Bethlehem University Welcomes Grandmaster of Equestrian Order of Holy Sepulcher

16 January, 2008

Cardinal John Patrick Foley, who was appointed Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem (EOHSJ) on June 27, 2007, visited Bethlehem University on January 8, 2008. He was accompanied by the President of Bethlehem University, Archbishop Fouad Twal, the General Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem, Father Shawki Baterian and Father Hans A. L. Brouwers. Cardinal Foley’s visit to the Holy Land included both visits to the holy sites and a tour of the institutions that receive support from EOHSJ.

The guests were welcomed by Brother Robert Smith, Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University, who is currently replacing Brother Daniel Casey in his function as the Vice Chancellor, Brother Jack Curran, Vice President for Development, and Public Relations and Development Assistant Max Brenner.

During a visit to Bethlehem Hall, the University building that houses the faculties of Education, Nursing and Health Sciences, the visitors were informed about the progress of the renovation taking place on the building’s upper level. The aim of the renovation project, which began at the end of this academic year’s fall semester, is to rearrange the space according to the needs of the faculties. When finished, the space will have a completely new interior along with access to the Internet, which is crucial for the work of students, teachers and staff there.

In Cardinal Furno Hall, the University’s state of the art auditorium named after Cardinal Foly’s predecessor, the guests were presented a short film about the work of Bethlehem University and the situation of the young people studying there.

Also during the visit acting Vice Chancellor Brother Robert awarded Cardinal Furno with the Bethlehem University Medal of Honor. “I would like to thank you in the name of the University’s students, faculty and staff. Without the tremendous moral and financial support Bethlehem University receives from the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, it simply would not be possible to continue our work”, Brother Robert said, handing over the medal to Cardinal Foley. Brother Jack added, “Your solidarity gives our students, faculty and staff hope to go on with their struggle for a better future”.

Later, Brother Joseph Loewenstein, Director of the Christian Brothers’ Community, welcomed the guests for coffee and snacks in the Brothers’ Residence where Cardinal Foley also gave interviews to international media.