Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre expands to Johannesburg with investiture of two priests

by Kati Dijane · October 15, 2025

Investiture-of-Father-Bruce-and-Father-Lawrence-Equestrian-Order_Sacred-Photos

Investiture of FatherBruce Botha and Father Lawrence Ndlovu into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem at Holy Trinity Church, Braamfontein. Photo: Sheldon Reddiar/Sacred Photos

By Kati Dijane – The Archdiocese of Johannesburg witnessed a historic moment on Friday, 10 October 2025, as two of its priests, Father Lawrence Mduduzi Ndlovu and Father Bruce Botha SJ, were invested into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem during a solemn Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Braamfontein. The celebration coincided with the Feast of Our Lady, Queen of Palestine, the patroness of the Order.

The event drew clergy, family and dignitaries, including the Lieutenant of South Africa, H.E. Juan Luis Cabral, Archbishop Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński, the Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa, Monsignor Giacomo Antonicelli, secretary of the apostolic nunciature, and government representatives such as Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former African Union chairperson, and Nomvula Mokonyane, the ANC’s first deputy secretary-general.

The Order’s Grand Prior in South Africa, Cardinal Stephen Brislin, the Archbishop of the Metropolitan of Johannesburg, presided over the ceremony and delivered a deeply moving homily.

A sacred legacy

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is one of the oldest chivalric orders of the Catholic Church, with roots tracing back to early Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built by Emperor Constantine in the fourth century.

Over the centuries, the Order has evolved under papal guidance to support the Christian presence in the Holy Land. Popes from Clement VI to John Paul II have shaped its structure and mission, culminating in its recognition as a public institution of the Holy See.

Today, the Order continues to uphold its centuries-old mission: to sustain the Church in the Holy Land through prayer, pilgrimages, and financial support for parishes, schools and charitable works under the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

With nearly 12 000 members worldwide, the Order funds more than 40 schools, supports 68 parishes, seminaries, orphanages and clinics – a humanitarian lifeline for Christians in the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

“A call to build bridges of peace”

In his homily, Cardinal Brislin described the investiture as both a privilege and a solemn responsibility, reminding the congregation of the Order’s threefold mission: prayer, pilgrimage and partnership — known as the “Three Ps.”

“The Order’s purpose,” he said, “is to strengthen its members in their Christian life and to sustain the charitable, cultural and social works of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land — the land of Mary and Joseph, the Apostles, and the beginning of our faith.”

He emphasised that the Order’s members serve not as political actors but as ambassadors of peace and justice.

“The Equestrian Order is not a political institution,” the cardinal said. “But we cannot be indifferent to the suffering of people, especially in Palestine. We must stand in solidarity with all who endure violence and injustice. Peace must be built on justice, not power.”

Cardinal Brislin underscored that true Christian witness involves compassion, integrity and solidarity.

“As members of the Order, remember that your calling is to live the Gospel, to respect every person’s dignity, to stand with those who suffer and to build bridges of understanding. We cannot solve every problem, but we can stand with the vulnerable and be signs of hope.”

Reflecting on Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic exhortation, Dilexi te (“I have loved you”), the cardinal reiterated the Pope’s message that the Church must reject any culture that treats people as “throwaway commodities.”

“We cannot cut ourselves off from the suffering around us,” he urged. “Whether in the Holy Land or here in South Africa, our call is to be merciful, kind and attentive to the poor — materially, emotionally and spiritually.”

He concluded with a prayer to Our Lady, Queen of Palestine, asking her intercession for peace in the Holy Land and for all Christians to grow in humility and compassion.

“May Our Lady, Queen of Palestine, intercede for us all, that we may be builders of peace, witnesses of love and true servants of the Gospel.”

“An invitation we accept with humility”

Before the end of Mass, Father Lawrence Ndlovu spoke on behalf of the newly invested priests. Deeply moved, he reflected on the spiritual meaning of the investiture.

“The Holy Land has given us so much,” he said. “It is where our Lord Jesus Christ lived, died and rose again. We all carry an imprint of that sacred place because we carry His name. Father Bruce and I accept this invitation with deep humility. We are grateful and commit ourselves to pray and work for peace in the Holy Land, especially for the people of Palestine.”

He added that the message of the angels, “Glory to God in the highest and peace to people of goodwill”, remains a timeless call that must find fulfillment in our lifetime.

“Pilgrimages, prayers, and partnerships”

After the Mass, Lieutenant Juan Luis Cabral, who heads the Order in South Africa, expressed his joy at its expansion into Johannesburg.

“This is a pontifical lay order that has served the Church for more than 900 years,” he said. “We are tasked to support Christians in the Holy Land through pilgrimages, prayers and partnerships. Despite the difficulties there, our mission continues. We must double our efforts and, most importantly, our prayers.”

He welcomed Fathers Ndlovu and Botha as the Order’s newest members, noting that their presence marks a new chapter for the Order in South Africa’s largest archdiocese.

“A community of faith and action”

Father Bruce Botha SJ, a Jesuit priest and the second inductee, shared his enthusiasm for joining the Order.

“Before being asked to become a member, I knew nothing about it,” he admitted. “But after researching and learning about its mission, I was deeply moved. I look forward to helping build a community here in Johannesburg, one bound by prayer, faith and a shared commitment to supporting the Holy Land.”

A new chapter for Johannesburg

The investiture of Fathers Ndlovu and Botha marks the first expansion of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem into Johannesburg, a city that now joins Cape Town in hosting members of this ancient order.