Cardinal Filoni addresses knights, dames, blesses investees’ robes, insignia as investiture weekend continues

The second day of the Equestrian Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem’s investiture weekend – Saturday, Sept. 26 – was jampacked with activity, beginning with an address by Cardinal Fernando Filoni, grand master of the order.

Bishop Edward Malesic, coadjutor prior of the North Central Lieutenancy, which includes Ohio, introduced the cardinal. He offered a snapshot of the Cleveland Diocese for the nearly 600 attendees who hailed from six states: Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.

“I was proud to take the cardinal to visit our theologians at Saint Mary Seminary,” the bishop said, noting they spent some time at the diocesan Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe on Friday, Sept. 24, the first day of the investiture weekend. He also told the group that Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland is one of the largest programs in the country. In addition, he said two of the four churchwomen murdered in El Salvador during the 1980 civil war were from the diocese and ministered at its mission there.

“Unfortunately, renovations in the cathedral preclude us from celebrating there, but we will visit two of our beautiful churches – the Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus and Sacred Heart of Jesus – this weekend,” he said.

Before introducing Cardinal Filoni, the bishop, who just marked his sixth anniversary in Cleveland, said he enjoyed getting to know the cardinal a little better this weekend, noting he was staying at the cathedral rectory, where the bishop lives. “He has a pastoral heart and we are grateful for his leadership and presence among us this weekend.”

The cardinal spoke about the knights, including some of the order’s history and their mission of supporting the Church in the Holy Land.

“We are not a philanthropic society or a state entity. And although we are an equestrian order, we have no horses,” he quipped. “We are an order for the sake of the Church in the Holy Land.” He talked about the difficulties existing in the Middle East, noting there is only one parish open in Gaza.

Pope Leo created a new Friends of the Order group for those who want to participate in the mission but are not able to be fully invested.

In addition to the cardinal, Father Alex Kratz, OFM from Pontiac Michigan, Sister Theresa Sullivan, D.C. and Sister Mary Louise Stubbs, both of Southfield, Michigan, addressed the group.

After lunch, the clergy, knights, dames and guests traveled to St. Stanislaus where Father Eric Orzech, pastor, welcomed them for the vigil service and promotions. Cardinal Filoni was the celebrant and homilist.

During the liturgy, the nearly 100 new investees were presented to the cardinal. Each came forward to sign the official documents of the order. Their capes and insignia were blessed and they recited the order’s promise.

Music was provided by Tom Fielding, music director for the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, some cathedral choir members and Knight David Krakowski, music director of the Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus.

There was a solemn procession into and out of the church, with all knights, dames and clergy participating.

That evening, there was a dinner at the Hotel Cleveland, headquarters for the weekend.