Caravans
Members are grouped in units designated “Caravans,” with a name of Moorish origin and a number. The Order is identified by the EMBLEM and members are identified by the FEZ they wear. It is through the Caravan that most of the funds are collected and charitable work done, inspired by the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, patron Saint of our Order, which tells us that “it is in giving that we receive.”
Emblem
The official emblem of the Order consists of a crescent surmounted by a tower. It signifies the victory of the Christians over the Moors who occupied Spain for almost 800 years. The tower is a symbol of the Red Castle of Castile, and the Crescent represents the Moors occupation of Spain. The emblem is in the trademark registry of both Canada and the United States.
The Fez
The official headpiece of the Order is a white fez on which there is embroidered the word “Alhambra,” below which is embroidered a replica of the emblem of the Order, followed by the name and number of the Caravan to which the member belongs. In addition, at the discretion of the member, the title and office held, or city in which his Caravan is located may be embroidered on his fez. Each fez has a tassel, the color of which denotes the rank of the member, or the rank in office held.
Our Prayer
The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi is recited by assembled Sir Nobles at the opening of all meetings. This picture of St. Francis of Assisi and the prayer adorn the Spiritual and Memorial Gifts cards used by Sir Nobles and Sultanas (or by anyone) for the living and deceased. It includes Masses offered by the Supreme Chaplain and can be used to convey an expression of sadness, joy, thanksgiving or special intentions. Funds donated in conjunction with the Spiritual and Memorial Gifts cards are deposited in the Alhambra Charity Fund, Inc., from which the interest is used to fund the charitable works of the Order.
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
St Francis Pin
The latest honoring of St. Francis of Assisi is an inscribed pin in the form of a cross that has been authorized for wearing on the fez by Sir Nobles and as a pendant by Sultanas. A donation of $100.00 is made to the Alhambra Charity Fund, Inc. or the Alhambra General Fund for each pin or pendant.
