NEWSLETTER MMXX 1st QUARTER THE EQUESTRIAN ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE OF JERUSALEM Lieutenancy of

This Issue ….. Update Corona virus and restrictions

Update Corona virus and restrictions ……………………………………. 1 This update was received from Sami El-Yousef These Testing Times …………………………………………………………….... 2 Chief Executive Officer Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem to Leonardo Visconti di Relics of St Therese and Sts Louis and Zelie Martin ………..……… 3 Modrone

Lieutenants 2019 Year in Review ……………………………………………. 4 Greetings from Jerusalem. I know the situation in Italy is very bad in relation to 2020 Calendar —SAVE THE DATES …………………………………………. 5 the Coronavirus as more restrictions and lockdowns were announced. Our prayers Our Lady Queen of Palestine …………………………………..…………….. 5 are with you all during these difficult times. To the Lieutenants and Magistral Delegates—EOHSJ Projects .. 6 Likewise here, I feel an obligation to keep you updated about recent developments. NEWS FLASH! …………………………………………………………………………. 7 On Friday the Palestinian Authority declared a state of emergency for 30 days New Grand Master! ……………………………………………………………….. 7 since a few cases were confirmed in a hotel in Beit Jala (very close to the Knight Marco Celon’s Orientation Book……………………..………….. 7 seminary). This meant that all educational institutions including all schools and Sainthood journey set to begin for Eileen O'Connor ……………… 7 universities, mosques and churches are closed for 30 days. Bethlehem was placed under lockdown meaning no one can enter or leave and all 8,000 tourists in various Vale Emeritus KC*HS …………………. 8 hotels ordered to leave immediately. Seminary was shut down and students Coronavirus: A Prayer for Medical Scientists ………………………….. 8 returned to Jordan for fear of closing borders. Bethlehem University was Prayers From Emeritus Peter Elliott ……………………..…….. 9 immediately shut down as one of the confirmed cases is a student there. All Bishop Patrick O’Regan new Archbishop of Adelaide …,….……. 11 conferences were cancelled. You can imagine the panic and hysteria that followed. The immediate impact on us is that none of our 12 staff who reside in Bethlehem remember our deceased members ……………………………...……... 12 will be able to report to work in Jerusalem until the emergency is lifted. We are On Facebook ……………………………………………………………………..... 12 having a planning meeting tomorrow in order to put an emergency plan to cope The EOHSJ Annual magazine and Newsletter 54 …………..….…. 12 with the situation. We will extend electronic access to some to enable them to

Featured website - Sacred Places ………………………………….…..… 12 work from home. You can imagine the psychological impact on families having to deal with all this. Also Archbishop Pizzaballa remains in quarantine till Friday as Pilgrimage to the Holy Lands 2020 …………………………...…………. 12 mandated having returned from Italy recently. He is well and this is merely a Some Internet Links ……………………...... ….....… 13 precautionary measure.

Victorian Council Members ……..…...... …...... 13 As for Israel, there is no panic mode yet as they are more accustomed to deal with Magazines and Newsletters ………………………………….…...……….. 13 emergencies. However, most international flights have been cancelled and arrival Stay firm in faith and seek St Joseph’s intercession: Francis .. 13 from many countries will lead to immediate quarantine. Over 100,000 people are

Lieutenancies of ….…...... ……...… 14 in self quarantine now. There are rumors that Israel may go into lockdown soon but that is still under consideration. Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Report..…………….……….....…...14

Jordan is more sane as there was one case only and the situation contained. But the schools in both Jordan and Palestine are considering starting offering online classes wherever possible. The new software Edunation we adopted this year lends itself to such a platform.

Editor: Nick de Weger KCHS With this update, I wanted to shed more light on the day to day difficulties and again advise against any pilgrimage at the present time. It will be a horrible Mob 0413 239 717 experience if they eventually make it.

Email: [email protected] I will be writing some reflections soon that can be shared with the lieutenants. In 4 Bradley Place, the meantime, you can circulate as much information as need be to ensure no one is put in harms way. Vic 3820 United in prayer for a healthier and safer world.

Regards,

Sami El-Yousef Chief Executive Officer Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

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These Testing Times

Dear Knights & Dames,

I hope this newsletter finds you all well. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak continues to impact every aspect of our daily lives. It is really difficult for all of us and especially our Ecclesiastical Knights to see our Churches closed to protect our congregations and the community at large.

There are still ways to connect and grow your faith at home. The Archdiocese of is providing us with a shortlist of online resources. This will keep us connected and inspired in our faith and will be constantly updated Please copy the link below and you will find some inspiring sites that can assist you. https:// melbournecatholic.org.au/News/grow-your-faith-at-home The website has live streaming of masses from various parishes. I would like to thank Emeritus Bishop Peter Elliott, KC*HS, our Ecclesiastical Master of Ceremonies, who has provided us with a very extensive list of prayers.

We need to continue to pray for each other and the wider local and global community who are impacted by this virus. We need to remember our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land who have been impacted significantly by the virus. The Grand Magisterium has committed additional funding to support them in this difficult time.

As you know from my letter earlier this month we have to postpone our EOHSJ Information Night for potential new members. Please continue to engage with potential members and please share this newsletter with them. We had to cancel our April Mass and postpone our AGM. Our next Mass is scheduled for 1 June and at this stage it is too difficult to give you an indication whether this will go ahead.

As I highlighted in my letter to you earlier this month our Grand Prior, Archbishop Comensoli, KC*HS has encouraged us to get creative with the ways that we reach out to others in our community. Please take the time to reach out to each other and check how your fellow Knights and Dames are coping. On Friday night I had a great chat with Knight Max Potter. As always he was is good spirits and with his wife Val is self-isolating at home. Max was telling me about his daughter and the fact she had spent many hours that day working as a nurse in one of our hospitals. We need to pray for all the medical staff who are working with under great pressure to support our community.

