The Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre held a day of recollection June 19 at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Atlantic City. Msgr. William A. Hodge, pastor and Knight Commander of the Holy Sepulchre, celebrated Mass.
The Mass was followed by a luncheon and screening of “Kingdom of Heaven,” a film depiction of the Crusades directed by Ridley Scott, which has not always been categorized as historically accurate or fair-minded in its portrayal of the dynamics between Christianity and Islam.
Mark McNierney, KHS, gave a brief address introducing the movie and discussing its creation and impact in Hollywood and beyond. After the film, Msgr. Hodge closed the meeting with a final blessing and led those present in reciting the Prayer of the Knights, which calls the members of the Order to serve as “convinced and sincere ambassadors of Peace and Love among our brothers and sisters.”
The Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre trace their origins to Godfrey de Bouillon of the First Crusade. They work to foster Christian discipleship and good works to the poor and sick, to preserve and spread faith in Jesus Christ in Palestine, and to champion the rights of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land.
The Order takes as its patroness Our Lady of Palestine, realizing the close relationship between Mary and her native land.
Information on the Order is available at www.holysepulchre.net