…Don’t allow money, power to distract you
By Samson Adeyanju
Episcopal Chairman for laity, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), and Catholic Bishop of Uyo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. John Ebebe Ayah, has emphasized the need for unity, collaboration, and mutual support in the defence and promotion of the Catholic faith in Nigeria.
Bishop Ayah called on all Orders and different blocks of Knighthood in the Catholic Church operating under the guidance of CBCN to enthrone common policies and foster unity through mutual respect, peace, and love.
Bishop Ayah, who made the appeal in his keynote address during the “Joint All Catholic Knights Summit” (JACKS), held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Abuja, hammered the theme “Collaboration in Support and Defence of the Catholic Faith in Nigeria.”
The summit took place from January 25th to 27th, 2024.
During the homily proceeding the Summit, the Episcopal Chairman appealed to knights in Nigeria not to allow money and power to cause distraction among them, but to always settle conflicts and crisis among themselves in the spirit of love and maturity.
He reminded the knights that they have a lot of work to do in the Church explaining that in the absence of the priests, other lay faithful look up to them in the church for direction.
The inaugural national summit themed “Collaboration in support and defense of the Catholic faith in Nigeria” was organized by the Department of Pastoral Agents of the CSN.
On his part, the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, His Excellency, Most Rev. Isaac B. Dugu presented a paper titled “Collaboration Among Knights in Support and Defense of the Catholic Faith in Nigeria.”
Bishop Dugu emphasized the essence of collaboration, even as his paper explored historical contexts of knighthood, challenges faced by knights in defending the Church, and the benefits of collective efforts.
He urged the Knights to embrace unity, echo the ‘Trinity model’, as they work together to address contemporary societal challenges.
The also highlighted the formation of a joint think tank, common projects, and ongoing conferences for Knights to deepen collaboration and fulfill their role as defenders of the faith in Nigeria.
Addressing the gathering, the Secretary-General, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Rev. Fr. Zachariah Samjumi, underscored the collaborative efforts required for the Church to fulfill its mission effectively, with a special call for the laity to actively participate and contribute to the Church’s overarching goals.
He maintained that emphasis on understanding and embodying the teachings of the Church reflects the commitment to fostering a community dedicated to holiness and discipleship.
His speech detailed gratitude, the Church’s vision, and the crucial need for collaboration.
Speaking at during the submit, the Director, Pastoral Agents Department at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Augustine Okochi acknowledged and applauded the contributions of Knights to the Church and society.
Urging them to manage there differences, Fr Okochi pleaded with the Knights to collaborate internally and externally, recognizing similarities, being open-minded, communicating effectively, respecting differences, and finding common ground.
He discussed challenges, emphasizing adherence to due process in conflict resolution, addressing concerns about levies, and advocating for quality over quantity in membership recruitment.
The man of God also emphasized the interdependence of Church organs.
Chairing the submit, Rt. Hon. Chevalier Otis Anyaeji, emphasized the need for Nigerian knights to engage in meaningful discussions on the essentials of their shared faith.
He highlighted that there are two types of knighthood in the Catholic Church; the Papal Knighthood and Fraternal Knighthood and also explain their levels and how they are bestowed on deserving Catholics by the Holy Father, the Pope for their significant contributions to the Church and humanity.
He noted the crucial role of Catholic knights in guarding the interests of the Church, fostering a Catholic conscience, and applying Catholic principles to societal life, even as he praised their efforts of evangelization and defense of the Catholic faith, which he said is their primary objective.
Understanding, Sharing, and Defending the Faith, he urged the Knights to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, actively participate in liturgical celebrations, and be witnesses to sacraments.
Sharing the faith, he said involves simplifying key documents and doctrines of the Church for wider dissemination, while defense relies on continuous sharing.
Rt. Hon. Anyaeji expressed gratitude to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria for organizing the summit, even as he maintained that the collaboration aims to strengthen the defense of the Catholic faith, with knights playing a vital role in understanding, sharing, and defending its teachings.
