The Order is made up of 48 Representative Bodies called Lieutenancies or Magistral Delegations which are generally divided into Sections. There are about 18,000 Knights and Ladies all over the world. The fundamental purpose of the Order is the preservation of the faith in the Holy Land. To this end it must provide spiritual, moral and material support to the Christians who still live there. In addition to these ongoing commitments, the Lieutenancies undertake specific action agreed with the Grand Magisterium on the recommendation of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.
Admission is a personal act of missionary apostolate.
So long as its members are willing to bear witness on those terms, come what may, the Order will not be found wanting. And the standard will be handed on from one generation to the next. While enjoying the extraordinary grace of the Jubilee Year, you have not wished to return home without a word from the Pope and his Blessing. I thank you for this gesture. From the words of your Lieutenants I note the awareness with which you wish to respond to your specific vocation.