Bishop Gregory Parkes celebrated Mass on June 27th for members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem during their yearly gathering for the southeast (SE) United States. They met at the JW Marriott hotel in downtown Tampa to discuss their plans, induct new members, and promote established members to higher ranks. What unites these Catholic men and women is their concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ struggling in Jerusalem. 

The Order was originally founded during the medieval Crusades to protect and defend vulnerable Christians in a land they saw as sanctified by the footsteps of God.  Yet over time, they transitioned their defense from weapons to prayers and donations. 

When asked to define their Order in one sentence, a member moving up in Rank, Bob Eggleston from Yulee, FL, said, “It’s a spiritual order that’s focused on acts of mercy and charity." 

Another member, Bernard Wolff from Orlando, FL, said that the Order has morphed into “one of the oldest charitable organizations in the world.”  

With 30,000 members globally, the Order funds important institutions in the Holy Land, such as orphanages, hospitals, parishes, schools, and Christian heritage sites. 

Patti Dohn, a member from Palm Beach, FL, said that the Christian population of the Holy Land is approximately one percent, and the Order desires to keep Christians in the Church’s motherland. 

“Without our support, so many of the Christian institutions could not survive,” said Dohn.

Dr. John Hamill Jr. from St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, in Tarpon Springs, who was moving up in Rank within the Order on Friday, said, “I feel very strongly that this Order has done a lot to enhance the Church. Catholics in the world need to step up and support this area.” 

With this background in mind, Bishop Parkes fittingly spoke in his homily about the Sacred Heart of Jesus and His tender love for humanity. 

“God’s love is embodied, concrete, and personable – Jesus loves with a human heart,” said Bishop Parkes.

Members of the Order see Jesus in those in the Holy Land in the 21st century.  This is why Bishop Parkes stated:  "My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, thank you for your prayers, and for the work and ministry that you do in supporting our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land.” 

Recently, Bishop Parkes spoke on this and other topics with John Morris at Spirit FM. To listen to that interview, click here.