Knights charged on service to humanity

In a welcome address to the Knights by the Grand Knight, Dr Tom Adaba, he noted that the year had been a very productive and spiritually enriching one especially as the number of Catholics who have shown their commitment to God’s work by enrolling into the Knighthood had been very encouraging. “Their contributions to the […]

In a welcome address to the Knights by the Grand Knight, Dr Tom Adaba, he noted that the year had been a very productive and spiritually enriching one especially as the number of Catholics who have shown their commitment to God’s work by enrolling into the Knighthood had been very encouraging. “Their contributions to the cause of the church and the brotherhood have also been phenomenal,” he said.

While speaking on the activities of the Knight for 2009, Dr. Adaba explained that “The order has, through the various zones, impacted on the lives of the less privileged by visitation to hospitals, prisons and orphanages, with accompanying gifts.”

Speaking on the significance of the dinner, Adaba said, “It is significant in the sense that it is an opportunity for us to come together, not just in a church environment, but in a secular environment like this to interact and discuss issues that are of interest to us, the church and the nation. And that’s why His Grace, Archbishop John Onaiyekan gave an interesting speech about the church today which is, in itself calling us again unto reassessment of ourselves and our stand in the affairs of this nation. What our faith admonishes us to do and, I think, it helps a great deal for us is to great stock  and look ahead on what to be done for the good of the church, for the good or ourselves and above all, to the glory of God.”

Explaining that the knighthood is about a group of individuals with an aspiration for sanctity for God, the Grand Knight stressed that “the three retreats that we had during the year have, indeed, deepened our spirituality. Our loyalty, commitment and dedication to our divine creator, the holy Catholic Church and her authorities and the course of justice, peace and love in the society, remain solidly unalloyed.”

He, therefore, charged the knights to be holy and be committed to the service of humanity. In his Christmas  message to the Knights, he said, “My message is very simple, eat less, give more out to those who are in need because that is what our lord and master Jesus Christ teaches us to do.

Let’s not festivate  but rather let’s give to the poor. Visit the hospitals, orphanages because there are people who might not be able to make a meal and if you are privileged, don’t enjoy the sumptuous meal alone, share with others and with that, the spirit of Christmas would be a lot more meaningful.”

In his keynote address, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace, Most Reverend John Onaiyekan, stressed the need for Catholics to embrace the spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness  to ensure peaceful coexistence with others in the society.