Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem
Investiture Dinner Speech
for the
Magistral Delegation of the EOHSJ for Canada-Atlantic
Sunday, 2 November 2002
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada
by
H.E. John Carmen Piunno, KGCHS
Lieutenant, USA Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy
for the
Magistral Delegation of the EOHSJ for Canada-Atlantic
Sunday, 2 November 2002
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada
by
H.E. John Carmen Piunno, KGCHS
Lieutenant, USA Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy
What it means to be a Knight or Dame of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem
Your Excellencies, Magistral Delegate, Reverend Fathers, fellow Knights and Dames, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Let me say that I am more than honored by your request to learn more about the Order from me. I am overwhelmed. The purpose of my talk this evening is to discuss what it means to be a Knight or Dame of the Holy Sepulchre. :
Introduction: Put simply, a Knight or Dame is to be a witness in Jerusalem, and throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Act 1.8). These words are taken from the Preamble of the Order's Constitution. It also states that Knighthood is defined as self-discipline, generosity and courage. "Whosoever does not have the firm willingness to develop and deepen these traits in his life will never be able to become a true Knight." :
The preamble further states that exemplary moral conduct and true Christian feeling are the prime requisites for admission to the Order. The practice of Christian faith must be shown in the heart of one's family at work in obedience to the Holy Father, and in involvement in Christian activities both in one's parish and Diocese. Pope John Paul II often uses the Latin phrase from scripture "Duc in altum." Put out into the deep. Do not be afraid. How grateful I am as I stand before you. What a wonderful part of my life the Holy Sepulchre has become.
But what is a Knight or Dame? And what does it mean to be a Knight or Dame of the Holy Sepulchre? "A Knight is a man who intends to place himself at the service of a noble and difficult cause, a pure and arduous ideal; fighting evil, promoting good, defending the weak and the oppressed against injustice."
In 1984 the late Cardinal Agostino Casaroli explained that "Becoming a Knight does not mean receiving a title of honor, even though it is well deserved, it presupposes a solemn commitment." Additionally, I would like to add that Knighthood is not a birthright, it is defined by one's actions.
The Identity of the Order :
The Order as you may know is governed by the ordinary regulations of Canon Law, the disposition of the Church, and the rules of its own Constitution. The Order is a Juridical Person as stated in the Apostolic Letters of Pope Pius XII, Blessed John XXIII, and more recently by re-script of His Holiness Pope John Paul II. :
Origins of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem:
To present a history of the Order's 900 years tonight would deservedly earn me a trip to your gallows! Even I would expire in such an effort. However, I should say that our history is replete with wonder. Please, when you can, find time to read about the Order. The following short description of some important dates will provide the basis of my presentation. :
The origins of the Order can be traced back to Godfrey de Bouillon, Duke of Brabant and leader of the First Crusade, who captured Jerusalem from the Saracens in 1099. From its beginnings, the aim of the Order was the protection of the Holy Places and of the pilgrims who visited them. Following the approval of Pope Callistus II in 1122, the primary mission of the knights was to defend the Church Universal, protect the City of Jerusalem, guard the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, and to look after pilgrims.
From these formative years, the Order moved into its second period from 1291 to 1847. During this time the Franciscan Custody of Mount Zion was established in Jerusalem and the Guardian, also known as the Custodian, was the sole authority representing the Holy See in Palestine. This period is generally referred to as the Golden Period of the Order as it flourished throughout England and Europe. In 1489 Pope Innocent VIII provisionally united us with the Order of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem and of Rhodes. And In 1496 the Order was re-established in its independent existence by Pope Alexander VI.
Next we jump ahead to more modern times. In 1847 Pope Pius IX reinstated the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The Patriarch once again became the "ecclesiastical authority" of the Order with the title of Grand Master. Yes, these are all strange titles or names you will learn in time. In 1868 Pope Pius IX instituted three classes of knights, and in 1871 the Countess Maria Lomas became the first woman received into the Order. In 1907 Pius X again reserved for the Pope the office of Grand Master. And in 1940, Pope Pius XII entrusted the Order to Cardinal Canali. Subsequent revisions to the constitution were promulgated in 1949, which made the Order a legal person under canon law.
