Continuing the ongoing support of the Christian presence and faithful in the Holy Land was in focus this month as the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem held their bi-annual national conference in Perth.
The Order this year also celebrated 40 years since its establishment in Australia, which occurred in Perth in 1985.
Members of the Order from across the Asia-Pacific gathered for the weekend long conference from 30 May to 1 June, with many coming from interstate, as well as from Malaysia, New Zealand and Taiwan.
The Order’s Governor General, Count Ambassador Leonardo Visconti di Modrone KGCHS, was present for the occasion, having travelled from Rome in what was his first visit to the Asia-Pacific region.
During his visit, he had the opportunity to sit down with leaders of the various Lieutenancies to discuss the work of the Order in their respective cities and regions.
The opening Mass for the conference was celebrated on Friday 30 May by Archbishop of Perth and Grand Prior of the Order in Western Australia, Timothy Costelloe SDB.
In his homily for the occasion, Archbishop Costelloe reminded members of the Order of their duty to support the ‘living stones’ of the Holy Land – the Christian people.
He added that the task and privilege of Christians to be a sign and instrument of God’s will for all to be united and in communion with Him.
“While this is the vocation of every Christian and should be real and visible in every part of the world, it matters deeply that it should be real and visible in that place where God first chose to reveal this truth in all its fullness,” he said.
“This, in one sense, captures the essence of the vocation of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem; to be the sign and the instrument of God’s will that the beauty and liberating power of His love made known in Christ, should continue to be witnessed to in the place where it was first seen.”
Archbishop Costelloe concluded by reflecting on the Angelus prayer and Mary’s ‘yes’ at the Annunciation.
“For all who belong to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, our ‘yes’ to all that God asks of us, will also help to ensure that the Word continues to take flesh in the lives of all who live in the Holy Land,” he said.
A day-long retreat was held the following day, Saturday 31 May, where members of the Order heard talks from Archbishop Costelloe, Count Ambassador Visconti di Modrone, and Vice-Governor General for the Asia-Pacific region, John Secker KGCHS, which were followed by question-and-answer sessions.
University of Notre Dame Lecturer in Theology, Dr Peter Christofides, also provided reflection, before Director of the Archdiocesan Centre for Christian Initiation and Liturgy, Dr Carmel Suart, led participants in a discernment and discussion session for the Order.
Following the conclusion of the retreat, members gathered with family and friends for a Gala Dinner held at Burswood on Swan, where it was announced that the next conference will be held in Sydney in 2027.
Count Ambassador Leonardo Visconti di Modrone expressed his gratitude to the lieutenants and all members of the Order for his reception, as well as for all involved in the conference.
“I depart for Rome with memories of marvelous days spent in your beautiful country, which I had never visited before, but which will remain in my heart,” he said.
“I return enriched by the experience of so many meetings and conversations which will assist me in the continuation of my work.
“The Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem has immediately offered the new pope, Leo XIV, the homage of its filial devotion.
“Under his guidance, it will continue its work of charity towards the Holy Land with renewed zeal and devotion.
“To all of you, I renew the expression of my gratitude for the welcome I received, with the hope of also seeing many of you in Rome for the Jubilee Year pilgrimage.
“I hope to be able to return soon to visit your country and share with you moments of heartfelt prayer for the Holy Land,” he said.