In a joyful celebration steeped in faith and tradition, the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM), Ajao Sub-Council, marked multiple celebrations with a grand ceremony on Sunday, June 1, 2025. The event, held at the Catholic Church of the Ascension, International Airport, Lagos, coincided with the feast day of the Order’s patron saint, St. Mathias Kalemba de Mulumba. The celebration was a fourfold thanksgiving: The feast of KSM Patron Saint, Mathias Kalemba de Mulumba, honouring their oneyear anniversary as a Sub-Council, the reception of a new brother and sister into the Order, and the elevation of several members to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th degrees of knighthood, within the year.
The Thanksgiving Mass was officiated by Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Ogah, representing the Sub-Council Chaplain and Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Jerome Omoregie. Members of the Sub-Council, dressed in full regalia, processed into the Church in solemn dignity as the congregation joined them in thanksgiving to God for a successful year of service. In his message, Rev. Fr. Ogah commended the Order for its continued service to the Church, making specific reference to a recent initiative by the Sub-Council that led to the industrial cleaning of the Church of the Ascension. The effort, which left the parish sanctuary refreshed and immaculate was described as a “practical demonstration of stewardship.”
Addressing the congregation, Sir Lawrence Ojemen, Worthy Grand Knight of Ajao Sub-Council, expressed profound gratitude to the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Jerome Omoregie, who also serves as their Chaplain, for his unwavering support. He highlighted the enduring relevance of the Knights of St. Mulumba and shared the story of their patron saint, emphasising his courage, steadfastness in faith, and martyrdom. Sir Ojemen took time to correct misconceptions about the Order, stating unequivocally that knighthood in the Catholic Church is not a cult. “The Knights of St. Mulumba was founded in 1953 by Rev. Fr. Anselm Abraham Ojefua and began with twenty-three members, of which three were priests-two of whom later became bishops.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has consistently endorsed our activities, underscoring our authenticity as a Church-established body committed to defending the faith,” he said. Following the Mass, members and guests gathered at the Pope John Paul II Hall for a lively reception. Dignitaries in attendance included Rev. Fr. Patrick Okoye, OP, Parish Priest of St. Jude Catholic Church, Mafoluku; Sir Fidel Ononuju, Worthy President of the Knights of St. John International, Commandry 838; and numerous other clergy and lay faithful. A major highlight of the event was the presentation of Metro Awards.
Worthy Brother Emma Dumuje was honoured with the Metro Council Gold Medal for his outstanding support to the recently concluded Anthony Cardinal Okojie Foundation (ACOF) Lecture. The Ajao Sub-Council also received an award in recognition of its meritorious support to the same initiative. The Youths of St. Mulumba (YSM) were not left out, as eight new members joined the youth wing of the Order during the KSM calendar year, signaling growth and continuity within the organisation. The celebration concluded with joyful dancing and fellowship as members, clergy, and guests reflected on the journey of the past year and looked forward with renewed commitment to faith and service.
