Message from the Grand Master
On December 8 last, the Holy Father Pope Francis appointed me Grand Master of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. I was deeply moved on receiving this news.
Almost immediately, I was inundated by greetings and congratulations from the Grand Magisterium, and Lieutenants from around the world, from Knights, Dames and Clergy.
I would like to thank you all for the attention and consideration that you have shown me. I wish to express my particular gratitude to His Eminence Cardinal Edwin O’Brien, Grand Master emeritus; I think especially of his generous service, wise and competent leadership exercised over the course of these years.
As I extend to you all my first greeting, dear Members of the Order, I would also like to wish each and every one a very Merry Christmas: May it be a privileged moment of reflection on our encounter with the divine humanity of Jesus who appeared in Bethlehem, and allow ourselves once again to share in the amazement of the Wise Men and the Shepherds. Bethlehem and Jerusalem are the two poles that enclose the mystery of our faith.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2020.
(December 18, 2019)