OGWASHII- UKU (DELTA) – The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku in Delta State literarily stood still at the weekend when the 15th Grand Board of Trustees (GBOT) meeting of Benin Grand Commandery of the Knights of St John International (KSJI) and Benin Grand Ladies Auxiliary (LAUX) attracted all members of Catholic community, especially Catholic Knights and Ladies in Edo and Delta States to Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, Ogwashi-uku: Delta State which hosted the event.
During the GBOT, candidates who were found to be fit and proper, worthy in character, moral and spiritual learning, after aspiring to the Ancient and Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International for Initiation, as well as those who climbed the ladder for Exemplification 2nd and 3rd Degrees) and Full Dress investiture side by side with the candidates of the Ladies Auxiliary also for Initiation and Investiture were admitted accordingly and appropriately.
Before coming to the GBOT, the aspirants were drilled in Catholic Catechism, Liturgy and quasi- military drill for a reasonable period of time in line with the Catholic knighthood of St. John which is militarily oriented in rank, vis-a-vis Doctrine.
Consequently, 28 Catholic men were initiated as new initiates, 13 Exemplified into the 2nd and 3rd Degrees and 13 others were invested with Full Dress.
Similarly, the Grand Ladies Auxiliary initiated 19 Catholic Women and elevated 23 to Exemplification status.
It would be recalled that until a Knight is Exemplified, he cannot bear the prefix title of ‘Sir’ and correspondingly an already initiated female can only bear the prefix title of ‘Lady’ after her Exemplification.
In attendance during the GBOT were Rev. Fr. Franklin Odiaka, of the Parish Priest of the Church of Assumption, Asaba who as the Resource person spoke on the Theme: “If anyone says I love God, yet hates His brethren, he is a Liar”1, John 4:20; Rev. Fr Mark Nwoko the Spiritual Adviser of KSJI Commandery 550 Asaba and also Rev. Fr Augustine Abude the KSJI Spiritual Adviser of Commandery 551 Agbor.
Addressing the Knighthood faithful who attended the GBOT, the Grand President of Benin Grand Commandery Noble Brig. Gen Joseph Ojobu advised Knights to continue to work for God because, as Knights, they are being watched.
In her own remarks, the Grand Respected President of Benin Grand Ladies Auxiliary represented by Nobel Lady Elizabeth Omoijuanfo, dwelt on the Theme of the GBOT, accentuating the need for Love, Charity and Forgiveness amongst mankind.
The next GBOT of Benin Grand Commendery of the Knights of St. John International comes up in March 2015 at Eme-Ora in Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State.