EQUESTRIAN ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE OF JERUSALEM. Northern Lieutenancy of the United States. The Holy Father s Visit to the Holy Land

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1 EQUESTRIAN ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE OF JERUSALEM Northern Lieutenancy of the United States The Squire Vol. 26 No. 2 Summer 2014 Bishop Shomali of the Latin Patriarchate The Holy Father s Visit to the Holy Land By H.E. William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem The pilgrimage of Pope Francis to Jordan and Palestine and Israel was a huge success. In a whirlwind visit, everything was carried out as planned. Outstanding were the few unplanned moments, leaving indelible memories and images. The motto of the pilgrimage was that they may be one, in reference to the historic meeting planned with Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, in Jerusalem. Fifty years after a similar pilgrimage by Pope Paul VI, this occasion was aimed at arousing the spirit of unity among Christians of different denominations, as well as an interfaith effort. The spirit of unity was evident in various meetings, speeches and homilies. But the highlight of the entire trip was not planned, rehearsed or even expected. Few people followed the various speeches, but many observed the gestures. As he was driving around Bethlehem in his open car, the Pope noticed the separation wall. It is hard for anyone not to take notice of the high wall and even harder for the Pope who has empathy for the weak and oppressed not to stop. The image of the pope at the wall, forehead and hand rested on the wall in silent prayer was deeply moving. Highlights of his visit to Bethlehem included a meeting with children from Bethlehem s Deheisheh refugee camp, embracing and kissing the children, a Mass at Manger Square and a private visit to the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The visit went without a hitch. Security officials were worried about the insistence of this humble pontiff not to travel in a glass-covered vehicle, to be able to greet and touch the believers. In Bethlehem, only a few Christians from Gaza were allowed to participate in the Manger Square mass, and a large contingent of Palestinian Christians came from the Galilee, even though they were unhappy that the Holy See had skipped a visit to Nazareth and other important stops during any Holy Land pilgrimage. The Pope at the Bethlehem Mass bypassed the Israeli prime minister, when he invited the Palestinian and Israeli presidents to join him at the Vatican in prayer for peace, even though the Israeli presidency is symbolic. This prayer encounter was an extension of the visit of Pope Francis to the Holy Land. Many ask for the possible fruits. Of course, there will be fruits but not immediately. The image of the olive tree planted by the two presidents and the Pope can help. An olive tree may produce fruits after 5 years. The same may happen with such an encounter. The delay does not come from the Lord but from politicians unwillingness to work for peace. The Lord has to change their hearts. It takes time but He will succeed. The highlight in Jerusalem was a prayer service inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of Christianity s holiest sites. Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met in the same place to seek inspiration for Christian unity at the site of Christ s death and resurrection. 1 continued on pg. 2

2 continued from pg. 1 Pope Francis finished his three-day visit to the Holy Land with a rapid tour of religious and political sites, including Al-Aqsa mosque and the Western Wall; meetings with Jerusalem s Grand Mufti, Israel s president, prime minister, and two chief rabbis; a wreath-laying ceremony at Herzl s grave before a trip to the Holocaust memorial and a private mass in Jerusalem at the Cenacle. In addition to the political and symbolic gains made during the Pope s visit, the important goal was to strengthen and empower the local Christian community. Visits by high-ranking officials, such as that by the Pope, go a long way towards strengthening the resolve of Arab Christians to stay put in the land where Jesus was born and raised. Editor s Note: In preparation for this issue we contacted Bishop Shomali of the Latin Patriarchate for his perspective of the Holy Father s Visit. He was gracious and provided us with this article. Historical Note June 2014 marks the 915th Anniversary of the Fall of Jerusalem. On the morning of June 15, 1099, our founder, Godfrey de Bouillon, led the first group of crusaders into the city. Their crusade was brought about by the fall of Jerusalem years earlier and the emphatic speech of Pope Clement in Claremont, France on November 25, While there are no direct confirmed translations of his speech, one chronicler reported his remarks as follows: Enter upon the road to the Holy