Use selfless service for the good of others, Archbishop Okeke urges Knights

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The Papal knights and Medalists during the conference

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By Madu Obi

The Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, has urged Knights to use selfless service to deepen their lives of holiness by prioritizing the good of others.

Archbishop Okeke made the call during the 17th National Conference of the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria (APKMN) held at the Madonna Renewal Centre, Nkpor, Anambra State.

In his homily during the Holy Mass that preceded the conference, the Archbishop emphasized on the need for the Knights to develop the spiritual sensitivity required to recognize and appreciate the good in others, rather than being preoccupied with personal achievements.

Specifically, he advised them to consistently cultivate a mindset focused on the welfare of their neighbours, adding that doing so would inspire hope in the society.

“When we think of the good of others, they too will think good of us. Goodness begets goodness; selfishness attracts selfishness. Always try to make others happy.

When people are taught this virtue, the entire world becomes a better place. Faith, hope, and charity perfect the human system and lead to authentic transformation,” he stated.

According to him, the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity are supernatural gifts from God that perfect the human person and elevate society.

Archbishop Okeke observed that no society can progress without sacrifice, noting that personal convenience must never outweigh the common good.

"Without sacrifice, societies retrogress rather than progress. Even with intelligence, if one does not believe in God or is unwilling to make sacrifices for others and for the common good, one cannot contribute meaningfully to societal growth,” he added.

The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, who was the guest speaker, said faith and love flourish within families, stating that their influence naturally radiates outward into society.

He explained that genuine love, deeply rooted in faith, illuminates human relationships and strengthens social harmony.

Ezeokafor warned that If faith in God is removed, mutual trust in society would be weakened, while collective stability would be threatened.”

Speaking on the dignity of Papal Knighthood, he reminded members that nobility carries responsibility.,noting that Papal Knighthood is not an empty title.

"It is a noble order based on merit. To whom much is given, much is expected. As Papal Knights and Medalists, remain focused on charitable works for the betterment of Nigerian society,” he added.

Also speaking, the National President of APKMN, Steve Adehi, SAN, said the conference was organized to rekindle the faith and hope of Christians, especially in the face of the country’s current challenges.

He noted that since this is the 'Year of Hope', Christians must be encouraged not to lose confidence in God or in Nigeria’s future.

Adehi urged the various governments to address the widening gap between official claims of improvement and what is being experienced by ordinary Nigerians.

“Our conference seeks to remind Christians that hope is not lost. We must believe that Nigeria can be great again because it had been great before,” he said.

The President of the Onitsha Province of APKMN, Peter Anazodo, described the conference as a platform for deep spiritual and moral renewal among members, aimed at strengthening their commitment to God and humanity.

Similarly, Prof. Augustine Nnonyelu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and a member of the Papal Knights, described the gathering as “a form of total evangelization for positive change.”

He explained that the vision is to spread the work of faith, hope, and charity across the entire nation,.

“The theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity lie at the heart of Catholicism. Virtue is our key takeaway from this conference; it is central to everything we practice in the Catholic Church,” Nonyelu said.

The theme of year’s conference is, “Hope, Faith, and Charity in Contemporary Society.” The next conference of the association is expected to take place in Owerri, Imo State.