By Ononye VC
There was an atmosphere of joy and felicitations at the St Joseph Cathedral,Ekwulobia as the Cardinal-Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese,His Eminence Peter Ebere Okpalaeke,admitted 35 candidates into the knighthood of the Order of Knights of St Mulumba,Nigeria.
The Cardinal was represented at the event by the Chancellor of Ekwulobia Diocese,Very Rev Fr Dr Lawrence Nwankwo who concelebrated the Holy Mass with the Onitsha Metropolitan Chaplain of the knights of St Mulumba,Very Rev Fr Dr George Adimike and the Chaplain of of KSM,Ekwulobia Subcouncil,Rev Fr Philip Okoye.
In his homily,Cardinal Okpalaeke through the Diocesan Chancellor Very Rev Fr Dr Lawrence Nwankwo pointed out that knighthood is a life of sacrifice.According to him,knighthood is a discipleship such that knights have cut out themselves as special agents of God.
The Cardinal traced the history of knighthood in ancient times,stressing that the knights volunteered to fight against injustice and oppression,sacrificed their lives for the less privileged and promoted charity.
The Cardinal congratulated the newly admitted members and charged them to live up to their duties as knights and good ambassadors of the church.
Earlier in his address during a lecture session organised for the candidates before their admission,the Onitsha Metropolitan Chaplain of the KSM,Very Rev Fr Dr George Adimike said that knights are selected to fight the battle by going to the frontline with the swords of the spirit represented by the physical sword.
Knighthood he pointed out,offers them an opportunity of honour to do a special work by offering their time,talent and treasure,adding that as a fraternity,the knighthood will go far if they work as a united family.
In his address,the Onitsha Metropolitan Grand Knight,Sir Dr Calistus Eneh gave insight to the candidates into the dos and dont’s of the KSM pointing out that as a Marian Order,the knights of St Mulumba has a special place in the heart of the church.He further charged the new candidates to be disciplined and respect the hierarchy of the Order.
The Metro Grand Knight led other top officials of KSM and the LSM Executive which included the Deputy deputy Metropolitan Grand Knight,Sir Jude Mbaegbu and the Metro LSM President,Lady (Prof) Constance Okoli in performing the rites of admission on the new candidates.
A pre-admission lecture was also held at the event where Rev Fr Dr Michael Muonwe,Sir Peter Udogu,Sir Dr Sixtus Unigwe, Sir (Barr) Peter Afuba and Sir Patrick Ike delivered lectures on various topics.
Highlight on the event was the blessing of Green Regalia of the newly admitted candidates and oath of allegiance to the church and the KSM.