BY JOSEPH ODOEKWU
The Metropolitan Grand Knight of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM), Owerri Metro Council, Sir Eva Njemanze, has reaffirmed that joining the Knighthood strengthens one’s connection with God through deeper commitment to the Catholic faith.
Sir Eva Njemanze made this known in an exclusive interview with our correspondent shortly after the admission of 104 new members into the Order, which took place at the Assumpta Pastoral Centre, Owerri, Imo State.
“I want them (new intakes) to hold on to the Catholic faith,” he said. “Like the Altar Boys would always say: Closer to the Altar is closer to God. If you are not well grounded in the Catholic faith, then you are like nylon—you just float. But joining the Knighthood makes you closer to God through the Catholic faith.”
On the future of recruitment into the Order, Sir Eva Njemanze charged the newly admitted members to take the lead in expanding the Knighthood.
“It is up to those who have been newly admitted to package the Knighthood and sell it to those who have not joined,” he remarked. “When those who have not joined see changes in the lives of those admitted today, they will be interested in joining.”
He also referenced the homily delivered during the ceremony, describing it as timely and instructive.
“Did you hear the homily today?” he asked. “It was apt and straightforward. The summary is: Let your Yes be Yes, and your No be No. Anything you know you cannot defend, do not do it.”
While reacting to perceptions that the Knighthood operates as a secret society, Sir Eva Njemanze dismissed such claims and highlighted the transparency of the admission process.
“What we did today was an open affair,” he said. “Those who were not inside the chamber could see everything through the windows. That clearly shows we are not doing anything secret.”
“Was there anything ambiguous about the admission process?” he asked. “A Catholic priest was present. If it were a secret society, would a priest be there?”
Sir Eva Njemanze further emphasized that the Knighthood has no connection with fetish practices or secret groups.
“There is nothing fetish about the Knighthood. During the interview stage, the candidates were asked if they belonged to any secret society. The brothers in the Order then had to vote before anyone was admitted. That process ensures that no one with such affiliations gains entry,” he concluded.
The Knights of St. Mulumba which was founded in 1953 is a Catholic lay organization committed to faith, service, and moral leadership within the Church and society.
