Pilgrimage

Pilgrimages to the Holy Land

The EOHSJ and Pilgrimage

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem has always been a pilgrim Order. Foremost in the mind of the first crusaders was a determination to pray at the Holy Places throughout Palestine and Israel and, thereby, obtain forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation. For nine hundred years, members of the Order have traced the route from their homes to the Holy Land to marvel at the places where Our Lord was born, preached, died and was resurrected. A Pilgrimage has always been and remains, an important event and act of religious devotion in the lives of members of the Order.

The Lieutenancy is committed to promoting pilgrimages to the Holy Land as the best means of experiencing the Order’s commitment to the Christian Community in the Holy Land. The Pilgrim Shell is the most prized decoration of the Equestrian Order. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem or his delegate presents the decoration to Knights and Dames who have visited the Holy Land and prayed at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The shell is based on the seashells worn on the cloaks of pilgrims who successfully reached the great medieval shrine of St. James the Apostle at Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Pilgrimage Coordinators

Sir Joe & Dame Linda Maneen

Contact

Pilgrimages are organized and chaplained by many different members, priests and religious of our order, along with professional pilgrimage agencies chosen for their broad experience in the Holy Land.

Our pilgrimage coordinators assist the Lieutenant and group coordinators in scheduling travel, accommodation, hospitality and access to places of pilgrimage.

A moral Obligation for all Members

The Duty of Pilgrimage

A pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre and the Holy Land is a moral obligation of every Knight and Dame of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and should be realized with the help of God at least once during one’s lifetime.

A pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre of Our Lord and to the other sacred places is also an act of solidarity with our brothers and sisters living in the Holy Land. Our presence among them is an encouragement to the Christian

For a foretaste of the graces and experiences which await you in the Holy Land, please watch the video below.

Watch: Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

the most treasured decoration of the Order

The Pilgrim Shell

History

The Pilgrim Shell is a scalloped shell, the ancient badge of a pilgrim, oxidized in silver and overlaid with the Cross of Godfrey of Bouillon enameled in red and bordered in gold. Originally, the symbol of a complete pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James the Apostle at Compostela, Spain, the shell is now the universal sign of pilgrimage. The shell reminds us that we are all pilgrims on earth and members of a pilgrim Church. It is also a pledge to aid the needy, especially in the Holy Land. It is worn on the outside of the cape, scalloped edge down, centered on the red felt cross of the Order. The Pilgrim Shell and the 2000 Jubilee medal are the only decorations to be worn on the cape. When worn with other decorations on business or formal attire, no decoration is placed above the Pilgrim Shell.

How to Acquire your Pilgrim Shell

The Pilgrim Shell is the most treasured decoration of the Order and is awarded by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Any Knight or Dame of the Order in good standing, who makes a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and prays at the site of the Holy Sepulchre of our Risen Lord, can earn the Pilgrim Shell. It testifies that the Knight or Dame of the Order has seen the results of his or her charity and knows the importance of the mission of the Order and the fulfillment of the apostolate. It is the goal of every member.

Please notify our office once you have received your Pilgrim Shell from the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem. If you are planning a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and would like to receive your Pilgrim Shell, please speak with your Tour Company or contact the Lieutenancy office for more information.

Pilgrimage Schedule

Walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

Given that pilgrimage planning is completely dependent on the security and safety situation in the Holy Land, please check back for alternative local, national and international pilgrimage opportunities sponsored by the EOHSJ through the next year.

Please ensure frequent communication with pilgrimage coordinators for Holy Land pilgrimage availability and/or cancellations as they monitor the political situation.