— Area News
Tucson – Our Lady Queen of Palestine EOHSJ Feast Day 2026
November 2, 2026
Knights and Dames from the Diocese of Tucson processed as part of the entrance procession for Mass. The Most Reverend James A. Misko, Bishop of Tucson, presided as the Celebrant.
The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (EOHSJ) celebrates Our Lady, Queen of Palestine as its patroness. The feast day is celebrated on October 25 (and in some EOHSJ communities on the last Sunday of October). The feast honors the Blessed Virgin Mary’s spiritual patronage of the Holy Land and her role as a mother and intercessor for peace.
The title “Queen of Palestine” was first promoted by Patriarch Luigi Barlassina in 1920 when he consecrated the Diocese of Jerusalem to Mary. In 1994, St. John Paul II formally declared Our Lady, Queen of Palestine, the Patroness of the EOHSJ. The feast emphasizes prayer for peace, reconciliation, justice, and unity among all peoples of the Holy Land, including Christians, Jews, Muslims, Druze, Palestinians, Israelis, migrants, and refugees. EOHSJ members celebrate with Masses, prayers, reflections, and renewed commitment to supporting Christians in the Holy Land.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 22:34–40. A Pharisee asks Jesus which commandment in the Law is the greatest. Jesus answers: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus teaches that these two commandments are the foundation of all God’s law and the teachings of the prophets.
Bishop Misko Homily: Love is not a choice – it is an act of will. Love will sustain your relations. When communicating, look into other people’s eyes. Loving one another is about the other person. The laws of God are important, but people are the most important in God’s heart. Loving as a Christian is about loving a person.
Our Lady Queen of Palestine, Pray for Us.
