Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem Investiture

Kneeling before the altar, veiled, and moments before the mantle was placed over my shoulders of the Military & Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem, I took my sacred oath before the Grand Prior of America, under the blessings and spiritual authority of our 50th Grand Master, His Excellency Francisco de Borbón as Dame, Officer.

This investiture is one of the most meaningful moments of my life. The ceremony was profoundly beautiful filled with tradition, solemnity, and a true sense of purpose. I am deeply grateful to His Excellency for opening this door and for the trust placed in me to continue my mission of supporting military veterans and preserving their stories.

For nearly a thousand years, founded 1098, during the Crusader era, the Order embodies faith, service, and compassion in Jerusalem, beginning as a hospitaller community caring for the sick, especially those with leprosy, the most forgotten and vulnerable souls of the Middle Ages.

Through centuries of upheaval, exile, royal patronage, and renewal, the green eight-pointed cross endured. Today, the Order’s mission continues around the world through its Grand Priories, Priories, and Bailiwicks, including America, Canada, France, Italy, Portugal, England & Wales, Australia, Norway, Romania, Scotland, Slovakia, and the Maltese Islands, with additional jurisdictions active throughout Europe, Oceania, and beyond.

The Order itself was founded in honor of Saint Lazarus, the patron saint of lepers, a figure in Christian devotion who unites the compassion of the poor Lazarus from the Gospel parable with the faith and friendship of Lazarus of Bethany, whom Jesus raised from the dead. Across centuries, these traditions intertwined, and the name “Saint Lazarus” became a universal symbol of mercy toward the sick and forgotten.

And beautifully, my birthday falls on December 17, the feast day traditionally associated with Saint Lazarus of Bethany, the resurrected friend of Jesus. I was also baptized in the Church of Saint Lazarus. To walk into this Order feels like a circle only God could close.

As I begin my journey, I am honored to offer my voice to this legacy. Through “communications” where my heart naturally leads, to help share the Order’s history, its ceremonies, and its humanitarian work with clarity, dignity, and devotion.

With that purpose, I’m excited to introduce “The Green Cross Report” a three-part show…More coming soon! Humbled by the responsibility to serve.

FAITH • SERVICE • HUMANITY. Atavis et Armis ⚔️💚