Archbishop Peter advises that at this time of uncertainty, the people of God in Melbourne and beyond are invited to lead the way in loving and caring for each other and for the vulnerable people in our communities (while maintaining social distancing). He reminds us that it will be our actions and our prayers that will get us through these difficult times. “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are my members of my family you did to me.” Matt 25: 40 NRSV

Our Grand Prior, Archbishop Peter will be saying Sunday Mass from St Patrick’s Cathedral and it will be available online (live streaming) at 11am each Sunday while we are all unable to attend mass. If you would like to join Archbishop Peter next Sunday then please go to the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne website and go to the Mass online link.

In Sunday’s homily Archbishop Peter referenced a quotation and prayer from . I would like to share these with you. Pope Francis said: “Now is not the time of God’s judgement, but of our judgement: a time to choose what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not.” Pope Francis offered at the end of his meditation on Friday night the following prayer and Archbishop Peter invites us to make this prayer our own : “Dear brothers and sisters, I would like this evening to entrust all of you to the Lord, through the intercession of Mary, Health of the People and Star of the stormy sea. You ask us not to be afraid. Yet our faith is weak and we are fearful. But you, Lord, will not leave us to the mercy of this storm.”

I hope all of you remain safe and may God bless all of you during this challenging time.

Warmest best wishes,

Agnes Sheehan, DCHS Lieutenant

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Relics of St Therese and Sts Louis and Zelie Martin bringing graces to Brisbane

Eternal prayer: Hun- dreds of Brisbane Catholics visit the saintly family’s reli- quaries exhibited in front of the Little Flower’s round win- dow atop the left transept door at St Stephen’s Cathe- dral. Two people place their hands on the glass, praying with the relics of the saints. Photo: Joe Higgins Story by Joe Higgins, Feb 12, 2020

THEIR hands pressed to the reliquary glass-casing and eyes shut in silent prayer, thousands of Brisbane Catholics took a few moments to pray with the relics of St Therese of Lisieux and her parents Sts Zelie and Louis Martin as they pilgrimaged around the archdiocese last week. It was the first time Sts Zelie’s and Louis’ relics had visited the Sunshine State and the first time in 18 years that St Therese’s had been here; the pilgrimage aligned with the recent success of Australia’s prayer campaign for rain. The relics’ first Brisbane stop was in Coorparoo to the Mt Carmel parish in the care of the Carmelites. St Therese was a Carmelite religious sister in life. Coorparoo relics organising committee chair John Clarke said the visit was a great opportunity to showcase the con- templation and hospitality the Carmelites were known for. Mr Clarke saw about 300 people visit the relics at Coorparoo. “I think there were some people who absolutely loved St Therese, and really relate to the ordinariness her story ex- emplifies,” he said. “I think the ability to remind ourselves it’s the ordinariness that she represents that we can all aspire to – doing the ordinary extraordinarily well.” Mr Clarke said having her parents there too showed it was the influence of the parents in the ordinary that allowed someone like St Therese “to be the person she was”. After Coorparoo, the relics journeyed to Springfield parish for the day. Springfield parish priest Fr Mauro Conte said it was a “moment of renewal”. “We saw a lot of people from different parishes, people we’ve never seen before at churches or the parish, just pop- ping in. “I’m sure the visit of the relics has touched many lives and lifted many hearts.” It held a unique significance for the two-year-old Our Lady of the Southern Cross Church, which consecrated its altar with a relic of St Therese. “We are very thankful that we got to be a part of this,” he said. The relics went to Mary Immaculate Church, Annerley for the following night. The young women’s group at Annerley, Flores Teresianes (flowers of Therese), cherished the moment with the rel- ics of their namesake, the Little Flower. Flores member Bernadette Tomlin said a group of the Flores women held roses and lined the aisle as the relics ar- rived. “We were able to put the roses around the relics and spent time praying with her (St Therese),” she said. “It was lovely so many of (the Flores women) were able to be present.” During her own personal prayer with the relics, she reached out to put her hands on the reliquary and said she had “goose bumps”. “This feeling came over me of great grace and, yeah, she definitely works very powerfully for the ladies over the years. “It’s not an easy thing to start up a group of women in their 20s and 30s… and St Therese has definitely been a big part of helping that happen smoothly and successfully.” Ms Tomlin said she did not get a chance to see the relics last time they were in Brisbane, and so she said she had been counting down the days like a “little kid before Christmas”. “It was such a special grace to see them,” she said. Annerley-Ekibin parish sacramental co-ordinator Teresa Martin – with no relation to St Therese Martin, named in- stead after St Teresa of Avila – saw the relics with her daughter and twin grandsons. “The opportunity to venerate them was something many never experience in their lifetime, and to have two opportu- nities to see St Therese’s relics in my lifetime is amazing and humbling,” she said. Having the Flores ladies there was also “inspiring” to her.

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Relics of St Therese (Cont) Lieutenants 2019 Year in Review

