By Sir Hilary Kwapyong, WMPRO
The Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Bishop Michael Apochi has called on the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) to defend the Church and its clergy against the escalating attacks and negativity.
The Bishop made the call following what appears to be rampant and constant attacks on the Clergy of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo.
He spoke during a courtesy visit on him, held at the Bishop’s Court near St. Francis Cathedral, which brought together the KSM Abuja Ecclesiastical Council led by Metro Grand Knight Sir Jimoh Johnson.
Bishop Apochi, represented by Very Rev. Fr. Kenneth Ode, the Vicar Administration, acknowledged the Knights’ contributions to the Church and society, emphasizing their crucial role in these challenging times.
With a sense of gratitude, the Bishop expressed his need for the Knights’ prayers and support, stating that “If not for the prayers of the Church, the world would have been consumed.”
“God has given the Knights uncommon courage which has clearly shown that with God there is positivity, therefore the need to exhibit such qualities for the interest of the progress and growth of the Churches in Nigeria,” the Bishop further
One area of concern for the Bishop was for KSM to encourage Catholic lay faithfuls to desis from discussing negative things about the Church and Clergy to discourage avenues where people get information to perpetuate evil such as robbery and kidnapping.
He listed four areas of concern, encouraging the Knights to defend the Church and clergy, utilize their resources, Time, Talent, and Treasures for the Church’s growth; support the Benue State Governor’s development efforts, promote positivity among Catholic lay faithful, and remain committed to the physical and spiritual well-being of the people while upholding their doctrines.
Sir Jimoh Johnson, the Worthy Metro Grand Knight (WMGK) in his speech, commended the Bishop for his unwavering stance against oppression and pledged the Knights’ continued support.
He highlighted the KSM’s mission to care for the poor, defend the Church, and uplift the downtrodden, instituted by the Catholic Bishops Conference in 1953.
A token of donation was presented by the WMGK to the Bishop with a promise that fervent prayers will commence immediately as requested, for the safely of the Clergy of Otukpo Diocese.
Good will messages were also delivered by the Worthy Supreme Physician, Sir Frank Odafen and the Immediate past WMGK Sir Michael Aule.
In attendance on the courtesy visit was the WMGK , the Metro Chaplain Very Rev Fr Prof Moses Orhungur, the Otukpo KSM Chaplain Very Rev Fr Donatus Ochai, the WSP, the IPWMGK, Metro Officers, the CGK of Otukpo Gks and some members of the planning committee.