Sepulcher; wrest that land from the wicked race, and subject it to yourselves. That land which as the Scripture says floweth with milk and honey, was given by God into the possession of the children of Israel. He went on to say This the Redeemer of the human race has made illustrious by His advent, has beautified by residence, has consecrated by suffering, has redeemed by death, has glorified by burial. This royal city, therefore, situated at the centre of the world, is now held captive by His enemies, and is in subjection to those who do not know God, to the worship of the heathens. She (Jerusalem) seeks therefore and desires to be liberated, and does not cease to implore you to come to her aid.. When Pope Urban II stilled those present so much that that they cried out, It is the will of God! It is the will of God! Deus Lo Volt! Today Deus lo Volt is the motto of the Order. 2 Ubi Petrus ibi ecclesia, et ibi ecclesia vita eternal (Where there is Peter there is the Church, where there is the Church there is life eternal!) St. Ambrose A refection of a dual Papal Canonization: Ss. Pope John XXIII & Pope John Paul II By Sir John Magee, KHS On Sunday April 27, 2014, Pope Francis, the 266th successor of St. Peter proclaimed, we decree and define that Blessed John XXIII is a Saint, and we inscribe his name in the catalogue of saints, and order that his memory be devoutly and piously celebrated yearly on the eleventh day of October, his feast. (The same words were said for Blessed John Paul II, His feast day will be celebrated on the twenty-second of October). With these words, the 261st and 263rd Successor of St. Peter became Saints. What a magnificent proclamation! What magnificent intercessors, we now have in these two new Saints; Pope St. John XXIII, the Pope of Pacem in Terris; Pope St. John Paul II: the Pope of the Family! The proclaiming the new Saints are a sign of contradiction to the modern world. These men, who proclaimed a fearless YES to Christ and her bridegroom, the Church! Allows us to heed and follow their example. We need their intercessions, as we experience wars, injustices against the personhood of the family and its society, the breakdown of the Culture of Life. Yet there is a tendency to lose sight of what this proclamation really calls us all to: personal holiness and sainthood. Where there is Peter, there is the Church! Pope Francis, Pope Emeritus Benedict, Pope St. John XXIII, and Pope St. John Paul II: Pray for us all! Requiescant in Pace With respect and affection, we call the attention of our fellow Knights and Ladies to those members of the Northern Lieutenancy who have died recently. In accordance with the privileges of the Order, His Beatitude Fouad Twal and the Grand Prior, Archbishop Naumann, will provide individual Masses for each of these recently departed: Most Rev. Raymond J. Boland, D.D., KC*HS Lady Jacqueline Gibis Breher, LHS Lady Joyce A. Kreski, LCHS Sir Lawrence James Kubert, KC*HS Lady Ruth K. Peterman, LCHS (previously inactive) Sir Gerald A. Rauenhorst, KGCHS (previously inactive) Sir Steven G. Rothmeier, KGCHS Sir John Edward Ruberto, KGCHS Sir Myron Joseph Van Dyke, KGCHS

3 News from Area Councillors Eastern Iowa Archbishop Emeritus of Dubuque Daniel W. Kucera, O.S.B., KC*HS, was Grand Prior of the Northern Lieutenancy from He recently celebrated his 65th anniversary of ordination at St. Raphael s Cathedral in Dubuque, Iowa on Memorial Day May 26, There were 25 Knights and Ladies from Eastern Iowa in attendance. Archbishop Kucera, to this day, has a great love for the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Lincoln, Nebraska On Sunday, May 4, 2014, twenty-four Knights and Ladies of the Lincoln Diocese gathered in Shelby, NE to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Ordination of their chaplain Rev. John Rooney, KHS. After a thanksgiving Mass, a dinner party followed to mark this joyous occassion. Special guests included Father s mother Marie and brother Bob from Kansas City, brother Father Don from Washington D.C., H.E. Tom and Lady Anne Pogge along with Sir Doug and Lady Sue Barrett from Omaha who were also in attendance. Fr. Rooney was in a class of 10 who were ordained in the Lincoln Diocese Three other members also belong to the EOHSJ Northern Lieutenancy: Most Rev. John F. Folda, KC*HS, Bishop of Fargo, ND, Fr. Michael McCabe, KHS of Nebraska City, NE and Msgr. Robert Tucker, KHS of Lincoln, NE. We are grateful God has blessed us so abundantly. Knights and Ladies surround Father John Rooney, KHS, on the occasion of his Silver Ordination Jubilee Procession at Archbishop Kucera s 65th anniversary of ordination Mass on Memorial Day 2014 They also participated in the joyous celebration of the the 25th anniversary of ordination for Rev. Craig E. Steimel, KHS, at St. Michael Church in Norway, Iowa. Save the Date 2014 Annual Meeting and Investiture Denver, CO September nd Theme: Tu es Petrus...(you are Peter)...on this rock I will build my Church 3

