Order of Malta vs. Knights of the Holy Sepulchre

[ZellieFan]

I am interested in both of these orders. For financial reasons, I cannot join both so I would like to discern both. I love that the Knights of the H.S. are still actively involved in protecting the Holy Land. Malta also does a lot of projects and that’s very attractive. It’s seems more well known as well. The problem is it’s much easier to get involved with Malta (through the auxiliary). But I haven’t the first clue how to go about getting to know the Knights of the H.S. I’m sure they have regular masses and maybe even do service projects locally but I haven’t a clue where to start. Any ideas?

 

[midori]

I picked up a bunch of diplomas and certificates from the estate of a priest who has passed away. He had been a Knight of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. It’s my impression that it’s an invitation-only organization. Some of the elements include sponsorship by existing members, the sponsorship of your local bishop, a very generous donation right off the bat, and giving generously to the Order on an annual basis.

Just for the interest-- here and here are some of the certificates, issued about 40 years ago. And pray for the repose of his soul.

 

[ZellieFan]

Thanks for your reply. I LOVE the Jerusalem cross. It’s such a beautiful symbol. I have a lot of respect for Malta but H.S. just seems like it’s on a whole different level.

 

[midori]

For sure. I got to attend the consecration/installment of a bishop two bishops ago. It was very cool to see the Knights and the Dames of the Holy Sepulchre process in as part of the opening procession. But I suspect the financial obligations of membership are far out of my league…

I took an icon-writing class in September. The student next to me was a member of the Order of Malta. They take a great number of the sick and infirm on pilgrimage to Lourdes every year, and assist them personally. She talked about their most recent pilgrimage to Lourdes earlier that year; I think it was her fourth. So the Order of Malta definitely does cool things as well— and you’re part of something that’s been around for 900 years. But it also comes with its initiation fees and annual dues, plus a number of other charitable obligations through the course of the year.