The common thread during each of these periods has been the care and protection of the Holy Places ----- the 900-year old mission of the Order remains unchanged. The responsibilities of the Knights and Dames then, and now, remain constant.
And now to the specific features which define the identity of a Knight or Dame of the Holy Sepulchre.
Conclusion:
My message this evening seeks to emphasize a number of issues relating to the life of the Order and what it means to be a Knight or Dame of the Holy Sepulchre. One could summarize by saying the answer is very obvious and simple. But to fully understand the answer, one must first realize that we are a cultural oddity. As good Catholics we do not fit into many current cultural trends --- especially in such an unbelieving world. Being loyal to the Church and her teachings is a modern challenge to all of us. We are an ancient Order in modern times. The Order is not "outdated," or, as some have said, an "accident of history". We are not accidents! "We are not museum keepers, but keepers of living stones." With us chivalry has not died. For us it is one way of teaching values to our world.
To those who were just invested, today is a signature event in your lives. In joining us -- Bishop, Priest, Knight and Dame -- we are a bonded cadre setting the example for others about what it is to be active in our faith. Again, I turn to my days with the Jesuit Fathers and Saint Ignatius. He had his followers kneel before him and he touched their shoulders with a sword. It was a sign. It was a solemn moment of consecration, if you will, to a most extraordinary life. Today you have experienced a similar moment. We are "Soldiers of Christ" who do not hesitate to give our lives to the defense and guardianship of the Church.
Investiture is like renewing your baptismal promises as we do every year at the Great Vigil on Holy Saturday. As Catholics you must never waiver in your fidelity to the Holy Father. Remember that your solemn promise is to uphold the Catholic Faith. This point is essential.
Our battle is not for the possession of a particular city --- it is for the soul of the world. We are living in a world hurdling toward war. It is a war between good and evil. The battlefield is vast and covered with innocent victims in need of our aid. The courage, zeal, and perseverance required by today's Knights and Dames clearly equal that required of the Crusaders. Becoming a Knight or Dame of the Holy Sepulchre means taking on a holy mission, before God and man.
And so I will say finally, a Knight or Dame of the Holy Sepulchre is a messenger of Christ, always reaching out, always setting an example, and always embracing the Eucharist.
Thank you again for inviting me to Halifax. It is an honor to have been asked to be your speaker this evening. May the Holy Spirit now fill your life so that you leave here charged with determination to be that Messenger of Christ to our Church and our world. I pray that God will bless you because you have willingly accepted a unique call of service, prayer and fidelity. Please, pray for me and my work and faithfulness to the Church and our Order.
And now in the ancient language of the Church, I will reiterate my solemn promise: Servio Ecclesiae. Servio Summo Pontifici. Et servio Magno Magistro nostro - - - - Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam.
Let me say that I am more than honored by your request to learn more about the Order from me. I am overwhelmed. The purpose of my talk this evening is to discuss what it means to be a Knight or Dame of the Holy Sepulchre. :
Introduction: Put simply, a Knight or Dame is to be a witness in Jerusalem, and throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Act 1.8). These words are taken from the Preamble of the Order's Constitution. It also states that Knighthood is defined as self-discipline, generosity and courage. "Whosoever does not have the firm willingness to develop and deepen these traits in his life will never be able to become a true Knight." :
The preamble further states that exemplary moral conduct and true Christian feeling are the prime requisites for admission to the Order. The practice of Christian faith must be shown in the heart of one's family at work in obedience to the Holy Father, and in involvement in Christian activities both in one's parish and Diocese. Pope John Paul II often uses the Latin phrase from scripture "Duc in altum." Put out into the deep. Do not be afraid. How grateful I am as I stand before you. What a wonderful part of my life the Holy Sepulchre has become.
But what is a Knight or Dame? And what does it mean to be a Knight or Dame of the Holy Sepulchre? "A Knight is a man who intends to place himself at the service of a noble and difficult cause, a pure and arduous ideal; fighting evil, promoting good, defending the weak and the oppressed against injustice."
In 1984 the late Cardinal Agostino Casaroli explained that "Becoming a Knight does not mean receiving a title of honor, even though it is well deserved, it presupposes a solemn commitment." Additionally, I would like to add that Knighthood is not a birthright, it is defined by one's actions.
