Ordinariate Stalwart Diana Morphew Invested as Dame of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

On a very sunny but rather chilly Saturday 27th November at St George’s Cathedral Southwark, the cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Southwark, Diana Morphew was invested as a Dame of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. 

Diana, who is a member of the parish of Our Lady of the Assumption and St Gregory, Warwick Street, London, is the first member of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham to be invested as a dame of the order. She was joined at the ceremony by several close friends, including Monsignor Keith Newton, the ordinary of the U.K. Ordinariate, who concelebrated the Mass. 

The beautiful cathedral with its bright stained glass windows and beautiful flowers was full with a large number of clergy on the sanctuary and the pews filled with knights, dames, members and friends of the order in addition to many other faithful present to celebrate the mass of investiture. The previous evening a vigil mass had been held at the cathedral during which the cloaks and insignia to be given to the new knights and dames were blessed.

The Most Rev John Wilson, Archbishop of Southwark who is the Grand Prior of the Lieutenancy of Engalnd and Wales was the principle celebrant at the investiture mass and he challenged all those present during his homily to consider the simple question how indispensable to us is the Word of God, and if it is, how is it known, shown and shared? An important point for all present to consider and indeed all the faithful to consider - especially the nine members of the faithful present in the cathedral  who were invested as knights and dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem during the Mass. 

The beautiful and uplifting liturgy involved the new knights and dames making heartfelt promises to respect and observe the constitution of the Holy Order, which is tasked with sustaining and aiding the charitable, cultural and social works and institutions of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, and encouraging the spread of the faith there. The word of God which is alive and active was magnified though the beautiful music provided by the choir, the powerful and thought provoking homily, the wonderful procession involving the knights and dames and indeed the faithful witness of all those present. Centred around the Eucharist which is the source and summit of our existence the Mass was indeed a wonderful occasion. 

The investiture Mass was followed by an enjoyable reception on the other side of the Thames at The Victory Services Club near Marble Arch. After grace and prayers for the Holy Father, an enjoyable three course luncheon was served. Fellowship was shared and a number of speeches were made and an enjoyable day had by all. The new knights and dames of the order were welcomed in style by the existing members of the order and  while the sword remains an important symbol in the order all present were reminded that the Kingdom of God is won not by the sword, but by faith and love.

The Investiture Mass can be viewed here. 

Donato Tallo writes from the United Kingdom.
 

Pictured (top to bottom): Diana Morphew stands next to Archbishop Wilson after her investiture; Diana receives her insignia from Archbishop Wilson during the investiture; the insignia of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre on display; Diana Morphew with the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham ordinary Msgr. Keith Newton and other friends after the Mass at the reception. Photo credit: Donato Tallo.