“The passing-on of the Catholic faith is in good hands Masses and Rosary & Save the Dates for with these young women – and that is very encouraging 2020: to those of us who are in an older age bracket,” she said. During the year we have had bi-monthly She said she had no personal expectation about how Mass and Rosary, followed by light refresh- she would feel in the presence of the relics. ments and this has supported the Knights and But, as she caught her first glimpse of the reliquary of Dames in our mission of Faith and Works. In St Therese, she said she involuntarily caught her December we acknowledged and celebrated breath and “my hand went to my heart”. “I had an actual physical feeling about St Therese’s the contribution that Knight Michael Howard and Knight presence as her relics passed by,” she said. Maurice Fanning have given to the members. Knight Mau- “I don’t recall having that feeling when I venerated her rice Fanning served as our secretary for over 4.5 years and relics when they last visited Australia, so it was very Knight Michael Howard served 3 Lieutenants as Treasurer. unexpected.” They have generously given their time and talents in the Last weekend saw hundreds of Catholics visit the saint- service of the order and we are all very grateful to them. ly family’s reliquaries exhibited in front of the Little Flower’s round window atop the northern transept door We are blessed to have access to St Peter’s Church, Toorak at St Stephen’s Cathedral. and the Parish Centre of St Peter’s. On behalf of the mem- In his homily at a Mass last Saturday in the presence of bership I would like to acknowledge the generosity and hos- the relics, Brisbane Auxiliary Bishop Ken Howell said St pitality of Parish Priest, Fr Brendan Hayes KCHS and his staff Therese was born of a love story between two saints. Frank and Madeline who kindly provide us with access to “What a marvellous gift they are to the Church that they these wonderful facilities for our gatherings. have been canonised as a couple, which reflects that deep and abiding truth that the couple indeed become I have provided a save the date outline below and I would be one in the love of married life,” he said. grateful if you could please add these dates to your diary. He said some might be inclined to think Sts Louis and Please note we are also proposing an Annual Dinner and a Zelie were canonised because they parented a Doctor barbecue and mass at the Franciscan Friars in Box Hill. More of the Church, or because five of their daughters en- tered religious life. details will be provided later in 2020. “This is indeed significant, but for me, there is some- Information Night 2020: POSTPONED thing noteworthy in the fact that four of their children died in infancy,” Bishop Howell said. The date March 23th 2020 was postponed due to the Corona “To lose a child is an incredible pain, but to lose four Virus. tells us of broken hearts and intense pain. “This leads me to something from faith that tells me that We will have our Information Night for people interested in their holiness has been firmly founded on the mystery finding out about the EOHSJ on another date this year prob- of the Cross… for to be able to endure such sadness ably at St Peter’s Parish Centre, Toorak. I would be grateful and the questioning that accompanies it, speaks of if you could please continue to engage your family members, things that only faith will be able to give to bear this friends and parishioners who are actively involved in the loss. in a discussion about the Order. They are “Even more profound is the fact that their marital com- always welcome to our bi-monthly masses as well. mitment meant that they must undergo this journey to- gether – as ‘one’, while still coping with their own indi- The Palm Sunday procession in Canberra in 2020 has been vidual suffering. cancelled due to the Corona Virus and travel restrictions. “This is the mystery of faith…” Bishop Howell said the presence of the remains of the We are considering having an mass and event to support our saints reminded how life was to be lived if we intended Tasmanian Section in 2020 and more details will follow. on doing God’s will and wanted to know God more each day. 2021 National Retreat in Melbourne The relics continued their pilgrimage around Brisbane I have committed on your behalf to run the 2021 National archdiocese, but were scheduled to leave on Saturday, Retreat in Melbourne. Knight John Parkes has volunteered February 15. to chair a sub-committee to start organising for this event. If you are interested in getting involved in supporting this event and the order please contact Knight John Parkes via email [email protected].

The following notice was published in the Herald Sun: The Knights and Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusa- lem (EOHSJ) Victoria, are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Knight Greg Walters KHS, Chairman of the Don Bosco Youth Centre and Foundation in Brunswick, and respected member of our Order. We express our deepest sympathy to his wife Elaine and family. May he rest in peace.

Lieutenant Agnes Sheehan DCHS

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2020 Calendar —SAVE THE DATES: Please add these dates to your diary.

Postponed: Monday, 23 March 2020, 7.00pm Information Night for prospective members at St. Pe- ter's, Parish Centre, 583 Toorak Road, Toorak. Cancelled: Sunday, 6 April, Palm Sunday Procession and Mass with NSW Lieutenancy at Canberra Ca- thedral, Manuka. Dinner on 4 April location TBC, most likely the Commonwealth Club Cancelled: Monday, 20 April, 6:00pm Mass, Rosary, AGM and Social at St Peter’s Parish Centre, 583 Toorak Road, Toorak Monday, 1 June 2020, 6:00pm Mass, Rosary and Social at St Peter’s Parish Centre, 583 Toorak Road, Toorak Monday 3, August 2020, 6.00pm Mass and Rosary at St Peter’s Catholic Church, 581 Toorak Road, Toorak and Social at St Peter’s Parish Centre, 583 Toorak Road, Toorak Saturday 17 October 2020 - Chapter Meeting and Vigil - 9.30am

Sunday 18 October 2020 - Investiture Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral - 11am and Lunch at 12.45pm at the Athenaeum Club on 87 Collins Street, Melbourne 25 October is feast-day of Our Lady Queen of Palestine.

Monday, 7 December: 6.00pm Mass and Rosary at St Peter’s Catholic Church, 581 Toorak Road, Toorak and Social at St Peter’s Parish Centre, 583 Toorak Road, Toorak

