The Grand Master of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a chivalric order of the Catholic Church rooted in the Crusades, named Michael J.L. La Civita, CNEWA’s director of communications, as the new lieutenant for its Eastern Lieutenancy (U.S.A.), which includes members in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and the Bahamas.
Mr. La Civita, who was invested as a member of the order in 2009, has been a member of its board of councilors since 2014 and has served as chancellor since 2020.
The Order of the Holy Sepulchre works to support and strengthen the Christian community in the Middle East, especially the church of Jerusalem, and has partnered with CNEWA and its operating agency in the Middle East, the Pontifical Mission, for decades.
“I am grateful to God for this opportunity to serve the church in another capacity, particularly the mother church of Jerusalem, which I hold close to my heart,” said Mr. La Civita.
“I am thankful, too, to the grand master of the order, His Eminence Fernando Cardinal Filoni, and the governor general, His Excellency Ambassador Leonardo Visconti di Modrone, for entrusting to me this responsibility, and for the support of the lieutenancy’s grand prior, His Eminence Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, and Her Excellency, Lieutenant Vicki Downey, for whom I have had the pleasure of working with these last eight years.”
“I assume this only with the grace and help of God, who has been very good to me. I hope always to respond generously and joyfully.”
The appointment is effective 14 October. He will remain with CNEWA-Pontifical Mission as director of communications.