…reaffirms to defend the Catholic Faith by leveraging their 3Ts
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
A Notable Nigerian and stauch Catholic, Sir ABC Orjiako , Ikpehai Arumemi, Eze Okoro and Ken Onwuliri have joined Knights of Saint John International (KSJI), .
The KSJI is a noble order known globally in the Catholic Church whose members sacrificially and voluntarily decide to commit their 3Ts – Time, Talent and Treasure, towards the growth of the Catholic Faith in Nigeria and beyond.
This was disclosed through a press statement issued and signed by the Director of Media and Publicity of the Catholic body, Major Chris Umogbai
Speaking during the ceremony, Lieut Gen Anselm Okafor, KSJI, Supreme Second Vice President explained that the Knights of St. John International whose Patron Saint is St John the Baptist was a testament and open witness of faith in an unbelieving world is appropriate for Knights in today’s times.
According to Lieut Gen Anselm Okafor “The Knights of St. John International continue to witness their faith in God, through Jesus Christ, in their daily works of charity in the Church, their community, and their commandery.”
He added that, “In service to the Mother Church, the men of the Knights of St. John International have a framework that is strengthened through shared service, sacrifice, and a sense of duty and honour.”
Maj Gen Remy Uche, the Supreme Subordinate President Nigeria, disclosed that through the actions and fellowship of their members, the Knights of St. John International exemplify the theological virtues of the Roman Catholic Faith, becoming beacons of truth in their community. As Catholic men of faith and charitable action, Maj Gen Remy Uche stated that the noble order cultivate a strong love for the Roman Catholic Church; advance the spiritual and material interests of the Church; promote a filial respect for the authority of the Church; foster fraternity among brother Knights; develop a love for country and above all extend to the whole world the spirit of good will.
“As members of the Knights of Saint John International, the foremost principle of our Order is Charity, the greatest of all virtues and the crowning glory of a Christian life. Charity is that priceless gift placed by God in the human soul to measure man’s allegiance to his Creator. Charity is a duty, not a courtesy. It is an obligation imposed by Heaven upon rich and poor alike”, he explained.
He added that it is the responsibility of every Knight of Saint John International to always be exemplary role model of a Catholic.
On his part, the Lagos Grand President Knights of St. John International, Brig Gen Chux Amamgbo, while congratulating the new members, urged them to live out the ideals of the Order for which their parents did.
Other notable persons at the ceremony were Brig Gen Patrick Igwilo, Director of Evangelization and Catechization, Brig Gen Emmanuel Okene, Grand President of Port Harcourt, Brig Gen Cletus Ntong, Supreme Subordinate Secretary of Knights of St. John.
KSJI is a family apostolate charged with the defense of the Roman Catholic faith and came to Nigeria in 1976. It has a membership of over 18,000 Knights and their Ladies in Nigeria. The Order exists in the USA, England, Germany, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as in other African countries like, Kenya, Ghana, Togo, Sierra Leone and Liberia.