Knights of St. John International (KSJ) Holy Cross Commandary, and their Ladies Auxiliary (LAUX) 350 Owerri, last Sunday, June 30, 2013 celebrated the birthday of the patron Saint of the Ancient and Nobel Order, St. John the Baptist.

The Grand finale of the week-long activity –packed celebration were: the two-day seminar featuring talks by two distinguished personalities- ”Who is John the Baptist and what does he stand for?” by Prof. Goody Obodo and ”Waves of Doctrine” by Major Peter Opara, the Worthy President.

There were also Sunday Eucharist celebration at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Special Awards and commissioning of the Security House.

Preaching the homily at the Mass, Rev. Fr. Andrew Nkwocha, the Cathedral Administrator called on Knights to imitate the zeal and courage of John the Baptist.

He charged them, as defenders of the Church to lead by example, groom and encourage those coming behind them, especially their offsprings to be zealous, committed and courageous in things of God.

The Cathedral Administrator condemned sit-tight leaders who want to perpetuate their tenure in office and advised knights in particular and Christ’s faithful in general to avoid such tendency but like Prophet Elijah in that day’s first  reading  who promptly handed over his functions to his successor and disciple, Elisha. In the same way, the Catholic faith must be handed over to the younger generation by guiding and monitoring them as far as their faith is concerned. Drawing from the Gospel Reading, Fr. Nkwocha also stressed the need for each Christian to find out his God-given talent and use same for the upliftment of mankind Fr. Nkwocha advised Christ’s faithful to avoid destructive criticisms.

Knights and their Ladies turned out in large number for the offertory procession and at the end of the mass presented cash and clothing materials to individuals and groups. The Administrator received the  gifts for Archbishop AJV Obinna and himself.

The worthy President informed the Chief celebrant that this annual event provides the Order opportunity to support the Church in her work of charity.

Speaking during the second phase of the celebration at the KSJ Hall, the Imo State Head of Service and Chairman of the occasion, Lady (Mrs) Nkechi Onumajulu, mni, also a Lady Auxiliary, called on  Christians to cultivate the virtues of humility and courage, exhibited by John the Baptist. She condemned pride and arrogance as useless since man owes everything he has to God.

In his address at the occasion, the Worthy President, Major Peter Opara enjoined members to eschew luke warmness and hypocrisy.  They should insisted be fearless, energetic, forthright, honest and hardworking so as to live up to their calling.

He took the opportunity to solicit for financial assistance for the reconstruction and modernization of the KSJ and LAUX Halls which were built in the eighties, but which are now yearning for attention.

The highlights of this segment was the special awards given to Noble brother, Ezenagu and Noble Sister Eunice Nwoko for their dedication to the Commndary in particular and the Order in general. Late Major General COE Onwuliri Supreme Subordinate President Nigeria also received a Post Honours Award for the role he played in the Order. Mr. Joseph Nwachukwu personal Assistant to Late Prof Onwuliri received the award on behalf of Prof Mrs. Viola Onwuliri.

The awardees and their supporters responded positively to the appeal for funds and so did the body of Imo Permanent Secretaries led by Comrade Nze Akanwa. Representatives of Sister Commandaries were at the occasion. Sir Nwaohiri Chairman planning committee closed the occasion.

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