John-Ralph AYODELE

 

History was made in Ekiti Diocese on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 as the Members of the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria, (APKMN), Ekiti Diocesan Chapter, held her Inaugural Retreat with the Theme: “Making Papal Knighthood Relevant and Impactful in Ekiti Diocese.”

 

The Retreat, held at Pope John Paul II Pastoral Centre, Ado-Ekiti featured Holy Mass, Spiritual reflections, Keynote Address, Goodwill Messages, Dialogue and Election of the Pioneer Officers of the Association in Ekiti Diocese.

 

The Chief Shepherd of the Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye, at the Inaugural Mass, commended the effort of the members of the Association for their coordination and organisation. He encouraged them not to be poisonous to the society but to be shining examples for others to emulate.

 

Bishop Ajakaye, who announced the appointment of Rev. Fr. Benedict Bimbo Joseph as the Pioneer Chaplain for the Association in Ekiti Diocese, reiterated that Priests, Religious and the Laity are all stakeholders in the Diocese. He unveiled his plans to name structures after individuals in the Diocese, both living and the Dead.

 

Citing the philosophy of “If it is not yours, do not take it; if it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it; and if you do not know, be quiet.” the Bishop encouraged the Papal Knights and Medalists to be contented, humble and Committed.

 

Similarly, the Retreat Director, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Femi Adetola, in his homily at the Inaugural Mass, reminded the Papal Knights and Medalists that they all have contributions and roles to play in their environment.

 

Pointing to the fact that the seeds that fell on the rocky soil, among thorns, on the path way and the on the good soil were all the same but with different environments, Fr. Lawrence Adetola encouraged the Papal Knights and Medalists to make positive impact and create an environment that facilitate growth and development in their various Parishes and in Ekiti Diocese.

 

In his Spiritual reflection on the Theme of the Retreat, Fr. Adetola maintained that Papal Knights and Medallists are honours bestowed by the Pope, on Lay Men and Women for their outstanding services to the Church and the Society. Hence, it is not just for decorations but a call to exemplary Christian Service and Public witness.

Considering the fact that Papal Knighthood were created for the purpose of upholding the dignity of the Church, defending the faith and supporting the Mission of Christ who is the head of the Church; Fr. Adetola encouraged the Papal Knights and Medallists to centre their activities on the Mission of the Church so as to make the Papal Knighthood relevant and Impactful.

 

 

Stressing the fact that the Missions of the Church are to attend to Spiritual, Moral, Social and psychological needs of the people, Fr. Lawrence Adetola encouraged the Papal Knights and Medallists to centre their activities on Mission ad extra and Mission ad intra of the Church, by proclaiming the Gospel, sharing the love of Christ, strengthening the Catholic faith, catechesis, fostering unity, ensuring the well-being of others, participate actively during liturgical celebrations, attend to pastoral care, and promoting spiritual growth within the Catholic community and the larger society. “These, will make Papal Knighthood relevant and Impactful in your respective Parishes and in Ekiti Diocese” Fr. Lawrence Adetola added.

 

In his keynote address, Right Honourable Chevalier Babatunde Aina, KSG, congratulated the members of the Association of Papal Knights and Medallists in Nigeria in Ekiti Diocese for being part of less than 1,000 Papal Awardees out of over 40 Million Catholics in Nigeria.

 

He spoke on the Order of Knighthood, Medalists and Dames of St. Gregory the Great which was established by Pope Gregory XVI in the year 1831, Order of Knighthood, Medallists and Dames of St. Sylvester (Pope) which was Created by Pope Gregory XVI in the year 1841, The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre which is an Order of Knighthood under the protection of the Holy See, Bene Merenti Medals as well as Pro Eklesia et Pontifice which was Instituted by Pope Leo XIII in the year 1888.

 

The keynote Speaker stressed that the honours bestowed on them by the Holy Father is not an entitlement, but, a rare privilege; hence the need for them to be loyal to the Pope, their Bishop and Priests. He spoke on the titles for the Knights, Dames and Medallists which are the Grand Knight Cross, followed by the Grand Commander who shall be addressed as the Right Honourable Commander, A Papal Knight to be addressed as the Right Honourable Chevalier, A Dame shall have Right Honourable Dame as her title, while a Papal Medallist shall have Honourable as his/her title.

The Retreat was brought to a close with an election and the affirmation of the elected officers and the Members of the Board of Trustee for the Association in Ekiti Diocese. The Members of the Board of Trustees are: Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye, Chairman; Rev. Fr. Benedict Bimbo Joseph, Chaplain; RHC. Julius Adeluyi, President; RHC. Lawrence Egunjobi, Member and RHD Felicia Anjorin, Member.

 

The elected, affirmed and inaugurated Officers for the Association in Ekiti Diocese are: RHC. Julius Adeluyi, President; RHC Francis A. Olajide, Vice President I; RHC Emmanuel O. Onijigin, Vice President II; RHC Michael O. Oguntoyinbo, General Secretary; RHC Pius Adeojo, Assistant General Secretary.

 

Others are RHD Olufunke Falodun, Financial Secretary; Hon. Rachael Babalola, Treasurer; RHC Charles Oyelami, Publicity Secretary; RHC Paul Olowoyo, Provost; RHC Francis Adu, Ex Officio I; Hon. Florence A. Omodara, Ex Officio II; Hon. Grace Iyabo Dada, Welfare Officer; Hon. Gabriel Ayeni, Auditor and RHC Babatunde Aina, Legal Adviser.