An organization of Catholic men and women who have made a solemn promise to “always be loyal to Christ” and conduct their lives “in accordance with Christian moral and religious principles” welcomed new members to its ranks during an Investiture Mass Oct. 21 in St. Patrick Cathedral, New York.

Sixty men and women were invested as Knights and Ladies in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem’s Eastern Lieutenancy of the United States, and 92 members were promoted in rank, into the ancient Catholic order with roots dating back to the 11th century and which has as its main objective to provide spiritual and financial support for Christians living in the Holy Land.

Five men from the Trenton Diocese were among those honored at the Investiture Mass. Father Garry Koch, pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel; Dr. Edward DeFabio of Nativity Parish, Fair Haven, and Thomas J. Viggiano, III, of St. Michael Parish, West End, were newly invested as Knights. Promoted to higher ranks were Sir Frank C. Muzzi of Christ the King Parish, Long Branch, to Knight Commander, and Sir Timothy E. Ryan of St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville, to Knight Grand Cross.

“You are like soldiers for the kingdom of God, soldiers for our Holy Catholic Church, soldiers for Christ the Lord, soldiers for the Holy Land,” said Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan of the Camden Diocese and former auxiliary bishop of New York, who served as principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass.

Reminding the Knights and Ladies that the redemptive cross of Jesus should underpin everything they do, Bishop Sullivan noted, “We reach out to a world in need of healing, women and men whose lives are broken and wounded by disease, pain and hunger.”

Father Garry Koch
Dr. Edward DeFabio
Frank C. Muzzi
Timothy E. Ryan
Thomas J. Viggiano, III