Knights Of Saint John International, Commandery four-three-four and LAUX three-six-three, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka has held a civic reception to honour their former spiritual adviser who is now the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese and one of the new Cardinals of the Catholic Church, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke.
The reception which commenced with a pontifical high mass at the Knight of St John International Temple, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka was to rejoice with Cardinal Okpalaeke on his recent new appointment.
In a homily during the mass, Cardinal Okpalaeke charged the knights to emulate the life of Saint Thomas Aquinas who gave up everything for Christ and emerged victorious in all the challenges of life.
The Prelate harped on the need for them to hold on to their faith which he noted is the root of their salvation and the basis for christianity and encouraged them to always be on the path of righteousness as belonging to pius organizations alone does not guarantee salvation.
He solicited their individual and collective prayers to help him fulfil the responsibility bestowed on him and also to pray that the Holy Spirit will help the church to achieve God’s mandate at a time like this.
Speaking during the reception, the Chairman on the occasion, Sir Joseph Oyego said that they are blessed to be part of Cardinal Okpalaeke’s spiritual journey as they learnt a lot from him when he was their spiritual director.
In a welcome address, the President, Knights of St John International Commandery Four Three-four, St Patrick’s Cathedral Awka, Sir Vincent Otikpa disclosed that Cardinal Okpalaeke showed deep interest in the affairs of the Order during his time with them and recalled how he played an important role in resolving a crisis that nearly engulfed the order and pleaded with him not to relent in providing them with spiritual leadership and guidance.
In a goodwill message, the Past Grand Respected President, Lady Vera Ejiofor said that they hold to high esteem the advice and teachings of Peter Cardinal Okpalaeke which has helped to move the commandery to a higher pedestal, and prayed for God to sustain the Cardinal.
In their separate remarks, Professor AU Nonyelu and Sir Clem Nwafor said that they learnt the virtues of patience and humility from the life of Cardinal Okpaleke and promised to continue to remember him in their prayers for him to succeed.
The commandery later presented cardinal Okpalaeke with gifts.
The Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Awka, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor was also presented with gifts by the order during the event.
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