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By Damiete Braide
Members of the Knights of St John International and Ladies Auxiliary on Sunday held a thanksgiving Mass at the Catholic Church of Ascension, Airport Road, where leaders of the Catholic fraternal organisation reaffirmed their commitment to spirituality, charity, unity and the defence of the Catholic Church.
The event, which was marked by prayers, singing and dancing, brought together senior officers, past leaders and members of the order, as well as parishioners, in a celebration of service and thanksgiving.
Speaking at the Mass, Charter Secretary of Lagos Grand, Augustine Osuorah, who recently marked his 90th birthday, reflected on the values that have guided his life and long years of service. He attributed his longevity to a life of simplicity, kindness and faith in God.
According to him, peaceful living begins with recognising God in one another and treating all people with love and respect. “Live a relaxed life, do good to everybody and be kind, because we are all human beings created by God,” he said, urging members to always rejoice with others and promote harmony wherever they find themselves.
Osuorah also shared his experience within the organisation, recalling that he joined the Knights of St John International and Ladies Auxiliary in 1996. He noted that during his tenure, he deliberately encouraged younger members to take up leadership roles, while offering them the necessary guidance and support. He advised the current executives to remain focused on worshipping God and to give their best toward the development of the association.
Also addressing members, Maj. Gen Chuks Joachim Anamgbo, Supreme Subordinate President outlined the plans of the new leadership for the next four years. He stressed that all initiatives of the order must be anchored on God, warning that any plan without God at its foundation is bound to fail.
He said the leadership would continue to strengthen the fraternal nature of the order, promote spirituality rooted in Christ and the Catholic Church, and expand charitable activities. He also emphasised unity and discipline as key pillars of the organisation, adding that efforts were already underway to enhance physical development through the provision of temples, horses and other ceremonial assets that reflect the dignity of the knighthood.
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He further explained that the organisation’s constitution provides clear procedures for conflict resolution, acknowledging that misunderstandings can arise in any group. He disclosed that the Knights of St John International currently has close to 17,000 members, comprising both brothers and sisters.
On her part, Chinonyelum Okafor, Supreme Subordinate Auxiliary President, highlighted the structured hierarchy and strategic framework of the organisation. She explained that members, especially women, are trained and guided by the constitution to understand their roles.
She said the Ladies Auxiliary exists to support the Knights through prayers, service and care, while also reaching out to the grassroots through spirituality, seminars and community engagement. She charged women to support the Church with their time, talent, treasure and prayers.
The thanksgiving Mass, held in a festive atmosphere, underscored the enduring mission of the Knights of St John International to serve God, support the Catholic Church and promote unity among members.
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