June 27 was an exciting day for the Southeast Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher. It was the first time in three years that its four hundred, seven members had been able to gather in community to celebrate liturgy and enjoy educational opportunities, but most importantly, to gather for prayer.

The educational events included an in-depth lecture on the shroud of Turin and an explanation of the financial role the Southeast Lieutenancy plays in the support of Bethlehem University, a Catholic university dedicated to the social teachings of the Church with particular emphasis on interfaith dialogue and communication. While the student body of the university is mainly Muslim, it includes a population of Christian students far higher than the average Christian presence in Palestinian society.

The liturgy on Saturday night included two pre-Mass events that directly affected Birmingham. Section Leader, Joseph A. Marino, was promoted to the office of Lieutenant of the Southeast Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order. Marino is the first Lieutenant of the Southeast Lieutenancy to not reside in New Orleans. He is a Birmingham native, and the local contingency proudly looked on as Marino was formally installed by Archbishop Alfred Hughes, Archbishop Emeritus of New Orleans. Following the installation, various promotions were acknowledged, ten of which were for members from the Diocese of Birmingham.

Sunday was the day of celebration for the Lieutenancy. As the full Order celebrated the feast of the Ascension of our Lord at Immaculate Conception Church founded in 1857, in a pre-mass celebration, the Order from Birmingham inducted five new members.

Those receiving promotions were Sir Timothy and Dame Catherine Thornton, Sir John and Dame Bess Valieant, Sir Tim and Dame Melanie Hennessy, Sir Martin Beasley, Sir Danny Garcia, Sir James and Dame Elizabeth Rich, and Father Bryan Jerabek. New inductees included Sir Michael and Dame Warsaw, Sir Joseph and Dame Flaherty, and Sir Roger Culfield.

The entire weekend was a joyful celebration of the Order’s ideals: to support the Holy Land in generous financial contributions; to fulfill the vow of support of the Holy Father and his good works; to seek holiness through prayer, good example, and charitable works.

As he leads the Southeast Lieutenancy, may God continue to bless Marino’s great work and his family.