Over 3,500 pilgrims for the Jubilee of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre

From 21 to 23 October, the Members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, led by the Grand Master, Cardinal Fernando Filoni, are gathering in Rome to participate in the pilgrimage of the Ordinary Jubilee 2025. In an international context, becoming pilgrims of hope represents a significant challenge.

As a Pontifical Institution, the specific mission assigned by the Holy Father Pope Pius IX and his successors to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is that of “animating zeal in the ecclesial community towards the Land of Jesus and sustaining the Catholic Church and the Christian presence there” (Statute, Art. 1). The Order’s members feel the calling to experience wholeheartedly the virtues of faith, hope, and charity even more intensely.

Over 3,500 pilgrims hailing from the 67 local entities of the Order (Lieutenancies and Magistral Delegations) across 40 countries worldwide are taking part in this pilgrimage in the city of Saints Peter and Paul, with their gaze fixed on the Mother Church of Jerusalem, which they hold dear and sustain with prayer, their closeness, and tangible projects of solidarity. In the past, the Knights and Dames of the Order experienced an international pilgrimage in 2013 on the occasion of the Year of Faith.

During the Order's Jubilee, pilgrims will pass through the Holy Doors of the four papal basilicas and experience a moment of celebration at each. Here is the itinerary:

- Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls (Holy Mass October 21, in the afternoon);

- Basilica of St John Lateran (Holy Mass on October 22, in the morning);

- Basilica of St Mary Major (moment of personal prayer October 22, in the afternoon);

- St Peter's Basilica (Holy Mass October 23, in the morning).

On 23 October, the Knights and Dames will be received in audience by Pope Leo XIV, whose Pontificate, in this its inaugural year, they entrust specifically to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Palestine, the patroness of the Order.

For further information:

·          The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem: About us

·         Lieutenancies and Magistral Delegations of the Order

·         The Order's Members' Support for the Holy Land

Contact: François Vayne
Director of the Communication Office of the Grand Magisterium of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre
comunicazione@oessh.va
Ph. +39 3428715779

(October 14, 2025)