Archbishop Lori Homily: Order of the Holy Sepulchre

Archbishop William E. Lori delivered a homily during a vigil ceremony at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in Raleigh on October 23, 2026. The ceremony included the assumption of the office of lieutenant, the conferral of promotions for the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, and an exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

In his homily, Archbishop Lori spoke about the biblical figures Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. He noted that while these men were prominent leaders who secretly followed Jesus, they publicly identified with him following his death. The Archbishop described how the burial of Jesus with spices and linen cloths served as an attestation to his kingship despite his condemnation. He concluded by stating that the ceremony served as a mystical pilgrimage to the tomb of Jesus in Jerusalem.