The Identity of the Order :
The Order as you may know is governed by the ordinary regulations of Canon Law, the disposition of the Church, and the rules of its own Constitution. The Order is a Juridical Person as stated in the Apostolic Letters of Pope Pius XII, Blessed John XXIII, and more recently by re-script of His Holiness Pope John Paul II. :
Origins of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem:
To present a history of the Order's 900 years tonight would deservedly earn me a trip to your gallows! Even I would expire in such an effort. However, I should say that our history is replete with wonder. Please, when you can, find time to read about the Order. The following short description of some important dates will provide the basis of my presentation. :
The origins of the Order can be traced back to Godfrey de Bouillon, Duke of Brabant and leader of the First Crusade, who captured Jerusalem from the Saracens in 1099. From its beginnings, the aim of the Order was the protection of the Holy Places and of the pilgrims who visited them. Following the approval of Pope Callistus II in 1122, the primary mission of the knights was to defend the Church Universal, protect the City of Jerusalem, guard the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, and to look after pilgrims.
From these formative years, the Order moved into its second period from 1291 to 1847. During this time the Franciscan Custody of Mount Zion was established in Jerusalem and the Guardian, also known as the Custodian, was the sole authority representing the Holy See in Palestine. This period is generally referred to as the Golden Period of the Order as it flourished throughout England and Europe. In 1489 Pope Innocent VIII provisionally united us with the Order of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem and of Rhodes. And In 1496 the Order was re-established in its independent existence by Pope Alexander VI.
Next we jump ahead to more modern times. In 1847 Pope Pius IX reinstated the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The Patriarch once again became the "ecclesiastical authority" of the Order with the title of Grand Master. Yes, these are all strange titles or names you will learn in time. In 1868 Pope Pius IX instituted three classes of knights, and in 1871 the Countess Maria Lomas became the first woman received into the Order. In 1907 Pius X again reserved for the Pope the office of Grand Master. And in 1940, Pope Pius XII entrusted the Order to Cardinal Canali. Subsequent revisions to the constitution were promulgated in 1949, which made the Order a legal person under canon law.
The common thread during each of these periods has been the care and protection of the Holy Places ----- the 900-year old mission of the Order remains unchanged. The responsibilities of the Knights and Dames then, and now, remain constant.
- The Current Day Mission Mandate
And now to the specific features which define the identity of a Knight or Dame of the Holy Sepulchre.
- A Knight or Dame is committed to Spirituality:
The very name of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre points to the central focus of its spirituality: the Sepulchre of Our Lord, the place where the glory of the Resurrection is celebrated. The Holy Sepulchre is where the God-man rose from the dead and changed the course of human history. Like the Knights of the Crusades we are called upon to stand before the world to witness the resurrection and life of our Lord and to be a sign that God lives. I recall as a child preparing for Confirmation the wonderful Jesuits teaching us that we were in training to be "Soldiers of Christ" -------. As a youngster this held a special attraction to me --- especially in light of my family's military service. - Being Knights and Dames of the Order
means being committed to generous fidelity in carrying out one's
Christian duties; that is, temporal and moral aid to those who profess
the Christian faith in the Holy Land. Although our primary duty is to
those Christians, our commitment -- the role of the Order today -- also
extends to all those in need, regardless of their beliefs or religious
creeds.
- A Knight or Dame is a Pilgrim
Being a Knight or Dame of the Order also means making a pilgrimage. Hopefully, this new life you are taking on will be a driving force to visit the Holy Land. A pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre and the Holy Land is a moral obligation of every Knight and Dame and should be realized at least once during each one's lifetime. Besides enjoying the travel, walking where Jesus was buried, as well as other places in his public ministry, cannot but be an emotional moment. The pilgrimage helps us to attain better insight into our lives as a "Pilgrimage of Faith". I strongly encourage you to visit the Holy Land as soon as it is safe. - A Knight or Dame is a Prayer Inspired Person
Over the years I have attended numerous Investitures and gatherings of the Knights and Dames both in North America and abroad. However, the one thing that strikes me odd is that many Knights and Dames are unaware of the prayer of the Order -- The Memorarae. In our hectic and crazy lives we often lose sight of the important things we were taught as children --- the simple things like saying our daily prayers. Regardless of how difficult it might be, being a Knight or Dame of the Holy Sepulchre means saying your prayers --- regularly, not just for special intentions. I would encourage you daily to put aside some quiet time to do just that. As a working person I know how difficult and, at times, awkward this can be -- but all it takes is a moment to give thanks. That's all. Whether you are alone, or even walking or driving to work, take a moment, give some sort of thanks and recite this beautiful prayer.
