The Knights of St. John International (KSJI), Uyo Grand Commandery, and Ladies Auxiliary wrapped up their First Biennial Convention and End of end-of-year activities for 2023. Initially postponed and rescheduled, the event commenced on February 22, 2024, and concluded on February 25, 2024, featuring various activities such as Spirituality and Liturgical, initiation of new members, exemplifications, and investiture, among others.
The closing ceremony took place on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Mbiakpan Atan, Ibiono LGA. Very Rev Fr. Brigadier General Charles Bassey, the Charter Spiritual Director, concelebrated the mass with two other Brother Priests, including Fr Solomon Ifiok Andrew, one of the newly initiated members, and Fr Anwangabasi Essien. Welcoming the Knights, Ladies, and the entire faithful, Father Bassey urged everyone to prioritize God in all their endeavors, expressed appreciation to the Knights for their contributions to the Church’s development, and bestowed blessings upon all the Knights, Ladies, and Church members.
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Brigadier General Samuel Umohandikan, the Charter Grand President, addressed the congregation during the Thanksgiving Service, urging parishioners to join the Knights of St. John International as defenders of the church and the body of Christ, especially as their son, late Cardinal Ekandem, the first CBCN President was the one who approved the establishment of KSJI in Nigeria. Earlier, he had officially inaugurated the 2023 End of Year Activities on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the Knights Hall within the Cardinal Ekadem Seminary premises, expressing gratitude for divine guidance throughout the year. Gen Umohandikan highlighted the significance of the event, marking the Statutory First Biennial Convention since the inception of the Grand Commandery and Ladies Auxiliary in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Gen Umohandikan welcomed candidates set to undergo the ceremony and be Knighted, encouraging them to embrace the journey ahead with enthusiasm for spiritual enrichment.
Noble Sr. Grace Ikon, the Charter Grand Respected President, underscored the Family Apostolate aspect of Knighthood, emphasizing its foundation in love. Host Worthy President of Christ the King Commandery 450, Uyo, Sir Joseph Etuk, extended greetings to the assembly, urging them to embrace the spiritual encounters awaiting them.
Under the theme “KNIGHTHOOD: YOUR NARROW ROAD TO HEAVEN,” the convention featured sessions on spirituality, liturgy, retreats, confessions, initiations, investiture, and ceremonial rites, culminating in a solemn Outing Mass on Sunday, with participants from the 9 Local Commanderies, 7 Ladies Auxiliaries, 2 District Commanderies, and one District Auxiliary Uyo, who came together to partake in the annual tradition of faith. The Thanksgiving service was attended by prominent figures including the Grand President, Brigadier General Samuel Umohandikan, Supreme Subordinate Secretary, Brigadier General Cletus Ntong, Chartered Grand Respected, Noble Sister Grace Ikon, Uyo Grand Secretary, Col. Michael Essang, Charter Grand Secretary (Laux) Sister Ekamma Denise, Grand officers, District Officers, Worthy Presidents of Local Commanderies, Respected Presidents of Ladies Auxiliaries, among others.
By
Brother Unyime Ekwere,
Grand Under-Secretary/Media Officer.
