities for North/South Zarqa Catholic Schools
2015-2016, Helped refugees, with housing & other needs, being housed at the Our Lady of Peace Center, Amman, Jordan
2016-2017, Built residence for families to be able to spend time with their loved ones, St. Vincent Air Karem
2017-2018, contributed to the Holy Child program to help with their operating Expenses
2018-2019, Hogar Nino Dios (on-going)
Our Knights & Dames
Membership of the order is by invitation only, to practicing Catholic men and women – laity and clergy – of good standing, minimum age of 25 years, and who have distinguished themselves by concern for the Christians of the Holy Land.
You have to be nominated by two active members of the order. The request of nomination has to be approved by the parish priest and the archbishop of the diocese you reside in. Once approved, and all forms completed, will be sent for the final seal and approval from the Vatican in Rome.
The nominees will be invested in a special mass celebration at the annual meeting of the order, normally, held in the last weekend of September/October of every year.
Please reach out to Majida Shaehadeh at (951) 743-5795