The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Eastern Lieutenancy

A Spiritual Journey to France

Join His Excellency, Michael J. L. LaCivita

November 1–10, 2024

Dear Friends,

As knights and dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, we are aware of our obligation to travel as pilgrims to the Holy Land and to visit its Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Such pilgrimages not only help us gain insight into our lives as “pilgrimages of faith,” but help us to understand better our faith in the Resurrected Jesus and express our solidarity with our sisters and brothers of the faith living under trying circumstances in the Holy Land.

The situation in the Holy Land, however, remains uncertain. Thus, we have suspended pilgrimages out of an abundance of concern. However, to help deepen our identity as knights and dames, the chair of our lieutenancy’s pilgrimage committee, Ms. Hélène Chazal de Kytspotter, has proposed a spiritual journey to her native France, which has a long connection to the Holy Land, from the tombs of Mary Magdalene and Martha of Bethany in the south of France to the relics of the Passion brought to Paris by the king, St. Louis, in the 13th century. This excursion is an exclusive and premier event and includes a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris — before its official opening — as well as a special Mass with members of the French Lieutenancy in the Royal Chapel in Versailles, as well as the opportunity to enjoy visits to beautiful and important historical sites far off the beaten path.

I am grateful for Hélène’s insights, passion and commitment to this project. This spiritual journey is a unique opportunity for members of our Eastern Lieutenancy to deepen our faith and identity as members of this noble order of service to the church.

I look forward to accompanying you on this one-of-a-kind prayerful experience to France, the “eldest daughter of the church.”

Michael J. L. La Civita, K.G.C.H.S.
Lieutenant