By Regina Igwebuike
The Catholic Order, Knights of St. Michael the Archangel (CKSMA), St . Patrick’s Council #001, Awka, Nigeria holds Admission and Investiture of New Members, urged them on unity of purpose. The grand ceremony, which took place on July 10 at the Archbishop A. K. Obiefuna Retreat, Pastoral and Conference Center, Okpuno attracted men and women from all walk of life.
Delivering the homily, Most Rev. Paulinus C. Ezeokafor, the Bishop of Awka Catholic Diocese and Founder of CKSMA said: “On behalf of the priests, consecrated persons, and lay faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, I bring you my heartfelt felicitations on this historic and laudable occasion, which the Diocese is happy and proud to be associated with.
He emphasized that CKSMA is an Order with a purpose. “Dear Knights, true to your character, you have remained a devotional and family apostolate Order in the Church. You are under the spiritual control of the Local Ordinary, and you have remained intentional in your mission and in alliance with the teachings of the Church.
That is why we are witnessing what St. Paul calls the work of God. Your numerical strength has increased greatly. Men and women from all parts of this country and even beyond have come to put on the armour of St. Michael. We thank God for this growth. It is the fruit of planting and watering the seeds of faith under the protective mantle of St. Michael the Archangel. When we are faithful, God gives the increase.
But my dear sons and daughters, as we celebrate this growth, I must remind you of your primary duty. “Your uniform, your title, your sword are not the most important thing. Your primary duty as Knights of St. Michael the Archangel is to make a continuous effort to be in a state of grace and to remain in friendship with God. Why? Because St. Michael’s battle is our battle. It is a battle against Satan and all the forces of evil. And Jesus tells us the secret of victory in John 14:30: “The ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me.”
When you are in friendship with God, when you are in a state of grace through prayer, the sacraments, and a life of virtue, then you too can say to the devil: _“You have no power over me.” Without this, we are just men and women with titles. With this, we become true spiritual warriors. The prelate congratulated the officers and new members. Let people see Christ in you. May this celebration bring you peace in troubled times, joy in your service, and love that binds you together as one family in Christ. And may St. Michael the Archangel continue to defend us in battle.
Ezeokafor, delighted with the choir’s excellent performance said: “We are in a race for heaven. Therefore, we must contribute meaningfully in the Church so as to obtain God’s grace. Active participation during Mass and in Church activities is essential. Let us always emulate Christ and follow His way. Everyone has a cross to carry in this journey to heaven.”
General Sir James Ogo Ezeonu, President of CKSMA St. Patrick’s Council #001, Awka, Nigeria in a welcome address expressed gratitude to guests for honoring the event. The address also gave a brief history of the Catholic Order of Knights of St. Michael the Archangel, tracing its origin to the spiritual battle between St. Michael and Lucifer in Revelation 12:7. It noted that St. Michael, named “Commander in Chief of heavenly hosts,” is considered the first Knight, and that the Order began exclusively for ordained priests before expanding to include religious and later lay faithful, and has since grown across the world under the patronage of St. Michael the Archangel.
He explained that membership of the Order requires members to be practicing Roman Catholics, married in the Catholic Church, communicants of the Holy Eucharist, of good character, prayerful, charitable, active in their parishes, loyal to the Church, and willing to serve humanity, especially the less privileged. The Order emphasizes that its members are not saints but ordinary people seeking holiness through the example and intercession of St. Michael the Archangel. Members pledge to serve God and humanity faithfully.
General Sir Ezeonu commended the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), for granting CKSMA authority to take off from Awka Diocese under the guidance of the Principal Bishop, Priest – Coordinator Rev. Fr. Martin Anusi PhD, and the Assistant Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Okoye. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Founder/President Emeritus, Council #001, General Amb. Dan Anaebo Okekenta, the executive and all who contributed to the success of the ceremony.
Sir Felix Obi-Okafor, Esq., the Onowu of Okpuno Town and Squad 4 Leader of the newly inducted members of the Catholic Order of Knights of St. Michael the Archangel, described his admission into the Order as a long-awaited fulfillment.
Speaking shortly after the induction ceremony, Sir Obi-Okafor expressed delight at joining the devotional organization. “I am so delighted. It is unfortunate that I delayed, but it is still time. I am happy that it is a devotional Order, and I love everything about the Order.”
The Onowu prayed for the continued growth and unity of the Order, urging members to prioritize peace and dialogue in resolving challenges. “My prayer is that the Order will continue to grow in strength. Though there may be challenges, we must settle them amicably so that the Order can continue to grow from strength to strength,” he stated, expressing optimism for increased membership in the coming year.
Regina Igwebuike is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
