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It was a memorable occasion as the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Ernest Obodo, at a colorful ceremony, formally inaugurated the Immaculate Heart Ladies Auxiliaries 878, Iwollo Oghe, Knights of St. John International.
The ceremony, which began with a Holy Mas celebrated by the bishop, took place at Sacred Heart Parish Church, Iwollo.
In a homily during the service, Bishop Obodo went down memory lane to recall the emergence of knighthood, and said the knights had defended the Church during period of persecution, and had continued to support the Church even up till today.
He stated that knighthood was not a secret society, but is made up of noble men and women who commit themselves to the cause of the Church
The Bishop commended the Knights of St. John International for establishing the women wing of the order in Iwollo Oghe, and believed that the new ladies auxiliaries would quicken the spread of the gospel message in Ezeagu local government area through their various works of charity.
Bishop Obodo, while formally inaugurating the Immaculate Heart, LAUX 878, Iwollo Oghe, congratulated both the Respect President, Lady Eucharia Eze, and her other sisters for brazing the trail, and prayed that the Almighty God will always be with them and guide their path. .
In his goodwill message, Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Human Capital Development, described the occasion as “more than a ceremonial milestone, it is a renewed call to duty”
“The Immaculate Heat Ladies Auxiliaries 878 has been entrusted with a noble responsibility – to uphold the virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to serve the Church and society with compassion”, he said.
The governor further said that the state government was appreciative of the role of faith-based organizations in building stronger communities, and extolled the Knights of St. John International for their works of charity and youths mentorship.
Anong the dignitaries that graced the occasion, were Member representing Ezeagu and Udi local government areas in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Sunday Umeha; the Chairman of Ezeagu local government council, Dr Vita Ndu;, and some traditional rulers.
Others were the Supreme Subordinate Respected President of Nigeria, Noble Sister Irene Chinwe Mgbajiaka; the Enugu Grand President, Noble Brother, Brigadier General Obiora Amadi, the Enugu Grand Respected President, Noble Sister Patricia Okams, as well as the Dean Aguobu Owa Deanery of the Catholic Church, who also doubles as the Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Iwollo, Rev Fr. Victor Ogbogu Ubaka
Chairman of the occasion, Sir Chinedu Ani, who is the Chancellor, Coal City University, Enugu, congratulated the newly inaugurated Immaculate Heart LAUX 878 Iwollo Oghe and prayed for their future success.
The occasion equally featured special honours awards on some distinguished individuals who made significant contributions to the building of churches in the local government area.
