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Promotions

Becoming a Knight or Dame
 

Promotions

Promotion to the next rank is recognition of the merits earned by those members who, during their time in the Order, have shown particular evidence of active participation, commitment, and generous charitable action, and who can be held up as an example to others in the Lieutenancy. As laid down by the Constitution, in principle no proposal for promotion can be made unless the member has spent at least three years at the lower rank. Obviously, because promotion is a way of recognizing the merits earned, it cannot be considered solely on the basis of length of membership, nor can it be requested by the member in question. Promotion to higher ranks such as Knight Commander with Star and, in particular, Knight Grand Cross must be evaluated according to the specific provisions of Enclosure A, Article 2, of the Constitution. [see above]. That is to say, it must take into account not only the merits earned, but also the qualities of the person being considered, who will, through his/her promotion, be set on a level with the relevant positions in the ecclesiastical hierarchy with which said ranks are associated. (The rank of Knight Commander with Star is conferred on Bishops, whilst that of Knight Grand Cross is conferred on Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church and the highest civil and military dignitaries who have acquired special, important merits in respect of the Order and the works in the Holy Land.) Article 7 of the Constitution defines only a time frame for eligibility for the proposal for promotion. Promotion cannot be granted by seniority, but only and exclusively by merits. Regular participation in the events of the Order and fulfillment of the annual charitable contribution is not sufficient merit to justify promotion. Any proposed promotion has to be accompanied by the “evidence of subsequent good services performed after admission and the last promotion (Encl. A art.1 paragraph 3/b in furtherance of the projects and works of the Order). Without this evidence the promotion cannot be granted.” (Prot.550/2006). The following criteria and the recommendations of the Section President and Chancellor are used to prepare an annual list for consideration for promotion (10 % of the number of new members invested in the current year is considered normative):
  • It has been at least five years from the date of investiture or from the date of their last promotion
  • The member has attended the last five Investiture meetings or has been excused for grave reason
  • The member has attended the majority of section events over the last five years
  • The member has made annual charitable contributions to the Order each of the last five years
  • The member is an active and contributing member of the Catholic Church, supportive of his parish and diocese
  • The member has been actively involved in the work of the Order either in the Lieutenancy or the Section and has contributed time, talent, and treasure above the simple time in grade. Promotees will be required to submit a form attesting to their “Evidence of Subsequent Good Services.” If this is returned by the proposed promotee with little information, the promotion may be declined.
  • The member has not previously declined a promotion
  • To be eligible for promotion to Grand Cross, a member must have made an eligible (see below) Pilgrimage to the Holy Land (members who have received the Pilgrim Shell should notify the Lieutenancy office).
A certified currently dated Church marriage certificate will be required if the promotee has married since his investiture or last promotion.
  • Priests are eligible to be promoted only if they become a Monsignor, Bishop, or Archbishop
  • Section Presidents are eligible for promotion every four years for as long as they are Section Presidents
   

Promotion in Rank

KHS/DHS Knight/Dame Rank after Investiture
KCHS/DCHS Knight/Dame Commander First Promotion
KC*HS/DC*HS Knight/Dame Commander with Star Second Promotion
KGCHS/DGCHS Knight/Dame Grand Cross Third Promotion

Promotion in Rank for Clergy

KHS Knight Priest
KCHS Knight Commander Monsignor
KC*HS Knight Commander with Star Archbishop/Bishop
KGCHS Knight Grand Cross Cardinals
 

Knight or Dame of the Collar

The Collar is conferred on the most eminent persons, ecclesiastic or lay, of the highest dignity, in most exceptional cases.  This rank is rarely conferred.  It is due by right to the Cardinal Grand Master and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.