Pilgrimage

Pilgrimages to the Holy Land

The EOHSJ and Pilgrimage

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem has always been a pilgrim Order. For over nine hundred years, members of the Order have traced routes from their homes to the Holy Land to discover Jesus in new ways, to walk in his footsteps and to stand in awe in the places where he was born and raised, preached and healed, died and rose again. A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land has always been, and remains, an important religious commitment for members of the Order. Through pilgrimage to Jesus’ homeland the sacred scriptures come alive. As Cardinal Pizzaballa, Patriarch of the Holy Land, puts it: “The Holy Land is the fifth Gospel. I also like to call it a kind of eighth sacrament, because it allows you to experience an encounter with Jesus, physically, that you can touch…If you go to the Holy Land, your Christian faith becomes stronger and more concrete.” (Vatican News, 13 January 2026).

Pilgrimage in this sacred place is also where we encounter the “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5), the vital indigenous Christian communities of the Holy Land with whom our Order has an enduring relationship. These communities, comprised of the descendants of the very first followers of Jesus, daily seek to live the Gospel in the place where it was first proclaimed. EOHSJ Pilgrimages always include opportunities to interact with the local Christians, as well as to visit the Catholic ministries and projects supported by the Order.

The Western Lieutenancy promotes pilgrimages to the Holy Land as the best means of strengthening the Order’s relationship with local Christians, and serves as a uniquely meaningful path for its members’ spiritual growth. A highlight of one’s first EOHSJ pilgrimage is receiving the Pilgrim Shell. It is the most prized decoration of the Equestrian Order, awarded to those who have experienced an Order pilgrimage to the Holy Land and prayed at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Pilgrim Shell is presented by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem or his delegate.

At least one pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a moral duty of all members of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, but it is a joyful obligation – one that will hopefully be only the first of many visits to the Holy Land.

Pilgrimage Director

Dame Gail Gresser

Contact

Pilgrimages are organized and provided with spiritual care by many different members – bishops, priests, deacons, religious women and men, and lay ecclesial ministers. Professional pilgrimage agencies are chosen for their broad experience in the Holy Land, and work with our Lieutenant and Pilgrimage Director to assist each pilgrimage’s Group Coordinators in scheduling travel, accommodation, hospitality and access to places of pilgrimage, engagement with local Christians, and visits to ministry sites supported by the Order.

A moral Obligation for all Members

The Duty of Pilgrimage

A pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre and the Holy Land is a moral obligation of every Knight and Dame of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem
and should be realized with the help of God at least once during one’s lifetime.

A pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre of Our Lord, to the other sacred places, and to the ministries and projects supported by our Lieutenancy is an act of solidarity with our brothers and sisters living in the Holy Land. Our presence among them is an encouragement to the Christian communities who are struggling and suffering because of the difficult circumstances in which they live, but who continue to be Holy Land witnesses to the Gospel of peace, justice and reconciliation.

For a foretaste of the graces and experiences which await you in the Holy Land, please watch the video below.

Watch: Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

the most treasured decoration of the Order

The Pilgrim Shell

History

The Pilgrim Shell, the most treasured decoration of the Order, is awarded by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem or his delegate. A scalloped shell, it is the ancient badge of a pilgrim. Originally the symbol of a completed pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James the Apostle at Compostela, Spain, the shell is now the universal sign of pilgrimage, reminding us that we are all pilgrims on earth and are members of a pilgrim Church.
It represents a Christian commitment to aid those in need, and the Order’s commitment to our fellow Christians in the Holy Land.

The Pilgrim Shell of the Order, oxidized in silver and overlaid with the Cross of Godfrey of Bouillon enameled in red and bordered in gold, is one of only two decorations ever to be worn on the cape. It is placed on the outside of the cape, scalloped edge down, centered on the red felt cross of the Order. When worn with other decorations on business or formal attire, no decoration is ever placed above the Pilgrim Shell.

How to Acquire your Pilgrim Shell

Any Knight or Dame of the Order in good standing who makes an EOHSJ pilgrimage to Jerusalem and prays at the site of the Holy Sepulchre of our Risen Lord can earn the Pilgrim Shell. It testifies that the Knight or Dame of the Order has seen the results of his or her charity and knows the importance of the mission of the Order and the fulfillment of its apostolate. It is the obligation of every member.

Please notify our office once you have received your Pilgrim Shell from the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem. If you are planning an EOHSJ Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and would like to receive your Pilgrim Shell, please speak with your Pilgrimage Group Coordinator.