Our Lady Queen of Palestine

It is with great joy that the Feast of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Palestine, is celebrated in all the Lieutenancies of the Equestrian Order around 25 October – the exact date of the Feast according to the liturgical calendar. It was Patriarch Luigi Barlassina (1920-1947), on the occasion of his solemn entry into the Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre on 15 July 1920, and the consecration of the diocese to Mary, who invoked the title of “Queen of Palestine” for the first time. The special relationship of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Palestine with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepul- chre dates back to the pontificate of John Paul II. In 1983, 50 years after the institution of the Feast, Saint John Paul II– addressing the Knights and Dames of the Lieutenancies of Northern and Central Italy – urged them to be witnesses of Christ in everyday life and to continue the work of the Order in the Holy Land under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Ten years later, in 1993, the then Grand Master of the Order, Cardinal Giuseppe Caprio, asked Saint John Paul II to declare of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Palestine, Patroness of the Order. The Holy Father replied on 21 January 1994 by a decree granting the request. PRAYING MARY FOR PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND Our Lady, Queen of Palestine, extend your hand over the Holy Land and over all who live there: Jews, Muslims, Druze and Christians, Palestinians, Israelis, migrant workers and refugees. Our Lady, intercede for us all and especially for the Church, the Body of your Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord. We have been sent to preach Good News to all in the land that is yours and His, the land of the patriarchs, kings, prophets, apostles and of the first community formed to walk in the way of your Son, the Mother Church of Jerusalem. This mission needs the courage and the perseverance, the wisdom and the faith that were yours, pray for us. On your knees He, who was your Lord and Master, learnt to speak and to pray, to act and to obey. We ask you to teach us to speak and to pray, to act and to obey today in the land called to be holy. In the midst of war and hatred, walls, occupation and discrimination, fear and rejection, instruct us how to be instruments of justice and peace, pardon and reconciliation. We affirm with you that he is our peace. Show us the way to incarnate in our life as Church both fidelity to your Son and an embracing love for all in this land, especially for those who are the poorest and the most excluded, the homeless, the refugees, the prisoners, those who are maltreated, oppressed and are vic- tims of injustice. Our Lady, Queen of Palestine, you are our mother, given to us by your Son on the Cross. With you, we are called to be witnesses to the Resurrection that already heralds His Kingdom. Modeling ourselves on you, we ask Him to anoint us as Spirit filled proclaimers of the Good News that He has vanquished death by His death on the Cross and has given life to those in the tombs. May we, members of His Body the Church, be living signs that point to the Kingdom that is already among us. Amen. Mother Mary, Queen of Palestine, pray for us.

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To the Lieutenants and Magistral Delegates—EOHSJ Projects

I follow up on my previous circular letter of 6 February to make a further es, support for families, appeal to your generosity, to support the huge effort that the Order has health care, medicines), 3 additional ones, of particular urgency, have been assumed in support of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem for the current added up: help to year. Christians living in East Jerusalem, assistance to Iraqi refugees, creation of In particular, below you will find a complete and updated overview of the working opportunities projects and programs to be financed -in addition to the institutional ex- for young Christians in Gaza. penses and schools operation - so that each of you can adopt a pondered choice of his contributions. 6) Pastoral activities (see LPJ report Pastoral Support Program by clicking on the small PDF icon 1) Small projects proposed to the Lieutenancies under the (published on the Grand Magisterium www.projects.oessh.va website since name of the project in the www.projects.oessh.va website) February 7). These projects are highly recommended by the Patriarchate in The Grand Magisterium will contribute US $ 341,000 to expenses for pasto- order to respond to the needs of the Christian communities throughout the ral initiatives. territory. Some of you have already signed up your own commitment on the These activities take care in particular of spiritual assistance to young Chris- website www.projects.oessh.va respecting the limit of one project for each tians, scouts, summer Lieutenancy. From today until mid-April 2020, that limit is removed, so to camps, Sunday schools, liturgical celebrations, assistance to Christian pris- ensure the financing of the maximum number of projects not yet booked - oners and immigrants and always within 10% of the amounts sent to the Grand Magisterium the previ- the Patriarchate’s central Liturgical Office. ous year. Immediately after that term the definitive list of small projects For the categories of financial intervention from point 2 to 6 there is no financed by the Lieutenancies for the current year will be sent to the Patri- limit in number of archate and the funds will have to be transferred to the Grand Magisterium projects or programs chosen by each Lieutenancy or minimum value of each within the end of June, for their remittance to the Holy Land. subscription, as even minor contributions, once they are put together, can ensure the realization 2) Completion of the Jubeiha church in Jordan (see LPJ Project proposals GA of important activities. 072/ 16-01, GA 072/ 16-02, GA 072/ 16-03 by clicking on From all stated above, it can be easily appreciated the size of the outstand- the small PDF icon under the name of each project in the ing effort that our www.projects.oessh.va website). It is expected that the works will be com- Order intends to make this year in support of the Latin Patriarchate - to pleted by next June and the church inaugurated in July. The Grand Magiste- meet the needs of our rium will have to pay Jordan Dinar 254,954 ( € 319,950) in the current year brothers and sisters in the Holy Land - by confidently relying on the gener- for the completion of the building, plus JOD 44,080 (€ 55,350) for the furni- ous dedication of each of ture and JOD 23,500 (€ 29,490) for the installation of the glass windows. you to the Order. I renew the expression of my highest consideration to each of you and I 3) New big building projects send you my most (see LPJ Project proposals GA 241/20, GA 242/20, GA 204/19, GA 203/19 by cordial greetings. clicking on the small PDF icon under the name of each project in the www.projects.oessh.va website). Four new projects - exceeding US $ 70,000 Leonardo Visconti di Modrone - were agreed with the Patriarchate at the end of last January to amend Governor General situations of danger or intolerable from the hygienic point of view. They are concerned with: • structural consolidation of the parish building of Nablus Rafidia, Palestine (US $ 97,298). • building a new nunnery in Hashimi, Jordan (US $ 213,674). • restoration of the nunnery in Marqa, Jordan (US $ 140,325). • building a new nunnery in Beit Jala, Palestine (U$ 130,410)

4) Adjustment of teachers’ economic treatment (see 2016 Budget Remarks by clicking on the small PDF icon under the name of the project in the www.projects.oessh.va website) The latest installment of the program, agreed in 2016 with the Patriarchate to align the salaries of teachers of our schools to market levels, amounts to an outlay of 1.3 million US $ and around 60% of it will be used for salaries in Jordan - where the government has recently given public school teachers a sharp salary increase - while the rest will be used to increase the severance fund for teachers in Palestine.

5) Humanitarian aid (see LPJ report Humanitarian and Emergency Relief Aid Fund by clicking on the small PDF icon under the name of the project in the www.projects.oessh.va website) The Grand Magisterium has committed itself to pay US $ 650,000 for the current year. In this field, to the usual 4 assistance programs (school and university expens-

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NEWS FLASH!

Our Lieutenancy has been selected to hold Sainthood journey set to begin for Eileen O'Connor

the next National Conference in 2021. The official ceremony to mark the formal opening of the cause for Australia’s second Our Victorian Lieutenancy has the Order’s saint will take place in lapel pins for sale for members who wish them @ $40ea. tomorrow. Source: Sydney Contact Angelo Pardo [email protected] Archdiocese.

