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The Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

Leadership of The Order

Leadership of the Order

Upholding Tradition, Guiding the Mission

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is governed by a distinguished leadership body rooted in Catholic tradition and devoted to the mission of sustaining the Christian presence in the Holy Land. Through spiritual guidance and structured governance, the Order carries out its religious, charitable, and humanitarian goals worldwide.

 

With Permission from Vatican Media

His Holiness Pope Leo

  His Eminence Fernando Cardinal Filoni, Grand Master

His Beatiture Pierbattista Cardinal Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem

His Excellency Leonardo Visconti di Modrone, Knight of the Collar, Governor General

His Eminence Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Grand Master Emeritus

Mark Chopko, KC*HS Lieutenant  
Supreme Authority of the Order

The Pope and the Grand Master

The Supreme Pontiff, the Pope, holds ultimate authority over the Order. Under his direction, the Grand Master, a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church appointed by the Holy See, serves as the highest-ranking officer. The Grand Master provides global oversight and ensures that all activities of the Order align with its spiritual mission and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

 

Spiritual Leadership

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem

The Grand Prior of the Order is the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who offers spiritual direction to the global body. As shepherd of the Church in the Holy Land, the Grand Prior strengthens the sacred connection between the Order and the Christian communities in the region.

 

Executive Governance

The Grand Magisterium

The Grand Magisterium is the central administrative and advisory body of the Order, assisting the Grand Master in implementing policies, overseeing finances, and managing operations. Its members include:

  • Governor General – Manages global implementation of the Order’s mission

  • Vice-Governors General – Represent major regions: North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific

  • Chancellor – Oversees internal governance and documentation

  • Treasurer – Manages finances and charitable disbursements

  • Master of Ceremonies – Coordinates liturgical and ceremonial affairs

This body ensures the Order remains faithful to its spiritual identity while remaining effective and accountable.

 

Regional Structure

The Lieutenancies

The Order is organized into geographic regions called Lieutenancies, each led by a Lieutenant. These local jurisdictions coordinate:

  • Membership activities

  • Formation programs and spiritual enrichment

  • Fundraising for the Latin Patriarchate and institutions in the Holy Land

  • Pilgrimages and Investiture ceremonies

Lieutenancies serve as vital bridges between the global leadership and the Order’s members, ensuring that the mission is carried out at the local level with dedication and integrity.


A Mission Guided by Faith

From the halls of the Vatican to local Lieutenancies across the world, the leadership of the Order remains focused on a singular goal: to sustain the Church in the land where Christ lived, died, and rose again. With faith, discipline, and charity, the leaders of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem continue to serve both its members and the people of the Holy Land.