Serving the Franciscan Friars of the Holy Land
The Knights of Mount St. Sepulchre was founded in 1916 – 97 years ago! – by Rev. Godfrey Schilling, O.F.M., to assist the multitude of pilgrims who visit the shrines at the Memorial Church of Mt. St. Sepulchre.
We continue that tradition to this day, assisting those who wish to visit replicas of the places of our Lord's life. In 2012, knights explained the shrines to 4,083 visitors and volunteered 1,985 hours. In 2011, knights explained the shrines to 3,933 visitors and volunteered 2,275 hours; in 2010, knights gave tours to 3,915 visitors and volunteered 1,956 man-hours.
You could be part of our tradition of service; learn how to join and read about our activities.
Read more about us in a story in the Monastery's fall 2011 newsletter that features the Knights.
Praise the Lord!
The Knights are proud sponsors of the Praise program, which provides choral music the second Sunday of each month at the 10:00am Mass.
Recent News
- March 29 – Good Friday service – Knights assisted at the solemn Burial of Christ ceremony on Good Friday. Several other volunteers took part this year; we thank them for their help..
- February 10, 2013 – Michael Stewart was knighted and joined our ranks as a brother knight and servant of the Lord and of the Monastery.
- December 31 – Knight Alex Sisson passed away on December 30, 2012; his funeral was on January 4. Alex was knighted in 2003 by Fr. Kevin Treston, OFM. Alex was elected Deputy Grand Knight (Oct 2004-2005), Warden (Oct 2005), and Treasurer (Oct 2006). Friends describe his major qualities as generousnous, genuineness, and grace. Alex passed after a long fight with cancer. We all miss you, Alex.
- December 24, 25 – Knights assisted at the celebration of the Vigil and Midnight Christmas Masses.
- December 8 – Our Chaplain, Fr. Jacob-Matthew Smith, O.F.M., celebrated a Memorial Mass at which we remembered our deceased knights. Please keep them in your prayers.
- November 17 – The knights served at a Mass at the Monastery celebrated by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, Papal Nuncio to the United States, and attended by Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington.
- November 11 – The knights assisted at a special Mass at the Monastery in honor of our veterans. A color guard stood at attention during the entire Mass, and a military chaplain delivered the homily. Following Mass, the guard played TAPS at the Ascension Chapel.
August 21 – Knight Michael O'Connor passed away on August 19, 2012 (obit). His funeral was held on August 21. Mike was knighted in 1952 by Fr. Paschal, OFM; was always faithful to the Monastery; and was a delightful man to know and work with. Mike visited the Holy Land with Knights John Higgins and Don Woodhams in 1985, and was Grand Knight three times: Oct 1969-70, 1979, and Oct 1984-86. We will all miss you, Mike.- August 17 – Fundraiser a success – Congratulations to Tyrone, Cynthia, and Mary, who won the prizes at the first annual KMSS raffle ticket fundraiser. Thanks to all who supported us!
- August 12 – Congratulations to Michael Stewart, a KMSS novice, who was voted to become a new knight. We will announce a date for the knighting of Knight-elect Michael as soon as we schedule it. Welcome, Mike!
- June 26 – Raffle ticket fundraiser – KMSS will operate its first fundraiser, selling raffle tickets to the public. Tickets can be purchased from any knight; the cost is $1 per ticket or $5 for a book of 6. First prize will be $100, second prize $50, and third prize $25. The drawing will be held at the pasta dinner on Friday, August 17. Contact us to support our work at the Monastery and we'll mail you the tickets.
June 23 – Josephine Teri, widow of deceased Knight Ulderigo Teri, passed away (obit). Her funeral was held on June 27. Josephine was full of joy, and was always a strong supporter of both the Monastery and the Knights. We will miss you, Josephine.- April 6 – Good Friday service – Knights assisted at the solemn Burial of Christ ceremony on Good Friday. We were assisted this year by several other volunteers; thanks to all who helped.
- January 29 – R. D. Carter, Jr., was knighted at the 10:00am Mass. R. D. is a successful local business owner and member of St. Augustine's parish. He clearly is devoted to his faith, and we welcome him with open arms into our ranks. Read more.
- January 22, 2012 - March for Life – Knights gave tours of the shrines to literally hundreds of those who participated in the annual Right For Life March in the nation's capital. On Sunday alone, over 600 visited. Knights conducted tours every thirty minutes to large groups throughout the day. Although much work, knights truly enjoy such effort, bearing witness to so many of our faith.
Contact us by email for more information, or call us at 202-526-6800 x890 on Sundays.