Our Lady Queen of Palestine Feast Day, one of four feast days commemorated by the Equestrian Order, is celebrated on the last Sunday of October every year. This feast was established in 1927 by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Luigi Barlassina, to ask for the Virgin Mary’s protection over Palestine and the Holy City of Jerusalem. The Holy See approved the feast day in 1933. The feast invites the faithful to pray for peace and protection for the Holy Land, honoring Mary’s special connection to the region as the mother of Jesus. It is a day for reflection, prayer, and unity in asking for the well-being of those living in the Holy Land.
Parishioners of Saint Augustine Cathedral, Knights, and Dames gathered for Mass with The Most Reverend Edward J. Weisenburger as the celebrant. Bishop Weisenburger introduced the gathered faithful to the Order. He shared that supporting the Holy Land is the mission of the Order. Hospitals, schools, seminarians, and humanitarian aid were mentioned as examples of EOHSJ support. He asked for prayers in support of an end to violence in the Holy Land and for lasting peace.


The Gospel reading for the 29th Sunday in ordinary time is Mark10:35-45. In this passage James and John ask Jesus to grant them the privilege of sitting at his right and left in glory. Bishop Weisenburger listed four commitments to make so that we may wear the Crown of Christ.
1) Love God – find time to be with God.
2) Desire to be Holy – Do not be afraid.
3) We may not be able do big things, but we can do small things – E.G.: smile, remember a birthday, simple everyday activities, etc.
4) Allow God to Love us – be open to the outpouring of God’s love.
God will have us no matter what. Together, everyone makes up the Kingdom of God.
Thank you to Bishop Weisenburger for a beautiful Mass. Also, thanks to the Knights and Dames who participated. Many parishioners inquired about the Order after Mass. Continuing to share the message of the Order leads to future nominations.