Contrary to believes by some that the activities of Knights in Catholic Churches are similar to that of cult groups, The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah while addressing the Knights of St. John International during their Grand Provincial Board Meeting has debunked such insinuations as baseless and highly untrue.
The Ancient and Noble Order of KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN INTERNATIONAL (KSJI) Kaduna Grand Commandery on Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd July held its:
- Grand Board Meeting of Kaduna Grand Province,
- 1st Degree Initiation, Exemplification and Investiture Ceremonies of 10 brothers (including a Catechist and 6 Sisters)
- 25 years’ anniversary of Commandery 490 Sokoto.
At Holy Family Cathedral Church, Bello Way Sokoto, Sokoto State.
Bishop Kukah said "Knights in Catholic Church is not a cult group as many thinks that it’s only the rich people that join the group. Knights are simply groups of people who come together to serve God and humanity in the Church."
"The Knights do lots of humanitarian gestures which they have to start making it known to the people to avoid such obnoxious misconceptions about them."
The Bishop advised that Catholics must never relent to showcase their identity anywhere, anytime. "We must henceforth try to encourage our people to put away that climate of inferiority complex that has been affecting them and begin to aspire for leadership positions." He added.
Earlier, the Grand President, Kaduna Grand Commandery of KSJI Brig. Gen. Chris Onjewu affirmed that Bishop Kukah remained a blessing not only to Christians in Nigeria, but even Muslims alike as his wealth of experience and transparent preaching of the gospel is beyond measure.
Speaking when Brig. Gen. Chris Onjewu, the Grand President, Kaduna Grand Commandary, Knight of St. Johns International led other Knights on a courtesy visit to Bishop Kukah, the Bishop lamented that, Catholic is under-performing despite its enormous manpower.
The Worthy President of Commandery 490 Sokoto, Sir C.I.C Agoamanam in his address acknowledged the wonderful support, cooperation and encouragement of Bishop Kukah for being a father to the Knights in Sokoto. In his words, “The Bishop was able to convince his Priests and the Laity about the importance of Knights in the Church”.
He also thanked the Commandery’s Spiritual Director, Rt Rev Fr Capt (RTD). Stephen Okafor for his services to care to them.
Furthermore, He thanked Rev Fr. Sixtus Onuh, Rev Fr. Casmir Obi and the Diocesan Vicar General, Rev Fr. Nuhu Iliya who have cooperated and worked with them and prayed that God should bless them all.
About Ancient and Noble Order of KNIGHTS of ST. JOHN INTERNATIONAL (KSJI) in Sokoto:
The Formation of Commandery 490 Sokoto was Aspired by the Visit of Bro. Humphrey Ogbukafor from Enugu Grand Commandery. This Inspired Some Brothers in Sokoto to Become Knights.
His Lordship, Bishop Kevin Aje welcomed the idea and the aspirants embarked on a long formation which saw them journeying to Jos and Kano for meetings. They were initiated into the Order of Knight of St John at Enugu and on the 19th of October 1991, Commandery 490 Sokoto was inaugurated with a total number of 12 brothers and a sister as Charter Members of the Order. Rev Fr Peter Lekwot (late) was the Charter Spiritual Adviser.
Since then, other brothers and sisters have continued in the footsteps of these foot finders.
Although there are also misconceptions that made it difficult to get new members, and the real aims and objectives of the Order in the Church misconstrued.
Commandery 490 Sokoto have continued to grow from strength to strength that as today, it has given birth to two (2) other Commanderies namely: Commandery 692 Kebbi and Commandery 693 Gusau. It’s really a feat worth celebrating.
