Members and friends of the Grand Priory of Great Britain
gathered recently in Lancashire in the historic setting of Samlesbury Hall
to prepare new members for reception into the Order.
We were honoured once again with the presence of our Grand Master from the Czech Republic,
HE Jan Count Dobrzenský z Dobrzenicz
and also, as the representative of Her Majesty the Queen in the County,
the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Col. Alan Jolley
and his wife, Mary.
As well as the five new members preparing to be received into the Order,
there were also four young men being received as Esquires.
The Chaplain General For Great Britain leads the Vigil Service.
We were delighted to welcome so many guests and members.
The Grand Master.
The Esquires make their promises.
Finally, after the Service, the postulants hear the Marshal instruct them as soldiers of Christ,
our unseen Captain.
OUR BATTLE is with the sword.
It is a battle not against flesh and blood,
but against the evils of this world,
and against the temptations of the prince of darkness.
The Marshal inverts the sword, gripping its blade so that the Cross-shaped hilt is exposed and says :
This battle
is under the sign of the Cross. May no other battle divide mankind.
Returning the sword to its up-right position, he says;
Postulants,
behold the sword! Remember always its double significance of both Cross and Arms. Use it to defend what is right and good, and to fight what is wrong and evil, to the greater glory of God, the benefit of those in need, the honour of the Order, and the furthering
of your own salvation!
ATAVIS ET ARMIS
