Very Rev. Fr. Richard Fasuyi has urged the Order of the Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba to develop thick skin, even as they expect to be criticised and condemned, especially by a section of the society who do not understand what the Order stands for in the Catholic Church. Fr. Fasuyi who is the Parish Priest of St. Cyprian Catholic Church, Oko-Oba, Agege, gave the charge on Saturday, February 11, at the New Year retreat held by members of the Order, Mater Christi Sub- Council, Lagos, Zone 2, at the parish. The priest who spoke on the topic: ” Without the cross, there is no crown,” noted that a lot of people; including non- Catholics, had a lot of misconception about Knighthood and what the Knights and Ladies of the Order stand for. He said, “You have to be battered for the sake of Jesus and the Church. There are a lot of misconception about Knighthood. People have their misconception about what you stand for. You will be panel beaten. Some will call you names. But you have to be patient and bear it until you enter the grave. Even at your graveside, they will talk about you.” He reminded members of the Order that even as priests in the Church, there is misconception about Catholic priesthood. “You represent a particular intention in the life of the Church.
Those who do not understand this intention will have to ask questions,” the Cleric added. Warning against turning such detractors to enemies, he said the Knights and their Ladies needed “elastic patience” which he said would take a long time. “So, learn to live with some of these misconceptions,” he admonished. “There are people you can emulate from the Bible. Patience is taken from our Lord Jesus Christ, who is Patient par excellent. They called Him different kinds of names, beat him and humiliated him. Sarah, Elizabeth too were patient.” They were called names and humiliated, but they remained patient. “Patience is very key. In fact, make it a virtue. Live your life by the principle of your association. The crown will come, disgrace may have come, the grace of God is sufficient for you.” While reminding the Knights of their responsibility of defending the Church and the faith, he encouraged them to do more to enlighten people about the Order. The Zonal Leader, Bro. Ralph Nwosu, said the retreat was part of the “spiritual tonic” to prepare members for the New Year. Highlights of the event include, recitation of the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, Confession and Mass.
