On Saturday, Aug. 23, two from the Diocese of Birmingham, Father Gerald Holloway and Michael Weist, were invested with the Knight Commander Cross of the Order of the Fleur De Lis. In addition to the two from diocese, the investiture included three more clergy and eight more lay commanders. The investiture took place at St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

The Order of the Fleur de Lis is an organization of Catholic men incorporated under the laws of the state of Louisiana as a not-for-profit organization. The Order’s domain is a five-state region consisting of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The Order supports and defends the Holy Catholic Church and its teachings, promotes patriotism and good citizenship, and encourages public morality and unselfish service to God and country.

Father Holloway, who is also a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Knights of Columbus, currently serves as pastor of Holy Infant of Prague Catholic Church in Trussville. Weist is a resident of Huntsville and an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He and his wife are parishioners of Good Shepherd Catholic Parish. 

Other Knight Commanders in the Diocese of Birmingham include Bishop Steven J. Raica, Bishop Emeritus Robert Baker, Father Kevin Bazzel, Father Vernon Huguley, Gerald Buford, Joseph Flathery III, Danny Garcia, G. V. “Skip” Gentle, Steve Griffin, William Mores, R. Evan “Pete” Parrish and, David Renda.