More than 1000 people are expected to flock to St Mary’s Cathedral for the Mass and canonical ceremony in which New Grand Master! members of the commission that will oversee the cause of beatification and canonisation of Eileen O’Connor will be By decision of the Holy Fat- publicly appointed. her, His Eminence Cardinal Fernando Filoni has been It comes after Sydney Archbishop OP issued appointed Grand Master of an edict late last year, requesting anyone with “useful in- the Order of the Holy Sepul- formation” to come forward to assist Church authorities in chre starting this December to consider Ms O’Connor’s cause. 8 2019, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. We Fr Anthony Robbie, who was appointed as postulator in publish below the official 2018 and is based in Rome, will also attend the ceremony communiqué of His Eminen- and concelebrate the Mass with Archbishop Fisher. ce Cardinal Edwin O'Brien, Grand Master of the Order Eileen O’Connor is revered for having co-founded Our La- since 2012, who concludes dy’s Nurses for the Poor, a religious order committed to his mandate a few months after reaching the age of 80. nursing the sick and poor in their homes around Sydney’s “It is with complete accep- inner suburbs. tance and appreciation that I Ms O’Connor died aged 28 after spending most of her life welcome the decision of Pope Francis to replace me as Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the confined to a wheelchair due a debilitating condition Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. I am especially pleased that His Holiness has known as tuberculosis osteomyelitis. appointed His Eminence Fernando Cardinal Filoni as my successor. I have been privileged well beyond the time of my letter of resignation, Archbishop Fisher said Ms O’Connor made her challenges submitted over five years ago. Throughout my more than eight years as into opportunities, inspiring and calling other women to be Grand Master, my personal faith and love of our Church have deepened as devoted to the care of the sick and the dying poor. I have witnessed our members’ commitment to the goals of our Order, expressed in different cultures and languages, all profoundly Catholic! “The legacy of Eileen’s ministry of service to the sick poor I am most grateful to the two Governors General with whom I have ser- continues today in the work of the Sisters in Sydney, New- ved, Their Excellencies, Professor Agostino Borromeo and Ambassador castle and Macquarie Fields as well as through the Brown Leonardo Visconti di Modrone. Our collaborators in the Grand Magiste- Nurses based in Glebe,” Archbishop Fisher said. rium and the daily, dedicated service of our office staff largely account for the steady growth of our Order. Their commitment to our lieutenancies As the person charged with guiding the cause through the and to the mission of the Latin Patriarchate has been unwavering. rigorous process for recognising a person as a saint, Fr Rob- Finally, I welcome His Eminence, Cardinal Filoni as Our Grand Master. His bie is now seeking further information from the people of long and broad pastoral and administrative experience in service to the Sydney on Eileen’s “life, virtues and reputation of holiness”. 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 “Always thinking of others in need despite her own severe intercession of Our Lady of Palestine.” hardships, Eileen is an outstanding role model for today’s Other information about our new Grand Master was emailed earlier, in the Australian youth and continues to inspire others to serve Queensland Newsletter. the poor and the outcast, nearly 100 years after her death,”

Fr Robbie said.

Knight Marco Celon’s Orientation Book FULL STORY Formal Opening of Cause for Sainthood for Eileen O'Con- Bulk orders through Marco of his book will only cost $30, otherwise indi- nor (Sydney Archdiocese) vidual orders could cost $68. The book is undergoing updates at present.

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Vale—Emeritus Archbishop Coronavirus: A Prayer for Medical John Bathersby KC*HS Scientists

Emeritus Archbishop John Bathersby KC*HS and Queensland Prior of Hon- our passed away in Brisbane. He was the sixth archbishop of the Archdio- cese of Brisbane, serving from 1991 until his retirement in 2011. He was 83. HIS contemporary priests and legions of Catholic faithful across Queens- land remember Brisbane Archbishop John Bathersby – Bats – as he was fondly known – as humble, pastoral and caring, and with a natural and positive outlook on life. “He was one of the greatest blokes you’d ever meet,” re- tired Brisbane priest Fr Peter Gillam said. God of wisdom, “He was friendly, he had a great sense of humour… it’s hard Bless medical scientists and researchers around the to put into words.” world As a man from Toowoomba, who became Bishop of Cairns… he had a very lovely connection with the whole of With insight and skill, dedication and fortitude, Queensland. As they combat coronavirus, Archbishop’s body was taken to St Stephen’s Chapel. So that their work yields knowledge and understand- Leaders together: Archbishop Coleridge touches the coffin ing, of Archbishop John Bathersby after a simple ceremony to Speedily finding a vaccine, treatments and deterrents welcome his body to St Stephen’s Chapel. to its spread. Photo: Emilie Ng

Source of life, Grant public health and government officials The strength to act swiftly and decisively, With compassion and understanding, Archbishop Bathersby’s remains were taken into St Ste- In service to humankind, phen’s Chapel on March 11 for the people of Brisbane “to Fighting this outbreak surround him with prayer”. And the other diseases that still plague the planet, Family, friends, and staff and priests of the Archdiocese of Diseases threatening the lives of our brothers and sis- Brisbane formed a guard of honour as pallbearers carried ters, the Archbishop’s coffin into the chapel. Nations and communities, Brisbane Archbishop said many important figures had entered St Stephen’s Chapel to pray, including Young and old. Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. “Here we bring the body of John Bathersby and his story, Rock of Ages, and set it in this chapel as a way of recognising the extraor- Bring an end to disease and suffering, dinary story of John Bathersby, who was so intimately and So that all may know permanently part of the story of God’s people in this part of the world, and indeed throughout the world,” Archbish- Your compassion and Your grace. op Coleridge said.

