Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre Welcomes New Members at 2026 Investiture

On October 2 and 3, 2026, the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Lieutenancy, Canada – Toronto, gathered at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica for its 2026 Vigil and Investiture. The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is a Catholic lay order under the protection of the Holy See, whose members seek to deepen their own Christian faith while supporting the Church and the Christian presence in the Holy Land, particularly through the works of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The weekend brought together Knights, Dames, clergy, candidates, their families and guests in prayer and celebration as eight new members were received into the Order, six members were promoted in rank, and six were honoured with Special Distinction Awards.

The celebrations began on Friday evening with the Vigil in the Crypt of St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, providing candidates with an opportunity for prayer and spiritual preparation before their Investiture. The Vigil was followed by a reception in the Cathedral atrium. On Saturday, His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, Archbishop of Toronto and Grand Prior of the Lieutenancy, presided at the Mass of Investiture. During the liturgy, one bishop, six Knights and one Dame were invested into the Order, while three Knights, two Dames and one ecclesiastic were promoted in rank. Five members and one Friend of the Order were also presented with Special Distinction Awards in recognition of their outstanding service and contribution to the Order.

Following the Mass, members of the Order, together with the newly invested, their families and guests, gathered for a luncheon at the Albany Club.

The weekend was an occasion of prayer and celebration, welcoming new members into the Order while recognizing those who had advanced in rank and renewing the Lieutenancy’s shared commitment to faith, service and support for the Christian presence in the Holy Land.