The Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba, Owerri Chapter stormed St. Andrew’s Catholic Parish Umuokanne, February 9, 2014.

The knights drawn from the 10 Sub-Councils in Owerri Archdiocese said the purpose of the visit was evangelization – assisting parishes in need.

The charity visit began with a Holy Mass celebrated by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Innocent Nzewuji.

In his homily, Fr. Nzewuji harped on the importance of practical Christianity anchored on charity.

The priest said that the knights and the ladies, like other committed Catholics, are God’s instrument of evangelization and divine light that expel darkness.

He said that God blessed us and showed us how to shine the light in our families and in our various professions.

As the drum beat of politics begins to sound louder and louder in readiness for the 2015 elections, Fr. Nzewuji called on Catholic politicians to shine their divine light in the political arena and dispel the darkness that characterizes Nigerian politics.

“To shine the light properly, you must be in the forefront of free and fair election, devoid of rigging.  Also you must be ready to serve selflessly the people who elected you and when you serve the people with dedication, they will always re-elect you in a free and fair election.”

For Catholic politicians who have found themselves in the wrong side of decent politics, he advised them to make a u-turn now.

He thanked the knights and ladies of St. Mulumba for selecting his parish for their quarterly charity visit despite the fact that only one parishioner, Bro.  Alex Umunakwe is a member of the Order.  He commended KSM for their support to the church hierarchy and assistance to poor parishes.

Fr. Nzewuji announced that the parish is embarking on the building of a new parish church, estimated at over N25 million and solicited the assistance of the knights and ladies towards the realization of the project.

Speaking later, the Supreme Knight of the Order, Chief Anthony Onuh said the day’s Gospel (Mtt 5:13-16) is the summary of the objectives of the knighthood of St. Mulumba.  “We are the salt of the earth … the light of the world … a city built on a hill top and our light must shine in the sight of men, “so that, seeing your good works they may give the praise to your Father in heaven”.

He announced that the chapter visits are meant for parishes that are in need of help, adding that Umuokanne certainly needs help.

The Supreme Knight advised the members of the Order not to be tired of supporting the Church and assisting the less privileged, adding, “that the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria hold us in high esteem in this regards”.

The Supreme Knight later announced a donation on behalf of the Supreme Executive Board of the Order followed by donations by the Owerri Chapter (Archdiocese) of the Order, the Zone and other individuals.

The Ladies of St. Mulumba Owerri Chapter led by their President, Lady Nene Ugorji donated various material items for the indigent members of the parish.

Earlier,the Chapter Chairman, Bro.  S. A. Mbara and the Owerri Liaison Grand Knight, Bro. Alban Ohiri in their separate speeches had assured St. Andrew’s Parish Umuokanne of the support of KSM Owerri Archdiocese.

Later, the leader of KSM Ohaji Zone 7, Bro. Julius Amadi, the Parish Pastoral Council Chairman, Mr. Nicholas Odunze and the only KSM member of the parish, Bro. Umunakwe, thanked the knights for the visit and support towards the building of a new church.

The Supreme Knight, Bro. Anthony Onuh was accompanied to Umuokanne by the Assistant Supreme Secretary, Chief Hyacinth Chukwudire, the Metro PRO, Bro. Emeka Ani and the former LSM Metro Adviser, Chief Lady Angela Ukairo.

Our reporter said the parish choir in their new uniform added glamour to the occasion.

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