A Knight or Dame Looks Beyond Self and Seeks to Serve Those in Need
I would now like to turn to those things that will be expected of you as Knights and Dames. Being a Knight or Dame of the Holy Sepulchre means supporting the Christian presence in the Holy Land. It means supporting the living Christian communities - that is, the Church. By the Holy Land is meant all that territory designated as the "Promised Land" in Sacred Scriptures and especially associated with the life and teachings of Jesus.
As you are aware, the aims of the Order include works of relief and development, charitable aid to young people, assistance for the handi-capped and the elderly, the preservation of Catholic education, the defense of ethnic minorities, and the pursuit of justice and peace, as well as defending the rights of the Church. The Order also seeks to interest Catholics and other Christians throughout the world in supporting its works in a spirit and union of charity.
In an effort to promote the spiritual growth of its own members, the Holy Father has assigned the Order the specific task of supplying economic aid for all the activities necessary to maintain the presence of the Christian communities in the Holy Land. The Order provides material support for all institutional activities of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, including pastoral care, support of the Patriarchal seminary, and construction and maintenance of parish churches and Catholic school buildings. - A Knight or Dame is Both an Example and a Servant of Church Doctrine
Being a Knight or Dame of the Holy Sepulchre means other things, too.
Conclusion:
My message this evening seeks to emphasize a number of issues relating to the life of the Order and what it means to be a Knight or Dame of the Holy Sepulchre. One could summarize by saying the answer is very obvious and simple. But to fully understand the answer, one must first realize that we are a cultural oddity. As good Catholics we do not fit into many current cultural trends --- especially in such an unbelieving world. Being loyal to the Church and her teachings is a modern challenge to all of us. We are an ancient Order in modern times. The Order is not "outdated," or, as some have said, an "accident of history". We are not accidents! "We are not museum keepers, but keepers of living stones." With us chivalry has not died. For us it is one way of teaching values to our world.
To those who were just invested, today is a signature event in your lives. In joining us -- Bishop, Priest, Knight and Dame -- we are a bonded cadre setting the example for others about what it is to be active in our faith. Again, I turn to my days with the Jesuit Fathers and Saint Ignatius. He had his followers kneel before him and he touched their shoulders with a sword. It was a sign. It was a solemn moment of consecration, if you will, to a most extraordinary life. Today you have experienced a similar moment. We are "Soldiers of Christ" who do not hesitate to give our lives to the defense and guardianship of the Church.
Investiture is like renewing your baptismal promises as we do every year at the Great Vigil on Holy Saturday. As Catholics you must never waiver in your fidelity to the Holy Father. Remember that your solemn promise is to uphold the Catholic Faith. This point is essential.
- Demonstrate your pride in being a Catholic.
- Be a loving role model as a Knight or Dame of the Holy Sepulchre.
- Be a soldier of Christ in today's world bringing with you the winning weapons of prayer and fidelity.
Our battle is not for the possession of a particular city --- it is for the soul of the world. We are living in a world hurdling toward war. It is a war between good and evil. The battlefield is vast and covered with innocent victims in need of our aid. The courage, zeal, and perseverance required by today's Knights and Dames clearly equal that required of the Crusaders. Becoming a Knight or Dame of the Holy Sepulchre means taking on a holy mission, before God and man.
And so I will say finally, a Knight or Dame of the Holy Sepulchre is a messenger of Christ, always reaching out, always setting an example, and always embracing the Eucharist.
Thank you again for inviting me to Halifax. It is an honor to have been asked to be your speaker this evening. May the Holy Spirit now fill your life so that you leave here charged with determination to be that Messenger of Christ to our Church and our world. I pray that God will bless you because you have willingly accepted a unique call of service, prayer and fidelity. Please, pray for me and my work and faithfulness to the Church and our Order.
And now in the ancient language of the Church, I will reiterate my solemn promise: Servio Ecclesiae. Servio Summo Pontifici. Et servio Magno Magistro nostro - - - - Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam.
