Embarking on pilgrimages to the Holy Land has been a longstanding tradition within Christianity, dating back to the early days of the religion. One of the most revered sites in this sacred land is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a place of deep spiritual significance. Emperor Constantine initiated the construction of this church in the 4th century AD, setting the foundation for its future importance.
Following the conquest of the Holy Land by Muslims in the 8th century, the First Crusade in July 1099 saw Christian forces reclaim Jerusalem from Islamic rule. This victory led to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre being elevated to a cathedral by Godfrey of Bouillon who established a chapter of 20 canons dedicated to the divine service. In 1114, the canons were transformed into a community of canons regular, living by the rule of St. Augustine and taking monastic vows under the name Order of Canons Regular of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, officially approved by Pope Callixtus II in 1122.
The history of this order is intricately connected to Poland, with the founding of the first European headquarters in Miechow near Krakow by the Polish knight Jaksa in 1163. Jaksa’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land inspired him to create a hub for the Order in Europe, where he also built a copy of the Holy Sepulchre. The Miechow Monastery, until its dissolution in 1819, served as a significant spiritual center in Europe.
In the post-1989 era, the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre was revived in Poland by Cardinal Józef Glemp, breathing new life into the ancient traditions of the Order. The Lieutenancy of the Order was reestablished at the Miechow Monastery, preserving the historical significance of the site.
Every two years, Miechow hosts the Jerusalem Days, a celebration that honors the Holy Land and its cultural ties to Poland. This year, the 8th edition took place in September, bringing together dignitaries and faithful for prayer and reflection on the challenges facing Christians in the Holy Land. Miechow has become a significant stop for pilgrims, connecting them to the Shrine of the Holy Sepulchre and enriching their spiritual journey.
