Visit by head of Catholic chivalric Order

BAHAMAS

Archbishop Patrick Pinder of Nassau recently hosted an official visit by the Lieutenant of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (EOHSJ) as part of celebrations marking the Eastern Lieutenancy’s 75th anniversary. The Knights and Dames of The Bahamas welcomed Lieutenant Michael La Civita during his visit, which formed part of the milestone observances.

During his time in The Bahamas, La Civita made a pilgrimage to several parishes across New Providence, accompanied by Archbishop Pinder and Dame Roxanne Chipman. His visit also included a courtesy call on the Governor General Cynthia Pratt, along with Sir Hubert Chipman, Sir Michael Symonette, and Dame Roxanne Chipman.

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem traces its origins to the 11th century and is a Roman Catholic chivalric Order under the leadership of a Cardinal of the Church, who serves as its Grand Master. “In accordance with its Constitution, the Order is committed to strengthening the spiritual lives of its members in fidelity to the Holy Father and the teachings of the Church, while embodying the principles of charity,” the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nassau explained via a Facebook post.

The Order supports the charitable, cultural, and social works of the Church in the Holy Land, particularly those connected to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. It also promotes the preservation and growth of the Christian faith in the region, encourages solidarity among Christians worldwide, and upholds the rights of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land.

Headquartered in Rome, the Order is organised into geographical lieutenancies. Owing to the longstanding relationship between the Catholic Church in The Bahamas and the Archdiocese of New York, The Bahamas has been part of the United States Eastern Lieutenancy since 2016.

A special anniversary dinner was also hosted on April 21 as part of the 75th commemorative events.