“So we take his story and we bury it as it were in the story Praised are You, God, healer of flesh, maker of won- of the Church that he so loved.” ders. Archbishop Bathersby’s remains will be lying in repose in- side St Stephen’s Chapel until his funeral at the Cathedral © 2020 Alden Solovy and tobendlight.com. All rights reserved. (HANDY FOR ALL TYPES OF PRAYERS) on March 16.

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Prayers From Emeritus Bishop Prayers From Emeritus Bishop Peter Elliott Peter Elliott

PRAYERS IN TIME OF A PANDEMIC For those who govern and represent us The early Christians prayed in the church of the home. Once Eternal Wisdom, guide our leaders called to serve us in our more, in troubled times when public worship has to be re- nation and its States. May they respond to the challenges of stricted, we are called to pray in “the domestic church”, this affliction with prudence and sound judgement. With always aware of the promise of Jesus, “Where two or three foresight, may their planning alleviate the economic bur- are gathered in my name, there I am among dens, compensate for losses, protect employment and en- them.” (Matthew 18:20). sure ample food for the poor and isolated.

In this challenging time For humility Lord Jesus Christ, our true physician and healer, be merciful Merciful Lord we stand before you in our human weakness. to us and bring us your aid in these troubled times. Heal all our sickness and every affliction of your people. We confess that we have been caught up in the pride and presumption that drives our worldly society. Free us from Drive out our infirmities of soul and body; free us from all the arrogance that afflicts our age, for now we stand con- disease and especially from this pestilence. founded by conditions beyond our control or understand- We place in your gentle Heart the elderly, the frail, people ing. with disability, children, young people and families, our Give us humble and honest hearts to discern the greater indigenous peoples, those who are poor, lonely and isolat- mystery of your providence in creation. May we accept your ed. As you walk with us, free them from fear, and give them justice and trust your redeeming mercy. patience and hope together with our loving care. n your mercy deal also with the causes of our pitiful condi- tion, that in curing our lack of faith and spiritual weakness, Some Scripture readings you may also remedy our bodily ills. A plea for divine protection, Psalm 90, Sunday Compline II. We place our trust in you, the risen Lord, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. The call of his Heart, Matthew 11: 25-30 A healing day with Jesus at Capernaum, Luke 4:38-44

Children of God, Romans 8: 14-17 For those who care for the sick Salvation and suffering, 1 Peter 1:3-9 Father of mercies, we thank you for all who care for the sick. The promise - a new heaven and a new earth, Revelation 21: 1-7 When they diagnose, give them patience.

When they protect the vulnerable, give them your protec- tion. Sub Tuum When they work to heal, give them strength. This short prayer to Our Lady has been prayed by Christians When they comfort, give them consolation. in troubled times since the third century. When they are tired, give them rest. We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our hour of need, but deliver us always When they are discouraged, bring them your hope. from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin Mary. Amen May we welcome and respect them as we support one an- other in this time of trial. Our Lady of Good Health

rayer from the shrine of Our Lady of Good Health, Church of For those seeking a cure for the virus la Maddalena and tomb of Saint Camillus, Rome. ome, Holy Spirit, enlighten the minds of women and men of Mother of Mercy, Our Lady of Good Health, in visiting St medical science who are working to find a solution to this Elizabeth and in watching at the foot of the Cross of your viral infection. Guide their research and help them discover suffering Son, you showed your solidarity with suffering what you provide in creation, sure ways of control, protec- humanity. Hear the prayer of all your infirm children who tion, inoculation and healing. Strengthen them in their tir- come to you with the certainty of finding a Mother who ing work and enrich in them the virtue of hope. welcomes, heals and comforts them.

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Prayers From Emeritus Bishop Prayers From Emeritus Bishop Peter Elliott Peter Elliott

Saint Camillus de Lellis, pray for us. Mother of our Saviour and our Mother, hear the intentions Saint Louise de Marillac, pray for us. that we entrust to your intercession: heal our illnesses, transform our tears into prayer and our sufferings into mo- Saint Jeanne Jugan, pray for us. ments of growth, change our loneliness into contemplation Saint Damien of Molokai, pray for us. and our waiting into hope, assist us in our final hours and transform our death into resurrection. Amen. Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us. Saint Teresa of Kolcata, pray for us.

Our Lady of Valainkanni At the great Marian shrine of Valainkanni in India, every When you cannot come to Mass day thousands of pilgrims of all faiths seek the healing in- Take the missal or weekly bulletin and read the Scriptures tercession of their beloved Mother. We make their prayers provided in the Liturgy of the Word for the day. Reflect si- our own. lently on the readings. You may also choose to offer inter- Radiant Queen, our gentle Mother of mercy and compas- cession in the Prayer of the Faithful. Read the Rite of Com- sion, look kindly on your children who seek your help and munion and then use this prayer or some other appropriate consolation in these times. Pray for our protection and words to welcome Jesus Christ spiritually. healing, for patience, perseverance in suffering, and con- formity to God’s Will. An Act of Spiritual Communion

At this time, we cannot receive you Lord Jesus sacramental- A Litany of Saints of Mercy ly in the Eucharist. Help us to welcome you spiritually as we n the communion of saints, at this time we are surrounded wait for the day when your saving Sacrifice will be offered by many unseen friends. Let us confidently invoke the Saints and the divine Banquet will be spread in our churches once and Angels for the healing and health of those who are in- more. fected and for protection from the virus. You are the Lamb of God who take away the sins of the world. Blessed are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb. Mary, Health of the Sick, pray for us. Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof. Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted, pray for us. But only say the word and my soul shall be healed. Mary Immaculate of Lourdes, pray for us. My Jesus, come to me. I long for you; let me always be at Saint Michael the Archangel, pray for us. one with you. Saint Raphael the Archangel, pray for us. Come, Lord Jesus! Welcome, Eucharistic Lord. Welcome my Saviour and my God. Saint Joseph, pray for us. Lord I believe. Lord, I welcome, Lord I receive. My Lord! I Saint Dymphna, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us. thank you for the grace I receive in these moments. Silent Saint Blaise, Bishop, pray for us. prayer of gratitude. Saint Edmund, King and Martyr, pray for us. Saint Peregrine Laziosi, pray for us. Saint Juliana Falconieri, pray for us. Saint Margaret of Castello, pray for us. Saint Lidwina, pray for us.

