Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • August 20, 2021 22 Mississippi Caravan members chosen for top positions in Alhambra BY DAVID TISDALE DIOCESE OF BILOXI -- Mississippi is well-represented in the recently selected executive leadership of an international Catholic organiza- tion. Father Martin Gillespie, pastor of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Biloxi, and Jim Rigby, were named Supreme Chaplain and Supreme Scribe, respec- tively for the Order of Alhambra at a recent meeting of the organization. Founded in 1904, the Order of Alhambra is a Catholic aternal organi- zation that includes local councils, known as “caravans,” throughout the U.S. and Canada, with ongoing plans for expansion beyond North America. Its mission includes commitments of service to and support of persons with developmental disabilities; provision of undergraduate college scholarships; and memorialization of Catholic per- sons and places, as well as events asso- ciated with the faith. Father Gillespie and Rigby are longtime members of the Oran Caravan, which is part of Alhambra’s Region IV that encompasses Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and Puerto Rico. Father Gillespie has served as chaplain for the Oran Caravan as well as regional chaplain. He said he’s humbled by the honor, noting that being selected as Supreme Chaplain “kind of came out of the blue.” He has been a member of the Order for about as long as he has been a priest -- 20 years. “I’m sincerely grateful that I was considered,” Father Gillespie said. The Supreme Chaplain’s duties include offering prayers of thanksgiving for the Order or when request- ed to do so by the Order’s Supreme Commander at organization events, to give opening and closing prayers when the Order gathers as an executive body, as well as a chaplain’s report. Other responsibilities include cele- bration of Masses for the Order, and praying for its membership, both living and deceased. Father Gillespie also sees his role as that of official “supreme cheerleader” for the order, to visit various caravans and offer support for their work, and celebrate Mass for them as the opportunity presents itself. He says he’s gratified to have been associated with the organization for the past two decades -- “It’s been a wonderful journey” -- and see the positive impact it has made for the developmentally disabled. “I hope to visit various regions in the Order (as Supreme Chaplain), and pray with them and for their success, and let them know that I support them person- ally and always with my prayers, if I can’t do so in person, at least in spirit, for the work they are doing to help those in need of the Order’s services and special assistance.” The son of a past Grand Commander of Alhambra, Rigby’s roots run deep in the organization. As Supreme Scribe, Rigby’s role is to “provide truthful and accurate written records of all the official meetings held by the Supreme Divan, Council of Viziers, and the Executive Committee. He has been a member of the Order of Alhambra since 2003, and has held most of the top five offices of his caravan up to and including Grand Commander, as has his wife. Rigby has also been the Supreme Director for Region IV for six years, and is presently serving as the Deputy Supreme Director and secre- tary for the region, positions he has held for the past six years. Rigby had the vision for the estab- lishment of the Oran-Alhambra House in Wiggins as part of the Alhambra House Project, a commitment of the Order that is funded through the Alhambra Charity Fund, Inc. to pro- vide financial assistance for establish- ing residences for persons who are developmentally disabled. The house, conceived as a place for people with disabilities to live an independent life- style and create their own home, was completed and dedicated in late 2012. A retired master sergeant om the United States Air Force with 24 years of service, Rigby is also a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, having been a Knight for 51 years. “My core beliefs are, first comes God, then comes family, and then comes our Alhambra. I believe we are the largest Catholic organization of men and women that serves God’s special iends,” he said. “As a member of its Executive Committee, I plan on looking for and recom- mending ways to not only increase our order, but more importantly enhance the lives of those people that we have come to know and love.” Learn more about Alhambra at International Order of Alhambra | Cath-olic aternal Order serving the developmentally disabled. Pictured, l-r, are Father Martin Gillespie, newly appointed Supreme Chaplain; Chuck Brown, newly elected Supreme Director; Al Abila, Deputy Supreme Director; Jim Rigby, newly elected Supreme Scribe; and Carol Rigby, Past Grand Command of the local Caravan. Bishop Kihneman’s homilies are available in video and audio form on the Diocese of Biloxi’s website. To access these homilies, visit www.biloxidiocese.org. DEADLINE NOTICE News deadline for the Sept. 3 issue is 4 pm, Thurs., Aug. 26; ads are due by 10 am, Thurs., Aug. 26. Email news items & photos to tdickson@biloxidiocese.org . Please include a daytime phone number on all submissions. Questions? Call (228) 702-2109 or (228) 702-2126.