By Fr Constantine Echichechi Okoli
Catholic Knights of Nigeria, Awka Diocese, comprising Papal Knights, Knights of St. Mulumba, Knights of St. John International and Knights of St. Michael the Archangel, in a spirit of solidarity, and spurred by Christian charity, have donated N5 million to the Minor Seminary of the Diocese, St. Johnbosco Seminary, Isuaniocha.
This took place on Monday, 27 October, at the office of the Proprietor of the Seminary, Most Rev. Paulinus C. Ezeokafor, at the Catholic Diocesan Secretariat, Awka.
Speaking on behalf of all the members, the Grand Spiritual Director of the Knights of St. John International, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Evaristus Ifeanacho, said the donation was in fulfilment of the promise made by the Association during the celebration of the 2025 Awka Diocesan All Knights’ Day with the Bishop, held on 11th May, 2025.
‘The Association promised to assist the diocese in the renovation of the dilapidated structures at St. Johnbosco Seminary, that’s the reason we are here!’ Fr. Ifeanacho said.
While receiving the donation from the representatives of the Knights – Sir Vincent Otikpa (KSJI) Committee President; Lady Lizzy Enukora (KSJI/Papal Awardee); and Lady Nwando Obiano (KSM) Secretary – the Bishop expressed joy that the Knights thought about what he described as a noble task of assisting the Seminary which he further described as the heart of the Church.
According to the Bishop, what any Church would be, especially the Local Church, depends on the quality of her seminarians and priests. He thanked the Association for keying into the Church’s mission of ensuring integral formation of her seminarians, assuring them that with the calibre of formators at St. Johnbosco Seminary, Isuaniocha, under the stewardship of the Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Eduzor, the Seminary would continue, not just to be ordered, but also to produce ordered individuals.
‘I have visited the Seminary on many occasions and I know that the formators are committed to seeing that our Seminary comes out the best,’ Bishop Ezeokafor stated.
Also present at the event were two seminarians who came with their Rector to represent the Seminary. They thanked the Bishop for his fatherly care to the Seminary, recalling the many times he had provided beef and subsidies to them.
The Awka Diocesan All Knights’ Day Celebration for next year will be held on 10 May 2026.
