The Catholic Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins will confer Papal Honours on five lay faithful of the Archdiocese on September 14, 2024, at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos. According to a recent statement jointly signed by Very Rev. Fr. Juilius Olaitan, Episcopal Vicar, Lagos Region and Sir Soleye Hughes KSG, Chairman, Archdiocese of Lagos All Purpose Committee 2024 Investiture Planning team, these individuals have been recognised by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for their dedication and exceptional service to the Church.
The honorees include, Mr. Peter Amangbo, who will be invested as Knight of St. Gregory; while Messrs Walter Akpani and Peter Nwanze will be invested as Knights of St. Sylvester. For their part, Lady Christine ‘Doja Otedola and Mr. Julius Olufunsho Britto, will be honoured as Medalists in the ‘Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice’ category. According to His Grace, the Archbishop, “These gentlemen and lady have distinguished themselves in faith and morals, and have contributed immensely to the growth of the Church and Society. The Awards are a testament to their dedication, hard work, and commitment to living out their faith,” The Investiture Ceremony, to be performed within the Eucharistic Çelebration of the feast of Exaltation of The Holy Cross, is expected to attract many from all walks of life.
Papal Orders of Knighthood are bestowed in the name of the Pope, by his authority as Head of the Holy See and Sovereign of the Vatican City State. The Order of St. Gregory the Great was established exclusively for men by Pope Gregory XVI on September 1, 1831 through the Papal brief, Quod summis. However, in 1994, the Papal Award category was extended to include women, who, from that point, have been appointed “Dames” in the same class as the “Knights of the Order of St. Gregory”. Reforms of 1905 brought about The Order of St. Sylvester. In 1841, Pope Gregory XVI reformed the Order of the Golden Spur as an Order of Merit, with recipients appointed by Papal brief.
This reformed Order was known as the “Order of St. Sylvester and the Golden Militia.” Further reforms in 1905 induced the separation of that Order into the Order of St. Sylvester and the Order of the Golden Spur. The Order of St. Sylvester is presented in the same class and grade as the Order of St. Gregory the Great. Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, or Cross of Honour was established in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII. These awards are usually given based on recommendations from Bishops or Papal Nuncios for specific services rendered to the Catholic Church. The primary essence of these Awards is to recognise and reward members of the Laity who have distinguished themselves in active service in different Apostolates.
