The Parish Priest of Catholic Church of the Presentation, Abule Egba, Lagos, the Very Rev. Father Gasper Olanrewaju, has described the Order of Knights and Ladies as an indispensable arm of the Catholic Church.

He made the assertion during the investiture of Sir Benedict Okhumale and Lady Theodora Okhumale, who were new members of The Knight of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary (Lagos Grand Commandery), Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos respectively.

Held in the Church premises at Abule-Egba, Lagos, the event was presided by Olanrewaju and witnessed by cream of Knights and Ladies of the Order, including the first trustee, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Sir Simon Ochi, who represented the Lagos Grand President, Brig. General PaulinusNwankwo, while the District 16 President, Lady Ifeoma Ezeugwu, represented the Lagos Grand President, Noble Sister Okenyi Sidney-Moka.

Also at the event was a foremost medical practitioner and the Pioneer Past District Governor, Rotary International, District 9111, Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi and his wife, Rev. Sola.

Olanrewaju said: “Knights are not secret society as erroneously assumed by some people. Their existence in the Church predates the invasion of Moslems with the intent of taking over the Church. The Knights withstood the invaders on the order of the Pope that the Church should be defended, hence, they carry swords, today, which of course only stand as the symbol of their defense, but they no longer fight physical battle, rather have resorted to rendering supportive services to the Church.”

The cleric lamented the failure of government to protect the Church, saying it istheir responsibility to protect the Church from terrorists as the Church no longer carry arms. He called ongovernment to do more in the area of security to stop terrorist from maiming and killing vulnerable people.

Sir Okhumale disclosed that his admission into Knighthood is an opportunity for him to serve humanity with his treasure, talent and time, adding that the Knight of St John is the oldest Knight in the Catholic Church and he is proud to bea member.