Members of the EOHSJ Irish Lieutenancy gather at Holy Cross Abbey to mark the Order’s 40th anniversary. Photo: EOHSJ.
The Irish Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (EOHSJ) has marked its 40th anniversary with a commemorative Mass celebrated at Holy Cross Abbey.
Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Dr Stephen Dorgan, Chancellor of the Order in Ireland, described this as “an amazing milestone of service” to Christians in the Holy Land. “The Order is an order of service,” he said. “It’s not just a collection of men and women… they’re actively involved in the life of the Holy Land.”
Founded in Ireland in 1986, Dr Dorgan said the mission is “even more important today than it was 40 years ago”, as Christian communities face mounting pressures. “The vast majority… are suffering particularly badly at the moment,” he said, pointing to economic hardship, reduced work permits and the collapse of tourism. “If you can’t gain employment or feed your family, you’re going to want to go someplace else.”
He said the Order supports the Latin Patriarchate through funding schools, parishes, and humanitarian aid, noting its school network educates around 20,000 children. Irish members have contributed more than €6 million to over 50 projects, with support “flow[ing] directly to those in need”.
He added that the anniversary is also an opportunity to look ahead. “We’re establishing a group called the ‘Friends of the Order’… for those who might not want to be members but are interested in supporting the Christians in the Holy Land.”