Saint Roch the hermit, pray for us.

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, pray for us. Saint John of God, pray for us. Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, pray for us. Saint Charles Borromeo, Cardinal, pray for us.

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Prayers From Emeritus Bishop Bishop O’Regan named Archbishop of Peter Elliott Adelaide

Lent and our journey to Easter This crisis came at the heart of Lent. As we journey to Easter in 2020, let us practise personal prayer, fasting and self- sacrifice, with generosity to the poor. PROJECT COMPAS- SION continues to need our support. Seek reconciliation through examination of conscience and acts of contrition. Daily prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours is recommended, with reflective meditation on the Stations of the Cross and the Mysteries of the Rosary. When the Holy Week ceremo- nies are restricted, read the appropriate texts of these rites in your missal on each sacred day. Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Patrick O’Regan, Bishop of the Diocese of Sale in Victoria, as the 12th For the faithful departed Archbishop of Adelaide. Source: ACBC. Bishop O’Regan said his appointment comes at a Be merciful, Lord Jesus, to all who have entered eternity critical moment for Catholics in Adelaide and across because of this virus. Comfort and strengthen their families the country. and friends and strengthen with the hope of your glorious Resurrection. “With Adelaide set to host the first assembly of the historic Fifth Plenary Council of Australia later this

year, this is an exciting time for the Archdiocese of Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and may light perpetual Adelaide,” he said. shine upon them. + May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen “I look forward to playing my part alongside the peo- Let nothing disturb you, ple of the Archdiocese in welcoming to Adelaide the Church from right across Australia.” Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing: Bishop O’Regan was born in Bathurst in 1958. He was educated at St Joseph’s Primary School in God alone is changeless. Perthville, the village in which he grew up, and at St Patience gains all things, Stanislaus’ College Bathurst. He undertook seminary training at St Columba’s College Springwood and St Who has God wants nothing. Patrick’s College Manly, and was ordained a priest God alone suffices. for the Diocese of Bathurst in 1983.

He was appointed Bishop of Sale in December 2014, St Teresa of Avila with his episcopal consecration in February 2015. He holds a licentiate in sacred liturgy and sacramental

theology from the Institut Catholique de Paris and is a Emeritus Bishop Peter Elliott DD member of the International Commission on English STD KC*HS in the Liturgy.

Bishop O’Regan succeeds Archbishop , who resigned as Archbishop of Adelaide in July 2018.

Ecclesiastical Master of Cere- Australian Catholic Conference president monies Archbishop Mark Coleridge said Bishop O’Regan has “shown himself to be a man of unusual gifts, one of which is his deep sense of pastoral care for the peo- ple entrusted to his care and another of which is his quirky sense of humour”.

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We Continue to remember our deceased Featured website - Sacred Places members:

Mr William Annersley KCHS Mr David Bourke KHS Dr Michael Bourke KHS Mr John Cahill KHS Mr Ron Casey AM MBE KHS Mr John D’Arcy KHS Mr Jack Darmody KHS Mr Chris de Fraga KHS Mr Frank Gannon KHS Mr Tom Hazell AO KHS Mr Robert Johnston KHS Mr Bryan Kelly KHS Sacred Destinations is an ecumenical guide to more than Mr Stephen Kennedy KHS 1,250 sacred sites, holy places, pilgrimage destinations, Mrs Joan Kiely DHS Br Paul McGlade CFC KHS religious architecture and sacred art in over 60 countries Mr John Pearson KCHS around the world. Mr David Powell KHS Fr Luciano Rocchi OFM Cap AM KCHS In addition to richly illustrated articles, there are photo Mr Ed Ryan KHS galleries containing over 24,000 high-quality images plus Mr Giovanni Santoli KHS detailed maps and lots of practical travel information. Mr Des Skehan KHS Mr Leo Smith KGCHS http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ Mrs Margaret Smith DHS Mr Richard Stone OAM KHS KSG Mr Bob Taranto KHS Pilgrimage to the Holy Lands 2020 Mr Greg Walters KHS Mr William Ward KHS Mr Geoffrey Whitaker KHS The Queensland Lieutenancy is planning a pilgrimage of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem for 2020 (Corona Virus per- On Facebook mitting).

It is a time that our members can visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and be granted the Pilgrims Shell by the Latin Patriarch. Members and their families and anyone else may join us.

We have made the decision to delay a definitive date for decision on the pilgrimage going ahead until May 2020. However we do anticipate that it may be delayed until 2021. We have advised potential pilgrims to not book airfares until we confirm, Thank you and God Bless.

Monica Thomson, DC*HS Lieutenant Australia Lieutenancy - Queensland For members wishing to communicating with others in a T: +61 (0)7 3343 5991 M: +61 (0) 416 022 616 closed group, checkout Face Book link: EMail [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/groups/208324002514868/?

The EOHSJ Newsletter “Jerusalem Cross”

The “Jerusalem Cross” Newsletter is available below. You can comfortably leaf through it on any electronical device. To download the pdf file, just click on the link http://www.oessh.va/content/ordineequestresantosepolcro/en/media/le-nostre- pubblicazioni.html and the “Ctrl” button on your keyboard simultaneously.

Items include: Reflections of the Grand Master, The Order in Union with the Universal Church, The Pope welcomes birth of a High Com- mittee for the Document on Human Fraternity, Proceedings of the Grand Magisterium, Msgr. Tommaso Caputo, new Assessor of the Order, The gratitude of Father John Bateman, former secretary of the Grand Master, The Life of the Lieutenancies, Young volunteers at the service of hope in the Holy Land. The next Newsletter maybe available at the time of this publication.

