Following are photos of the canons of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Members are a group of senior priests in the Latin Patriarchate (as well as honorary members from elsewhere) who have been selected by the Patriarch for this honor and distinction. In these photos can be seen some of the canons.
The de facto seat of the Patriarchate is the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, the church built by the Empress Helena over the empty tomb of Christ. The canonical chapter of canons of the Holy Sepulchre are therefore attached to this church, vast and large and ancient, with foundations built by Helena in the fourth century AD. The site is recognized as the holiest shrine in the Christian world, where millions of pilgrims have flocked over the centuries.
Therefore it is no surprise there is a very small chapter of canons associated with the Basilica, a distinction that rewards exceptional dedication to the Church in the Holy Land. The canons are a college of priests who participate in more solemn liturgical functions at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, especially large processions on important feast days.
The Code of Canon Law states: "A diocesan bishop is to confer canonries only upon priests outstanding in doctrine and integrity of life, who have laudably exercised the ministry." (CIC, Canon 509, §2).
The canons are divided into two classes: titular canons who are local clergy, priests incardinated into the Patriarchate. The other are honorary canons, reserved for clergy who do not belong to the Diocese of Jerusalem, but who may come from different countries worldwide.
Any priest, bishop, or deacon may be given the distinguished title of honorary canon of the Holy Sepulchre, a privilege bestowed personally by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.
The document with which the new honorary canons are awarded the distinguished title of honor makes note of some of the positive works they have contributed, for example: "the attention and constancy with which for many years you have manifested your love towards the works of the Church in the Holy Land and now in particular towards the Latin Patriarchate... Through your writings, and through initiatives for the recovery of the artistic heritage, you have given a singular contribution to the mission of the Church of Jerusalem."
All of this came about with the restoration of the Latin Patriarchate in the year 1847, when Blessed Pius IX restored the canons and the rectorate of the Patriarch over the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, of which there is no direct link with the Canons of the Holy Sepulchre.
All of this came about with the restoration of the Latin Patriarchate in the year 1847, when Blessed Pius IX restored the canons and the rectorate of the Patriarch over the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, of which there is no direct link with the Canons of the Holy Sepulchre.
The canons participate in various liturgical events celebrated at the Basilica each year, such as the celebration displayed in the photos here, a penitential Lenten procession of His Beatitude the Latin Patriarch to the Holy Sepulchre of Christ. This is an annual event that is celebrated with great solemnity at the beginning of the third week of Lent.
As canons they are entitled to certain privileges within the Patriarchate.
This includes the wearing of the pectoral cross. This cross is small and is always the same - a gold and enamel version of the Jerusalem Cross, the emblem of the Latin Patriarchate and the Christian presence in the Holy Land. The cross is suspended from a black and gold pectoral cross cord designed for canons.
This emblem is also known as the cross of the five sacred wounds and the crusader cross. It consists of a familiar heraldic design: a cross potent with four Greek crosses, all in red.
Over a black cassock they wear a white rochet with typical fitted cuffs and the white mozzetta (shoulder-cape), with the Jerusalem cross emblazoned on the left side.
Further, the canons are afforded the right to wear the black biretta with magenta pompom.
The canons play no small part in preserving the sacred character of the places venerated and visited by Christian peoples who travel from every corner of the world. Amid the odor of incense, the festoon of oil lamps, lit candles, and outpouring of devotion, they wear the cross of Christ emblazoned on themselves, a vivid reminder of St. Paul's impassioned cry: "God forbid that I should make a display of anything, except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Gal. 6:14).
Meanwhile, Christians continue to gather in Jerusalem and to pray with the canons and all others at the tenantless tomb of Christ, where the sacred body of Christ once reposed, the same tomb which we venerate and pledge to continue to preserve and protect, praying as always for the freedom and exultation of Holy Mother the Church.
May the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, moved by the goodness of her Immaculate Heart, obtain - as we confidently and ardently pray - from the Divine Redeemer that through the faith and good works of the canons they may be rewarded for their lively devotion, active zeal, and sacrifice.
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