Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Welcomes New Members

The Diocese of Greensburg hosted a Day of Formation for new members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and members who are being promoted in the order July 27 at the Christ Our Shepherd Center, Greensburg.

The program featured presentations by Vicki Downey, dame commander with grand cross in the order and lieutenant of the Eastern Lieutenancy; Msgr. Larry J. Kulick, diocesan vicar general and knight commander in the order; Margaret DiVirgilio, diocesan chancellor, who is being promoted to dame commander with star; and Father William J. Lechnar, knight.

Mass was celebrated by Bishop Edward C. Malesic, a knight commander with star.

The order traces its roots to 1244. Its objectives today are to strengthen the Christian life of its members, support the Latin-rite Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Christian presence in the Holy Land by rendering material aid and offering prayers for peace.

Attendees at the diocesan event (in photo, from left) were Janet Casper; Shirley Makuta; Judy and Paul Rocker; Karen and Dennis Cadwell; Col. William Boswell, knight with grand cross and section representative for the Greensburg and Pittsburgh dioceses; Father Lechnar; Msgr. Kulick; Bishop Malesic; James Paharik; Bishop Emeritus Lawrence E. Brandt; Msgr. Michael J. Begolly; DiVirgilio; John Coleman; David Patosky; Lisa Martinelli; Edward and Julie Sheehan Jr.; and Dr. Richard and Karen Bonfiglio.

Ten new members will be inducted in the order, and five current members will receive promotions in rank, including Daniel Casper, Susan Coleman, and Rita and Stephen Peters.