Equestrian Order bids farewell

I have an unusually beautiful frame in my office; one that I felt was more suitable for a quote than a photograph. I did not have to reflect very long before deciding upon a quote I heard Bishop Niederauer use on various occasions, "The Christian leaves behind in life a long trail of empty tombs, only the last of which is the grave." These words have been very powerful for me and I believe most significant at this time for our bishop as he begins his new life in the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

Bishop Niederauer has contributed much to the Diocese of Salt Lake City; he has shepherded us with his wonderful spirit, moving homilies, wit, and charm. As the spiritual leader of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem for our diocese, he has helped us to grow from a little-known Order in Utah to a membership of seventy-four knights and ladies and twenty-two candidates nominated for investiture in 2006.

In October, 2004, Salt Lake City and Bishop Niederauer were hosts for the Annual Meeting of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Western Lieutenancy, which was attended by 600 members from 10 dioceses, their friends, and family members. Also, present were eight visiting bishops and the late Eminence Jan Cardinal Schotte from Rome.

Twenty-four Utah knights and ladies are especially appreciative of the fact that they were able to accompany the bishop on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in November, 2005. Together they grew through the presentations and the daily Masses at the holy sites. It was a life-changing experience.

Now, the bishop leaves behind this empty tomb, the Diocese of Salt Lake City, and all of the people who have grown to love and respect him as a shepherd, a community leader, and a friend. He will take a piece of us with him to his new life in San Francisco where he will soon make many new friends.

And we, too, will leave behind an empty tomb, with fond reflections of Bishop Niederauer’s liturgies, meetings, and social gatherings. We will be reborn with a new bishop who will bring us new memories; nevertheless, we will keep a part of Bishop Niederauer here, in our hearts.

Archbishop-designate Niederauer, on behalf of the Knights and Ladies of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, I wish you God’s blessings for health, happiness, and peace as you begin your new ministry, and your new life.

Lady Lynde D. Hoopes, LCHS

Area Councillor, Utah

Equestrian Order of the

Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem