The Most Rev. Anthony J.V. Obinna, Catholic Archbishop of Owerri has commended Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria, for their unflinching support to the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria.

Archbishop Obinna gave the commendation during a Pontifical Mass preceding the 3rd Degree investiture of 300 Knights and their Ladies at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church Emekuku, Owerri, February 28.

He recalled several instances in which Knights of St. Mulumba proved in word and action that they are true defenders of the faith.

In his sermon, Archbishop Obinna said true investiture is about clothing, it is not so much about external clothing; but an invitation to effective and moral beauty.

The prelate however reminded the investees that the splendor of their souls and body is greater than the splendor of knighthood and its regalia.

“While we admire your external regalia, you should look inwards and see whether your spiritual and moral life are shinning too in the grace of God, “ he added.

He therefore challenged the 3rd Degree investees to live a corresponding degree of holiness by being more intimate with our Lord Jesus Christ through regular confessions.  “Yes, you are making valiant effort but you should not take it for granted”, he preached and advised Knights and Ladies to continue to humble themselves before Christ.

Archbishop Obinna said that the 3rd Degree Knights and Ladies were not just being invested with external regalia, they were also being invested with the power of the Holy Spirit, so that, like their Patron, St. Mulumba and other martyrs they will accept persecutions, sufferings and insults.

He noted that some knights of St. Mulumba in Ahiara diocese in particular and Owerri Metro in general have already tasted some persecution and insult as a result of their recent actions, stressing that it is part of a missionary to accept the sorrowful mystery.

The prelate advised knights and ladies to read Pope Francis apostolic exultation – The Joy of the Gospel.

In his remarks during the investiture ceremony, the Supreme Knight, Chief Anthony C. Onuh reminded the knights of their responsibilities both in the church and society ad advised them to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their new rank.

While congratulating the new investees, the Supreme Knight also praised the Organizing Committee led by Chief Athan Ibegbulem and Alban Ohiri for a job well done.

In his own speech, the Owerri Metro Grand Knight, Prince Eugene O.N. Emeakaroha thanked the Archbishop and the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Alex Okoro for their warm reception and assured them that Owerri Metro Council would always obey the church hierarchy and support church projects and activities.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of members elevated to 3rd Degree and thanked the Supreme Knight, Chief Anthony Onuh and other Supreme Officers for identifying with Metro activities.

Similarly, Lady Chinedu Brown, Worthy President, LSM Owerri Metro Council, charged the ladies to be exemplary mothers in their parishes by being faithful Catholics, with strong devotion to our Lady and the Eucharist.

The investiture ceremony was witnessed by other Supreme Officers, including the Supreme Auditor, Bro. Greg Esotu, the Supreme Assistant Secretary, Bro. Hyacinth Chukwudire and the LSM National Provost, Lady Maria Uzoma.

Among the newly invested 3rd Degree Knights and Ladies are – Bro. Cyril Chigozie Asiabaka, Vice-Chancellor FUTO and his wife Ihuoma, Prof. Anthony Okere, former Acting Vice-Chancellor IMSU and his wife Adaeze, Bro. Anthony Soronnadi Njoku, former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General Imo State, Bro. Ray Ahumibe, Regional Manager UBA and his wife, Lady Nne Nwaejike Commissioner for Women Affairs, Abia State etc.

Bro. Soronnadi Njoku and Sis Nwaejike gave vote of thanks for the new 3rd Degree Knights and Ladies respectively.

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