BY JOSEPH ODOEKWU
The Assumpta Pastoral Centre, Owerri, was a scene of solemn grandeur on Saturday as the Owerri Metro Council of the Knights of St. Mulumba inducted 104 new brothers into the Catholic Order. The admission ceremony, which drew members from six dioceses—Orlu, Ahiara, Aba, Okigwe, Umuahia, and Owerri—went ahead as scheduled, despite the disruption caused by the early morning rainfall.
The event, which had the new inductees appear in formal black suits and their accompanying sisters adorned in white with green head-ties, was rich in spiritual symbolism and civic reflection. The Knights, renowned for their emphasis on order and timeliness, maintained decorum throughout the proceedings.
As the rites unfolded, discussions among leaders and observers highlighted not just the spiritual foundation of the Knighthood but also its broader civic responsibilities in a nation grappling with moral and socio-economic challenges.
Speaking to this correspondent, Bro. Odinakachi Anyanwu, the Public Relations Officer of the Metro Council, charged the newly admitted on the importance of political participation by Knights.
“If given the opportunity, the newly admitted brothers should actively participate in politics,” he said. “But they must uphold discipline, promote human-oriented programmes, and remember they represent the Order at all times.”
He added, “Politics is not a do-or-die affair. It’s an opportunity to serve the people with available resources. When the righteous are in power, the people rejoice. Our nation needs industrialization and job creation, and the Knighthood can play a pivotal role in achieving this.”
The perception of Knighthood in some communities as a secret society was also addressed during the ceremony. Dr. Cajetan Ohiri, Grand Knight of the Assumpta Council, who also spoke with our correspondent used the occasion to correct such views.
“There’s nothing un-Catholic about the Knighthood,” Dr. Ohiri told this reporter. “Everything we do is in defense of the mission of the Catholic Church. Priests and bishops are members—can they be part of a secret society? We stand in the light, countering what others do in the dark. That’s our ‘secrecy’—nobility, not mystery.”
Financial sacrifice was another theme underscored at the event. In a country facing economic hardship, the decision of 104 men to commit to the Order did not go unnoticed.
Bro. Finian Ukah, Metro Council Secretary, lauded the new members for making such commitment:
“We’ve had larger numbers in the past, but under today’s economic circumstances, this turnout is remarkable. It speaks of deep commitment on the path of the newly admitted brothers. The Knighthood is a noble path—one that demands sacrifice, but it truly pays to serve God.”
Among those who supported the induction effort was Sir Vincent Agoha, who sponsored four of the new members. In an interview, he described the moment as gratifying.
“I feel great that many of our brothers have joined today,” Sir Agoha said. “They must now be steadfast in faith, defend the Church, support the clergy, help the poor, and uphold justice.”
Some of the newly admitted Knights were not left out, as they also shared their reflections. Bro. Eric Nze Osuji of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Umuakali, described the induction as a sacred responsibility. “Much has been given to me, and much will be expected and I’ll do my best to meet up with expectations,” he said.
Similarly, Bro. Anastasius Ifeanyi Ejekam of St. Joseph Station, Assumpta Cathedral, saw the event as a divine calling. “This is an opportunity for me and my sister to serve God with our Talent, Treasure, and Time, and also defend the Church” he remarked.
The selection process for Knighthood, as gathered, is rigorous, often involving background checks, spiritual discernment, and even fasting. It reflects the Order’s commitment to admitting only those willing to defend the Church and promote its mission in both sacred and civic spaces.
The newly inducted brothers have started their journey towards salvation, it’s a journey that will also make them keep pace with what the founding father of the knighthood had in mind and upholding firmly the objectives of service, sacrifice, and spiritual maturity which the Order is known for.
