Pope Francis Confers Title Of Papal Knight On 15 Nigerians

The Supreme Head of the Roman Catholic Church; Pope Francis, has bestowed the coveted Papal Knights and Dames of St Gregory and St Sylvester onto 15 Nigerians from Delta State.

This is one of the several orders of honour conferred by, or in the name of, the Pope, (now) usually in recognition of the person’s services to the Roman Catholic Church.

According to Punch newspapers,
the announcement was made in Asaba, Delta State’s capital by Rev Fr Charles Uganwa; Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku in Nigeria,

“Some were also given Papal Medals,” he added. These men and women have made significant contributions to the progress of the Church and society through their faith and values.

“The awardees are Patrick Ikemefuna, Okechukwu Ofili, Epiphany Azinge, SAN, Benedict Chukwuma, John U T Okolo, and Joseph Emuezie. Others are: Henrietta Odume, Rosaline Bozimo, Henrietta Ajuebon, Caroline Sotunde Patience Elumeze, Carol Enuha, Justina Nwaobi, NES, Elizabeth Okwuadi, and Suzanna Nwabude.

“On behalf of the Holy Father, the Bishop of Issele-Uku diocese, Most Rev Michael Elue, will conduct their investiture rite during a Eucharistic service on Saturday, June 18 at St Paul Cathedral, Issele-Uku.”

“They have also selflessly contributed to Nigeria’s great development in many aspects.

“As a result, the honor bestowed upon them is a clarion call for them to gird their loins even more in the defense of Christ in all implications and at all times as his soldier.”

He stated that these honorees, together with many others, have contributed significantly to the physical and spiritual development of the local Church, as well as grassroots evangelization in the diocese.

Knights are expected to be fired with a fervent zeal of the Holy Spirit for the social apostolate as soldiers of Christ and the Church, holding in high regard professional competence, family and civic sense, and virtues related to social behavior, such as honesty, sense of justice, sincerity, courtesy, and moral courage, without which no religious or social apostolate can exist.