Knights of St Mary of Bethlehem Received
The Ancient Apostolic Catholic Church (AACC) is pleased to announce the formal canonical reception of the Order of the Knights of St Mary of Bethlehem (OKSMB), following the signing of two companion instruments that together complete the process of reception.
NEWS
Order of the Knights of St Mary of Bethlehem
Formally Received into the Ancient Apostolic Catholic Church
King's Lynn, Norfolk, 24th July 2026
The Ancient Apostolic Catholic Church (AACC) is pleased to announce the formal canonical reception of the Order of the Knights of St Mary of Bethlehem (OKSMB), following the signing of two companion instruments that together complete the process of reception begun earlier this year.
The Most Reverend Dr Felix Gibbins, Archbishop Primate and Presiding Archbishop of the AACC, has signed the Decree of Incorporation and Erection (Prot. N. AACC/PS/OKSMB/2026/01) from the Primatial See of the East Angles, canonically erecting the Order as a Chivalric Institute of Apostolic Life directly subject to the Primatial See. In mirror, Grand Prior Phillip Guest, acting with the consent of the Grand Priory, has promulgated the Order's own Charter of Reception and Proper Law of the Order (OKSMB-CHARTER-001), confirming and accepting the terms of the Decree as the Order's proper law and completing its passage into full communion with the Church.
“The work of the Order among the homeless, veterans, and those carrying the weight of poverty and mental ill health is precisely the kind of active charitable mission the Church exists to support. It is a privilege to welcome the Order, and Grand Prior Phillip Guest, into the life of the AACC.”
The Most Reverend Dr Felix Gibbins, Archbishop Primate
With this reception, the Order takes its place as the fourth canonically recognised chivalric order of the AACC, alongside the Order of St Thomas, the Order of St Gregory, and the Order of St David of Wales, each carrying its own distinct charism within the Church's chivalric family. The OKSMB brings to that family a charism of frontline charitable service, carried out under the patronage of Our Lady of Bethlehem.
About the Order
Founded in 2024 and registered as a Community Interest Company in England and Wales, the OKSMB draws its name and inspiration from the mediaeval Priory of the New Order of Our Lady of Bethlehem, founded in 1247, though it claims no institutional continuity with that mediaeval foundation or with its modern successor, the Bethlem Royal Hospital. Today its work spans mental health and suicide awareness, including its “Walk the Bridge” outreach events, support for the homeless, relief of poverty, assistance to veterans, and response to local and national emergencies, welcoming members from all backgrounds.
"With profound gratitude, the Order of the Knights of St. Mary of Bethlehem CIC gives thanks to the Ancient Apostolic Catholic Church for receiving us in holy friendship. May our shared journey be richly blessed as we walk together in faith."
Phillip Guest, Grand Prior, Order of the Knights of St Mary of Bethlehem
A Church Committed to Supporting the Order
The reception brings the Order fully within the sacramental, pastoral, and governance life of the AACC. In practical terms, the Church's support for the Order includes:
A dedicated Chaplain to the Grand Priory, full sacramental provision, and a liturgical life for the Order including an annual Patronal Mass, an Investiture liturgy, a Memorial Mass, and blessing of regalia
Spiritual formation through an annual retreat, quarterly recollection, spiritual direction, pilgrimage, and a Marian devotional programme
Free access to the Seminary of Saint Thomas Aquinas for theological formation, including a lay theology programme, library access, and an annual conference
Canonical governance and protection, including a canonical constitution, a right of recourse to the Church's tribunal, a membership register, and the granting of formal post-nominals
Partnership in mission, joining the Order's outreach with the Church's parish network and wider missions, and providing trained chaplaincy support for the Order's veterans' and mental health work, including its “Walk the Bridge” events
Pastoral care for members and their families, from sacramental and marriage preparation to funerals with Order honours, hospital visitation, and bereavement support
A formation pathway to sacred orders for suitable members of the Order, and support for the Order's publications, communications, and digital presence
The Order's civil identity is unaffected by its canonical reception. It continues to operate as an independent Community Interest Company, governed by its own directors and Grand Priory, with the Church's role being one of spiritual oversight, sacramental provision, and practical support rather than civil control.
The reception of the OKSMB follows a year of significant growth for the AACC, which recently marked its first anniversary with the erection of new archdioceses across the UK, the USA, Ghana, Cameroon, and Pakistan, the founding of the Seminary of Saint Thomas Aquinas, and the promulgation of its own Code of Canon Law. The Order becomes the newest, and most operationally active, member of the Church's growing chivalric family.
Ancient Apostolic Catholic Church
Embracing faith, inclusion, and compassionate service together.
ST THOMAS AQUINAS SEMINARY
© 2026. All rights reserved
QUICK LINKS
ORDER OF ST DAVID