As the Catholic Church observes the Advent season, Very Rev. Fr. Gabriel Odunaiya, National Chaplain, Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) has challenged members of the Knights and Ladies of the Order of St. Mulumba (KSM) Nigeria, to bear in mind why they are members of the Order, and strive to represent the body with honour and integrity while also delivering quality impact.
The priest, who spoke during the Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba Nigeria, Isolo Sub-Council’s Advent Retreat, in his paper entitled, “You are here for a Reason” emphasised the importance of living out their faith in a way that benefits the Order, others, Church and Society. He cited Esther 4:14, which says, “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Fr. Odunaiya at the Retreat held last Saturday at Christ the King Catholic Church, Canal Estate, Okota, Lagos, enjoined the Knights and Ladies to bring quality things to the table; be mindful of the reputation of the Order, and strive to uphold its values and principles.
He said, “God promotes you and puts you in a place for a reason. As Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba, are you feeling more blessed than other parishioners because you belong to the Order? Do you honour calls of those who look up to you? “God has put us, brothers and sisters in this body to help others rise; to make people’s lives better. We are not members of this body to frustrate or make one’s life miserable. “You must bear in mind the reasons why you are members of this body. What positive impact have you made to this body? If you belong to this body, you must represent it well. A lion cannot give birth to a sheep. We must bring to the table things people will see and respect. We must make quality impact. Most importantly, we must listen to God.”
He urged the Knights to strive for excellence in their service to others, saying, “As Knights and Ladies, you are called to be beacons of hope, shining examples of Christian values and virtues.” Fr. Odunaiya went on to charge the Knights and Ladies to examine their relationship with God and to consider what God wants from them. The priest asked, “Have you ever asked God what He wants you to do for Him? Or do you keep asking Him to give and give you things?” The cleric emphasised the importance of sincere reflection and introspection, saying, “Retreat is meant for us to sincerely look into our hearts. It’s a time for us to examine our motivations, our desires, and our actions.” He reminded the Knights and Ladies that true power and authority come from God alone, saying, “Leaders are never there forever. Only God is in charge. We must always remember that our power and authority are not our own, but are given to us by God. “No one is a leader forever.
You may be a Secretary, but it is only for a term of office and for a reason. Only God can be in charge forever. The priest’s message was a call to humility and surrender, encouraging the Knights and Ladies to seek God’s will and to prioritise their relationship with Him. He charged the Knights and Ladies to reflect on their role as leaders and mentors, saying, “Just as Esther was called to use her position to make a positive impact on her people, you too are called to use your position to make a positive impact on your Order, other people, and the Church.” Fr. Odunaiya asked, “As member Brothers and Sisters of KSM and LSM, Isolo Sub-Council, what have we done for the Church in Isolo this year? What positive impact have you made to make the difference in your families this year?
As a member of this body what have you done for yourself this year that God will applaud?” The Retreat Master further encouraged the Knights and Ladies to represent the body well, as he also emphasised the importance of remembering their purpose and living out their values. In his words, “As Knights, you have been called to serve a higher purpose. Remember why you are Knights, and let that guide your actions and decisions.” The retreat provided a much-needed opportunity for the Knights and Ladies to step away from their busy lives and to focus on their spiritual growth and development.
The priest’s message served as a reminder that their role as Knights is not just about leadership or service, but about their relationship with God and their commitment to living out their faith while also making positive impact.. He urged the Knights to strive for excellence in their service to others, saying, “As Knights and Ladies, you are called to be beacons of hope, shining examples of Christian values and virtues.” The Advent Retreat, which was well-attended by members of the Knights and Ladies of the Sub-Council, provided an opportunity for reflection, prayer, and fellowship.
Also speaking the Grand Knight of the Sub-Council, Worthy Brother Chinedu Akpa said that Fr. Odunaiya’s message is a call to action, urging the members of St. Mulumba to recommit themselves to their values and mission. The Sub-Council maximised the opportunity of the Advent Retreat to admit two Worthy Brothers, Pius Odili and Kingsley Agu as well as their sisters, Worthy Agatha Odili and Amaka Agu to the 2nd Degree of the Order of St. Mulumba Nigeria.
