By Regina Igwebuike
Rev. Fr. Polycarp Chimaobi Okoye, Assistant Chaplain of the Catholic Order of Knights of St. Michael the Archangel, Awka Diocese, CKSMA, has described the CKSMA as “an Order with a difference” because its Patron, St. Michael the Archangel, is a heavenly knight, urging the new intake to see themselves as privileged and chosen people of substance and commitment, noting that the screening process was intentional.
He encouraged them to live out the teachings they received during both online and offline training, and to let their lives reflect the values of the Order despite the challenges and discouragement encountered during formation. “Now that you have stepped into this Order, let there be a difference in your life. Don’t get tired. Don’t look at any man. You came here to look at Jesus Christ,” he charged.
Fr. Okoye also appreciated the families, friends and well-wishers who came to support the Order, noting that their presence gives credibility to the association. “Thank you for being part of our history and for encouraging us. If it were only us, people might think we are a secret group. We remain open to anyone who wishes to join this devotional and apostolic Order,” he added.
The assistant chaplain further reminded the Knights that the Christian journey is personal and requires perseverance till the end. He said every member must strive to live a life worthy of the title “Knight,” with Christ and St. Michael as their focus, not individuals. “I am proud to be part of modern knighthood. If they call ‘Knight’, my patron saint is a Knight and I am a Knight. But I must also live the life of a Knight,” he stated, praying that God who began the good work in them would sustain and multiply His grace in them so that others may see good examples in their lives.
Fr. Okoye acknowledged the absence of some members at the induction ceremony, noting that many could not attend due to work and other commitments on a weekday. He, however, commended those who sacrificed to be present. “To you who sacrificed a lot on this working day to be here, thank you very much. It shows that we take what we are doing seriously,” he said.
Earlier, the Priest Coordinator, CKSMA, Rev. Fr. Martin Anusi, PhD, in his message, expressed gratitude to God for abundant graces and acknowledged the visionary leadership of the Founder and Principal Bishop, Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, whose conviction and fatherly support remain the anchor of the Order. He also paid tribute to the Co-Founder, Primus/President Emeritus, Amb. Sir Dan Anaebo Okekenta, and the indefatigable President and Co-Founder, Gen. Sir James Ezeonu, for their sacrifices and foundational contributions that continue to drive the Order forward.
Fr. Anusi commended the dedication of the leadership and the Knights and Ladies for their courage, faith, and sacrifice in advancing the mission of CKSMA. He assured members of the powerful protection of St. Michael the Archangel and called for unity under the leadership as the Order forges ahead. He also appreciated Rev. Fr. Polycarp Okoye, Assistant Chaplain, for his commitment to the Order, noting that reflecting on the birth of CKSMA, its challenges, and the graces received should inspire mt reembers to move forward with greater resolve. “We are history in the making. The future is seeded in the bold steps we take right now,” he noted.
In congratulating the new members, the priest coordinator prayed for increased unity of purpose for the good of the Church. He asked that God grant them wisdom, commitment, and perseverance needed to attain and sustain the goals of the Order.
Regina Igwebuike is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
