Shortsville Priest Joins Order Charged with Supporting Holy Land

Father Anthony Amato, pastor of St. Peter Parish in Shortsville, recently joined the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. His journey began during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2015, where he visited significant biblical sites such as the Sea of Galilee and the Mount of Beatitudes. These experiences deepened his spiritual commitment and inspired his decision to join the order.

The investiture ceremony took place on October 15 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Father Amato recalled the event as a beautiful and meaningful moment, reflecting on the order’s long-standing role in supporting Christian holy sites. The order, which sponsored his earlier pilgrimage, has a rich history rooted in the Crusades, where its members were tasked with protecting Christian sites and ensuring pilgrims could access them.

Bob McNeil, president of the New York Upstate Section of the order’s Eastern Lieutenancy, explained that the order’s mission today centers on caring for the Holy Land’s holy places and its Christian communities. While the term “equestrian” in the order’s name refers to its historical roots, modern members focus on spiritual and charitable support rather than military service.

McNeil noted that during the Crusades, the order’s knights were authorized to ride horses into churches to defend them, as per a papal decree. Today, the order’s members, known as knights and dames, dedicate themselves to prayer and advocacy for the Holy Land. Their efforts reflect a commitment to preserving Christian heritage and fostering peace in the region.

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem continues to play a vital role in supporting Christian communities and holy sites in the Holy Land. Father Amato’s membership underscores the ongoing connection between American Catholics and the spiritual heritage of the region. His journey serves as a reminder of the enduring call to care for the holy places and the people who dwell there.

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