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Some Internet Links: Magazines and Newsletters

A Brief History of the Order: Order Official Newsletters too big to publish here, can be found on this site: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/institutions_connected/oessh/en/ http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/institutions_connected/oessh/en/ cenni_storici_en.html subindex_en.html

Order Hierarchy http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dxhsj.html

Annual magazine: http://www.oessh.va/content/ Goods ordineequestresantosepolcro/en/media/le-nostre-pubblicazioni.html http://www.cafepress.com/koths Newsletter 56:http://www.oessh.va/content/ ordineequestresantosepolcro/en/media/le-nostre-pubblicazioni/ newsletter-56.html Note: Throughout this Newsletter, where words or Webpages are Stay firm in faith and seek St Joseph’s underlined, right click on them with your mouse and select intercession: Francis

Open Hyperlink. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the daily lives and routines of millions of people have been turned upside down, Pope Francis said yesterday, but they must EOHSJ Victorian Council help each other stay firm in faith. Source: CNS

In a video message released on the feast of Lieutenant St Joseph, the Pope said the saint also knew Agnes Sheehan DCHS “uncertainty and disappointment” and worry about what the future would bring, but he still placed himself without reservation into God’s Chancellor hands. Frank Peck KHS The Vatican released the text of the Pope’s message a few hours before the video was to be broadcast as part of a campaign, led by the Italian

bishops’ conference, to have Catholics pray the Rosary together for an Grand Prior end to the pandemic, for the healing of the sick and for the wellbeing of Archbishop Peter A Comensoli KC*HS families in their second week of lockdown.

“The Rosary is the prayer of the humble and of the saints who use its Lieutenant Emeritus mysteries to contemplate with Mary the life of Jesus, the merciful face William Kininmonth KC*HS of the Father,” the Pope said in his message. “How we all need to be truly consoled, to feel surrounded by his loving presence!”

Secretary “With the Virgin Mother, we beg the Lord to free the world from every form of pandemic,” he prayed. Dr Margaret Hamilton DHS Pope Francis said he understood how the lockdown could be difficult for families whose worlds now are “restricted to the walls of our homes,” Treasurer but he urged people to be kind and gentle and “be the first to demon- Andrew Price KHS strate charity, understanding, patience, forgiveness.”

“This evening,” he said, “we pray together, entrusting ourselves to the Ecclesiastical Master of Cere- intercession of St. Joseph, guardian of the Holy Family, guardian of our monies families. Even the carpenter from Nazareth knew uncertainty and disap- Bishop Peter Elliott DD STD KC*HS pointment, concern about the future, but he also knew how to walk in the dark of certain moments letting himself be guided, without reserva- Lay Master of Ceremonies tion, by God’s will.” Max Potter KC*HS Pope Francis prayed that God would enlighten scientists seeking a cure Members for the pandemic and political leaders, so that, like St Joseph, they would safeguard the good of all those entrusted to their care. John Parkes KHS He prayed that God would make the Church “a sign and instrument of Joseph Di Mase KHS your light and goodness.” Angelo Pardo KHS

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Lieutenancies of Australia

NEW SOUTH WALES QUEENSLAND SOUTH AUSTRALIA VICTORIA

LIEUTENANCY LIEUTENANCY LIEUTENANCY LIEUTENANCY LIEUTENANT: 18-06-2008 LIEUTENANT: 27 June 2016 LIEUTENANT: 18-6-2008 LIEUTENANT: 3-12-2018 H.E. Francois Kunc , KC*HS H.E. Dr. Monica Thomson DCHS H.E. Phillip Donato , KC*HS H.E. Agnes Sheehan DCHS 8 Yale Close 11 Kentia St. South Australia 21 Page Avenue

NORTH ROCKS - NSW 2151 - MT GRAVATT - BRISBANE - Queens- PORT MELBOURNE

land - Australia 4122 Vic 3207 - Australia

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

PRIOR PRIOR PRIOR PRIOR H.E the Most Rev. H.E. Anthony Fisher, O.P. H.E. the Most Rev. Mark B. Cole- Archbishop of Melbourne Archbishop of Sydney ridge Archbishop of Brisbane Catholic Diocesan Centre Cardinal Knox Centre Level 16, Polding Centre GPO Box 5238, Brisbane, G.P.O. Box 1364 383 Albert Street EAST MELBOURNE - 133 Liverpool Street ADELAIDE - SA 5001 - Australia VIC 3002 - Australia SYDNEY - NSW 2000 Australia Queensland 4001

http://www.eohsjaustralia.org/ WESTERN AUSTRALIA (Section of Victoria) Australian Delegate to the Grand Magisterium is LIEUTENANCY Dr Paul Bartley KGCHS Vice Governor General for Asia and SECTION LIEUTENANT: 15-5-2006 PRESIDENT 2017 H.E. Kevin Susai , KC*HS the Pacific. Michael McKenna KCHS Diocesan Centre GPO Box 62 HOBART—TAS 7001—Australia [email protected] [email protected] PRIOR NSW Section in New Zealand - Jack Gibbs, PRIOR H.E. Most Reverend Timothy [email protected] and The Most Reverend Patrick Dunn H.E the Most Rev. DD Costelloe SDB Archbishop of Tasmania Archbishop of Perth KCHS, Bishop of Auckland—Prior. Catholic Diocesan Centre Catholic Church Office Hobart 249 Adelaide Terrace, North QLD Section in Townsville—Chris McMahon 35 Tower Rd., PERTH - WA 6000 - Australia [email protected] HOBART - TAS 7008

Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Report A very interesting 37 page document from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem reporting on Projects & Parishes etc can be found on the internet at http://project.lpj.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Parishes-Final-Print.pdf

“Our 55 parishes with 88 priests, and schools, together with the many religious communities and ecclesial movements, contin- ue this mission today, overseeing about 150,000 faithful in four countries, including Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Cyprus, cover- ing a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, religions and traditions”.

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