Order of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate 40 years in Australia with national conference

16 May 2025

By The Record

EOKHSJC 40th Anniversary National Conference Pre-event
The Order is the sole benefactor for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem to aid young people, persons with disabilities, orphanages, the poor and marginalised, education and the pursuit of justice and peace. Photo: Michelle Tan / Archdiocese of Perth.

Supporting the Christian communities in the Holy Land to remain as beacons of hope and harmony in the region, is behind the work of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

The ancient Order will this month celebrate 40 years since its establishment in Australia, with a national conference in Perth, Western Australia.

Held from Friday 30 May to Monday 2 June, the national conference will be one of reflection, fellowship and celebration, and see members come from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Leonardo Visconti di Modrone, governor general of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, speaks during a news conference at the Vatican 31 October 2023. Photo: CNS / Lola Gomez.

In attendance will also be the guest of honour, the Order’s Governor General, His Excellency, Count Ambassador Leonardo Visconti di Modrone KGCHS, in what will be his first visit to the Order in Australia.

Head of the WA Lieutenancy, Lt Kevin Susai KC*HS, expressed his excitement for the upcoming national conference.

“It is an honour to welcome our Governor General in what will be his first visit to the Order in the Oceania region.

“I’m also thrilled to welcome all our Australian and Asia Pacific Lieutenants and members to this beautiful city of Perth to celebrate our Order’s 40th anniversary, as well as to participate in the biannual retreat,” Lt Susai said.

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe delivers his homily on 10 September 2016, inviting members of the order to reflect on the words of Saint John Paul II: “Do not be afraid. Throw open the doors of your heart to Christ.” Photo: Ron Tan / Archdiocese of Perth.

“We are also grateful to Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB and his team for their support in the realisation of this momentous occasion.

“This milestone event is a testimony of our commitment and dedication to the Order’s objectives in the Holy Land.

“The work of the Order today continues the legacy of the early Christians who sacrificed their lives to secure the presence of Christianity in the Holy Land, and we hope to continue providing access to current and future pilgrims to walk in the footsteps of Christ.”

The collective efforts of 30,000 members of the Order across the world have made a significant impact to those in the Holy Land through continued financial, spiritual and moral support, despite the ongoing conflict.

Head of the WA Lieutenancy, Lt Kevin Susai KC*HS, congratulates Clarence Goh, one of the Order’s youngest members. Photo: Michelle Tan / Archdiocese of Perth.

“We are supporting the ‘living stones’ – the Christian communities in the Holy Land – to remain as beacons of hope and harmony in the region,” Lt Susai said.

“By extension, each one of us has a vital role to preserve the birthplace of our faith.

“Our 40 years in Oceania have seen a wealth of memories since our establishment, and I look forward to creating more as we strengthen our faith and support the Order’s mission,” he said.

The welcoming Mass for the Order’s national conference will be celebrated by Grand Prior of the Order in Western Australia, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, at St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth at 6pm on Friday 30 May.