52nd Grand Master

His Highness Don Albino Rodriguez Neves Filho

Dom Albino Rodrigues Neves Filho

52nd Grand Master of the Order of the Temple of Jerusalem

OSMTH - Magnum Magisterium · reign since May 18, 2018

Current Universal Grand Master and Prince Regent of the Supreme Knightly Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (OSMTH - Magnum Magisterium). Appointed successor by testamentary decree of the 51st Grand Master Don Fernando de Sousa Fontes and enthroned on May 18, 2018.

Secular activities and professional path

Before accepting the highest order, Don Albino Neves was widely recognized in South America as an outstanding Brazilian journalist, writer, historian and public figure. He is the author of several fundamental books on spiritual culture and the history of Christianity, as well as thousands of analytical articles and photo reports published in major periodicals.

His secular and literary works were highly regarded by the intellectual elite: forewords to his books were written by prominent government and religious figures, including the former Minister of Education of Brazil, Dr. Aloisio Pimenta, Archbishop Paulo Mendes Peixoto, as well as major entrepreneurs and media industry leaders. Don Albino is a recognized expert in the field of Christian philosophy and ancient knightly symbolism.

Spiritual and order service

Don Albino Neves began his knightly career in Brazil, where he led the Gran Priorato Templário do Brasil (Cavalaria Espiritual São João Batista) - the Spiritual Cavalry of St. John the Baptist. Under his leadership, a unique and one-of-a-kind temple complex was erected in the state of Minas Gerais (city of Carangola). It is built entirely from wild stone and includes:

• Templar Trinity Church of St. John the Baptist for holding closed liturgical Chapters;
• the Historical Hall of the Consecration of Arms (Sala de Vela de Armas), where postulants undergo a probationary period and night vigils before investiture;
• Skete (Hermitage) of St. Mary.

For many years, Don Albino Neves was one of the closest associates and confidants of the 51st Grand Master Don Fernando de Souza Fontes. As Templar Master of Brazil, he visited Europe on numerous occasions, coordinating inter-Order relations with sovereign Christian unions (including the Order of the Holy Sepulcher in Italy).

Appointment and Master's Board

After the death of Don Fernando Fontes in May 2018, in accordance with his direct will, the testamentary decree (Carta Testamento) based on Article 11 of the Statute, the legal acts of the order and the unanimous decision of the Supreme Council of the Magistrate of Porto, Don Albino Neves accepted the Supreme Magisterial Rod and the mandate of succession, becoming the 52nd Grand Master.

During the years of his reign, Don Albino Neves made official visits to the largest international Chapters in Italy, Portugal, Serbia and France, uniting traditional knightly structures from dozens of countries around the world under the omophorion of the Porto line. His Master's course focuses on:

• Absolute depoliticization of the Order - complete refusal to participate in secular political struggle and preservation of the classic spiritual-monastic character of service;
• Inter-Christian rapprochement - active support for Orthodox and Catholic dioceses, works of mercy and humanitarian assistance to Christians in the Holy Land;
• The consolidation of traditional chivalry - the most important step along this path was the publication of the Magisterial Decree No. 001/2026 of March 27, 2026, which established the official Fraternal Union and mutual recognition between the OSMTH - Magnum Magisterium and the OSMTJ Order led by Dr. Franz Charles.

Under the direct leadership of Don Albino Neves, the Eurasian jurisdiction made a qualitative leap in development, receiving from the Supreme Magistrate in Porto the status of a sovereign Regional Magistrate with expanded powers over five states.

See also: Grand Masters, OSMTH World Structure, History and Continuity.