4 Memories of meetings with Pope John Paul II Archbishop Daniel Kucera Reminisces By Sr. Carol Hoverman, OSF (reprinted with permission), Editor of The Witness (Archdiocese of Dubuque) DUBUQUE Retired Archbishop Daniel W. Kucera, OSB, has many memories of St. John Paul II, having met with him several times during the archbishop s active years. I made several ad limina visits one for Salina, Kansas and the rest for Dubuque, he recalled in an interview in his room at Stonehill Care Center. Ad limina visits to Rome occur usually every five years when bishops report on the state of their dioceses. For almost 20 years, Pope John Paul II met with the ad limina bishops four times at an individual audience, at a luncheon, at Mass in the morning and in a group meeting with the bishops of the USCCB region making their visit. As the pope s health deteriorated, all of that protocol was reduced significantly. Archbishop Kucera laughed as he recalled his first meeting with the pope. Going in to see Pope John Paul, the archbishop felt quite nervous. He had his skull cap in his hand and inadvertently dropped it. He felt more relaxed when Pope John Paul just smiled and said Put it on your head. Pope John Paul brought back the practice of giving the pallium to new archbishops. This white stole, made of lambs wool worn around the neck, symbolizes communion with the pope as bishop of Rome. Archbishop Kucera was in the first group who received the pallium in June He recalled the pope s language skills during the luncheon after the ceremony. The new archbishops present from around the world represented at least four languages. We spent an hour- and-a-half at the luncheon, with the Holy Father himself interpreting and translating everything to us that wasn t understood by all. And he did it so easily, recalled Archbishop Kucera. In his world travels, Pope John Paul went to the Czech Republic four times. Being of Czech ancestry, I thought I had to represent the American Czech bishops so I went there each time too, said the retired archbishop who will be 91 on May 7. I was sitting at a table of bishops once and from a distance John Paul looked over and asked with a smile, What are you doing here? Archbishop Kucera saw John Paul as he interacted with the local people on these trips. John Paul was a very human man and in that humanity lay his sainthood, because he gave so much attention to people, he said. I think his contribution to the church was to be a human witness for what Christ must have been when he was on earth. When the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops sent a delegation to Rome to meet with Pope John Paul to explain the problem of sexual abuse by the clergy that was unfolding in the United States, Archbishop Kucera went as treasurer of the conference. He said the pope listened intently and asked questions. Archbishop Daniel W. Kucera was among the first group to receive the pallium from Pope John Paul II on the feasts of St. Peter and Paul, Archbishop Daniel W. Kucera, OSB June 29, The archbishop says they just had a two week notice to come to Rome for the ceremony. Members of the delegation had the impression that action would follow their meeting. The archbishop believes it wasn t until some years later when the scandals hit Europe that it became evident that this wasn t just an American problem. Archbishop Kucera agrees with many who say that administration was not John Paul s primary interest. The pope saw the whole world as his global mission. In his travels during times of world political unrest, Pope John Paul often put himself in danger, just to be with the people of the various countries, reflected Archbishop Kucera. The Holy Spirit must have told him, You re a world leader make use of it, and he did. Archbishop Kucera was bishop of Salina, Kansas from He was appointed archbishop of Dubuque on Dec. 20, 1983 and retired Oct. 16,

5 The Order Comes Alive To Lincoln Elementary Students The Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in Lincoln, Nebraska developed a curriculum explaining a brief history and purpose of the Order to students in the Lincoln Diocese. The curriculum was targeted for students in grades five and six, relating to their studies of the Crusades. During this past year, the presentation was made to students in the Lincoln Catholic Elementary Schools. In future years, the plan is to present this lesson to Pictured from left to right, Lady Janet Broer, LGCHS, three fifth grade St. Joseph students, and Lady Carol Zink, LHS elementary school students in Catholic Schools throughout the Lincoln Diocese. During the 2014 spring semester, a total of 370 Catholic elementary students received the EOHSJ Lesson. This first year s presentation was given by Lady Jan Broer and Lady Carol Zink. The lesson included historical information about the Crusades and the founding