By Ifeizu Joe
Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor has charged newly elected knights and ladies of St John International and other faithful of the Catholic faith to be the salt of the world.
The Bishop made the charge while delivering a homily during a thanksgiving Mass held in honour of newly elected knights and ladies of the order in Awka commander.
The Bishop who was represented by the Spiritual Director or the order, Very Rev Fr Evaristus Iheanacho PhD, in his homily called on the knights of the church and the entire faithful to be the salt of the world and the light of the nation, saying they are the only two ways to be disciple of christ on earth.
According to him, “We will be salt and light of the nation as Solomon asked for wisdom for him to give good judgement . When they give you an opportunity to lead in any capacity, ,you have to ask for wisdom to lead well.
“If you have that wisdom, you are expected to be the salt and when the salt did not perform its role, it will be discarded . You are all expected to give your taste as salt of the world.
“The bible said I was in the prison and you visited me, I was hungry and you gave me food, that kind of gesture makes you a salt of the world.
“Do not allow how worldly things to affect you in discharge of your duties as a Christian because all eyes are on you as a soldier of Christ. Let our lifestyle and character be worthy of emulation,” he appealed.
The newly elected Grand President, Awka Grand Commandery, Brig Gen (Prof) AU Nnonyelu in his speech, thanked the Bishop for his support and fatherly roles to them, adding that such gesture will always spur them to do more as the defenders of faith.
“What we are doing as soldiers is simple, we are defenders of faith. In all the circumstances, anyone that called himself a knight must stand by the church and anyone that deviates from this believe will be dismissed.”
He therefore, called on others to join the knighthood in defence of the faith and preaching of the gospel.
He further noted that he will stand on the already built foundation of the former president.
“That is the reason I used to say that every promise made by them in the past wil not be discarded. We will continue from anyone they were unable to fulfill.
“If you look at the discipline and spirituality of the order, we will finish in due time Note that eyes are on all of us as knights of the church. so we should be careful of what we do,” he warned.
Noble Lady Oby Nwankwo, the Grand Respected President, Awka Grand Ladies Auxiliary in her speech appealed for support and asked the members to call the leaders to order when they are going astray and do not forget that the knighthood is autonomous. She stated.
Military Parade immediately after Mass at KSJI premises added colour to the event.
The Knights and Ladies Auxiliary of the Ancient and Noble Order of the Knights of St John International, Awka Grand Commandery led by the newly elected Grand Officers and Grand President, Awka Grand Commandery, Brig Gen (Prof) AU Nnonyelu and Noble Lady Oby Nwankwo, the Grand Respected President, Awka Grand Ladies Auxiliary respectively said they will dedicate themselves to pilot the affairs of the knighthood in the next four years.
The thanksgiving mass took place at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, Anambra State.
