In 2024, Templars Today carried out 550 volunteer services across churches, basilicas, sanctuaries, and abbeys in 150 locations spanning eight countries, assisting in the hospitality of over 30,000 pilgrims. On average, the Order conducted 30 weekly services, in addition to 15 spiritual retreats—half of them held abroad—and regular weekly chapter meetings.
Templars serve with joy and devotion, witnessing the Risen Christ in daily life. All activities are coordinated with dioceses, parish priests, abbots, priors, and civil authorities to ensure meaningful service aligned with Church and community needs.
The year began with retreats at Anagni and Casamari, followed by a journey to the USA at Clear Creek Abbey in Oklahoma, returning to Italy for the Ragusa retreat, then traveling to Scotland to Callander and the important Carfin Grotto sanctuary. A Walk for the Faith in Paris marked another milestone, followed by the first spiritual retreat in St. Gallen, Switzerland, celebrating the opening of the new Commandery and Priorate Helvetia. Preparatory walks also took place in Turin, leading up to the General Chapter in Rome, our largest gathering, accompanied by Cardinal Patron His Eminence Francesco Card. Monterisi.
Subsequent retreats included southern France at La Sainte-Baume, with a pilgrimage to the grotto-sanctuary of St. Mary Magdalene, and a return to Valvisciolo Abbey in Italy. International activities continued with the Walk for the Faith in Bruges, Belgium, the opening of the Newark Commandery in New Jersey, USA, and retreats in Trani and Fidenza, Italy, culminating in the first spiritual retreat in Hong Kong, China.
The Templars’ global presence continues to grow. Beyond volunteer services and hospitality, 2024 included eight night vigils of prayer, spiritual retreats, and Walks for the Faith, as well as international exhibitions of the Shroud of Turin, accompanied by lectures and historical presentations.
Research and educational collaborations also expanded, including partnerships with universities to explore the history of the ancient Order of the Poor Knights of Christ, uncovering important historical insights. Activities in Assisi for Franciscan commemorations further strengthened ties with the broader Church. The Order’s commitment to social responsibility persisted through agreements with the Ministry of Justice, offering adult defendants opportunities to engage in public service that preserves cultural heritage, promotes legal awareness, and supports the common good.
With over 3,500 members worldwide, the Templars are increasingly active online through the project “In the Footsteps of the Templars,” featuring weekly publications that explore Catholic and Templar Knightly traditions.
The Order also continued its pioneering work on the Templar Diet, leading to the creation of Vinum Templarium, a unique wine crafted according to the original Templar recipe, using the same grape varieties cultivated centuries ago. This project is supported by academic research from the University of Bologna and produced by Azienda Agricola Tre Monti.
The year concluded with the launch of the Jubilee 2025, dedicated by Pope Francis to Hope in Jesus Christ. Templars have been called to service, following the Extraordinary Jubilee, to safeguard the Papal Basilicas of St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. Lawrence in Lucina, and St. Peter’s Square, ensuring protection and reverence throughout the jubilee year.
Templars Today: serving the Church, preserving tradition, and witnessing Christ in the world.
Non nobis Domine, non nobis, sed nomini Tuo da gloriam!
