By Constaincia Uruakpa
Knights and Ladies Auxiliary of the Order of the Knights of St. John International, KSJI, have been urged to be sincere persons, living godly and selfless lives worthy of emulation, as they serve God and humanity with their God given gifts. The charge was given by Brig. Gen. Chux Joachim Amamgbo, Grand President, Lagos Grand Commandery, Knights of St. John International at the formal presentation of the newly inducted Knights and Ladies Auxiliary of Commandery 838 and LAUX 739, held last Sunday at Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit, Omole Phase 1, Ikeja, Lagos.
Calling on the Knights not to relent in carrying out charity works, especially as they observe the Lenten Season, Amamgbo tasked them to ensure they enhance their spirituality, fraternity, as well as maintain discipline and decorum wherever they find themselves. He urged the newly inducted Knights and Ladies to be devout people who live lives of prayer and thanksgiving to God, adding that they should bring up their families in the Catholic faith, honouring God, and maintaining the level of understanding that is expected of them in the society.
Also speaking on the occasion, Lady Justina Nwankwo, Grand Respected President, Ladies Auxiliary, Knights of St. John International, reminded the new members that they are instruments in the hands of God who the priests can call up at any moment, to render the main function of the Order of giving their talent, time and treasure in the service of God and humanity. She called on the womenfolk to ensure they help the men in catering for the family, and not become burdens to them. She added that people, especially are going through precarious situations in the country, and that those at the helm of affairs take measures to alleviate the hardship in the land.
Sir Benedict Odirichukwu, Fourth Degree Holder, KSJI, said the Order which is a family apostolate, takes it personal to ensure that things run the right way, as they also take it personal to evangelise and win souls for Christ which is a call to duty, adding that they will never falter when the need to serve God arises. On benefits of the Order, Odirchukwu said members have a lot to benefit, including attitude to being devoted to Christ, attitude to taking their relationship with God and one another very seriously. Captain Dave Nsoedo, Commander, Commandery 838, Knights of St. John International, Ajao Estate, and formator, said intending members have to go through a period of aspiration for six months where they are assessed to know if they are capable.
According to him, “In as much as we want to establish a Commandery in every parish in Lagos, we want to have committed Catholics who are communicants, and in tune with the faith of the Church, people who want to improve their faith in the Church.” He said Catholics should keep learning the catechism of the Church, and improve on their knowledge of the faith for the growth and continuity of the Church. The newly inducted Knights and Ladies Auxiliary include, Bros. Samuel Nze-Dennis, MacDonald Nwankwo, Ugo Ogoke, Sisters Patricia Mbaji and Elizabeth Nze-Dennis.
