Africa and the Order of the Holy Sepulchre: a small presence that is growing
On September 14, 2024, and coinciding with its 14th anniversary, the Lieutenancy for Southern Africa welcomed 16 new Members. Magistral Delegate Juan Luis Cabral joyfully shared this event, and took the opportunity to reflect on the history of this Magistral Delegation, which remains the only one on the African continent to date. Although physically distant from the other Lieutenancies, Southern Africa is clearly close in spirit and mission to the Lieutenancies of other continents. In addition, it joins the European English-speaking group for meetings of dialogue and exchange between like-minded Lieutenancies, which is strongly encouraged by the Governor General.
“The Order in South Africa was established in 2010 with a few members, and a larger group joined in 2015,” began the Magistral Delegate. The Covid era had a negative impact on the strengthening of this young local reality of the Order, as was the case in many other regions, with the added difficulty of the worsening health conditions of the Ecclesiastical Master of Ceremonies of the Magistral Delegation. “We realized that it was necessary to find a new Master of Ceremonies. On July 28, 2023, Father Robert Bissell was Invested and became our new Master of Ceremonies.” Thanks to this renewed presence, the Magistral Delegation was able to organize the induction of new candidates into the Order and prepare the training course that led to the Investiture of the 16 members who were welcomed on September 14.