of the Order by Godfrey de Bouillon. It explained how the EOHSJ ultimately came under the protection of the Holy See and how the Pope appointed a Cardinal to be the Order s Grand Master. A further explanation about the Northern Lieutenancy and the Lincoln chapter was also provided. By Lady Carol Zink, LHS The students learned about the purposes of the Order, to serve the Catholic Church, to carry out acts of charity, to maintain the Christian presence in the Holy Land and that the members of the Order make a lifetime commitment to lead an exemplary Christian life and support Christian communities in the Holy Land. The significance of the Pilgrim Shell was explained and a shell displayed. The meaning of the Jerusalem Cross was discussed and the vestments of the Order were shared. At each school select students were chosen to model the vestments worn by the Knights and Ladies Approved Projects 5 The students were interested in how they could help with the mission of the Order. The lesson encouraged students to include prayer for Christians living in the Holy Land, Holy Hour attendance and to be financially generous at the Good Friday collection which is customarily used to support Christians and Christian sites in the Holy Land. Examples of teacher comments about the lesson were: Information about the Holy Land and the Crusades supplements the students geography book. The pictures were very captivating and the questions were well-timed to keep the students engaged.... The vestment presentation was very attention-catching. Wonderful past, present and future message of our faith. Irbed: Parish Priest Rectory Third largest city in Jordan. The priest house needs major maintenance especially a very old electrical system. Projected cost $ Jenin: Church, Rectory, Hall & External Facilities Palestinian city located on the West Bank. Renovate part of priest house to double the size of the current chapel and renovate part of the adjoining building for a new priest house. The parish serves 75 families. Projected cost $ Zarka North: Parish Office and the Salon Located just north of Amman, Jordan. Funds used to repair significant water damage to the parish offices and the salon. Projected cost: $ Marfak: School Compound Very near Syrian border, first stop of many refugees. The church and school need significant maintenance including an extra floor to go beyond 9th grade up to 12th so children can stay in the parish. The school also needs more laboratories and additional bathrooms. Projected cost $ Source: Grand Magisterium of the Order

6 EQUESTRIAN ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE OF JERUSALEM Northern Lieutenancy Squire Editors: Sir James Broski, KCHS Lady Suzanne Broski, LCHS 9299 S. Lark Sparrow Trail Highlands Ranch, CO PRESORTED FIRST-CLASS MAIL U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST.LOUIS, MO PERMIT # 4400 Saints You Know By Fr. Fred R. Gaglia, Ph.D., KCHS, Chaplain Colorado Council You know them, may have seen them, or have been in their presence. They are the recently canonized saints of our Church St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II. Most of our members have been alive during their pontificates. What a blessing to know these two saints and popes of the Church. Also consider that as these two popes were made saints of the Church it happened in the presence of our current Holy Father Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Blessings abound. Two popes made saints in the presence of two living popes. I had the personal blessing of being responsible for producing and directing the Mass of St. John Paul II at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Being so close to the Holy Father you could feel his holiness of life. An example for all of us to imitate. This is a time to be grateful for these descendents of Peter the rock as the Bible says, you are Peter and on this rock I will build my church (Matthew 16:18). How blessed we are to have that as the theme of our upcoming annual meeting. We will be giving testimony to the rock of Peter. Sir Alfred J. Blasco, Knight of the Collar, in his insightful book, The Modern Crusaders, lists as one of our duties of Knights and Ladies of the Order to intensify the practice of the Christian life and evince loyalty to the Pope. (p. 62) Celebrating this canonization for our Church should evoke in each of us a prompting to offer prayers of thanksgiving for the two new pope saints and the two living popes of our Church. With the duty for each of us to evince loyalty to the Pope we should accept the challenge on a daily basis. May I suggest that each member of our Lieutenancy select one day during this month to show our loyalty to the Pope in prayer. On that day offer the Church s usual prayers for a plenary indulgence, saying six Our Father s, Hail Mary s and Glory be s for the Pope s intentions. Pray for us Saints John XXIII and John Paul II. 6