The celebration which was also marked with a Public Lecture, was held at Our Lady of Apostles, Maryland, Lagos State on Saturday, July 29, 2023, with a lecture titled ‘Humility in the Life of Servant of God-Fr. Abraham Anselm Isidahome Ojefua and presented by Fr. Godwin Chinedu Obah.
Speaking on humility which was the theme of the lecture, Obah said “Humility is at the core of Fr. Ojefua's character. Despite his numerous achievements and accolades, he remains grounded and unaffected by his success. He never seeks recognition or personal gain, instead, he prioritizes the needs of others. This humility is reflected in his interactions with people from all walks of life. Fr. Ojefua treats everyone with the same level of respect and kindness, regardless of their position or status.
“As a servant leader, Fr. Ojefua selflessly dedicates himself to the service of others. He tirelessly devotes his time and energy to helping those in need, without any expectation of reward. Fr. Ojefua goes above and beyond to extend his assistance to individuals, families, and communities, making a meaningful and lasting impact on their lives. He understands that true leadership is about serving others and making a positive difference in their lives.
“Fr. Ojefua's humility and servanthood also extend to his spiritual journey. As a priest, he embraces his vocation with unwavering dedication and humility. He guides and supports his congregation, providing them with spiritual care and nourishment. Fr. Ojefua shows great compassion and empathy, offering solace and guidance to those who seek his counsel. He exemplifies the teachings of the faith he professes through his humble and selfless service.
“Within the wider community, Fr. Ojefua's humility and servanthood are evident in his involvement in social and developmental projects. He recognizes the importance of uplifting and empowering others, particularly the marginalized and less fortunate. Fr. Ojefua actively participates in initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty, improving education, and promoting healthcare. His genuine care for others is reflected in the positive impact he has made in the lives of many individuals and communities. Fr. Ojefua's humility and servanthood serve as a radiant example for all, reminding us of the power of selflessness and compassion. His unwavering dedication to the service of others, coupled with his humility, demonstrates the true essence of leadership. Fr. Ojefua's actions inspire and encourage others to follow in his footsteps, making the world a better place one act of kindness at a time,” he stated.
Father Obah described the late Fr. Abraham Anselm Isidahome Ojefua as a Catholic priest who was well-known for his service and contributions in various fields. Born and raised in Nigeria, Fr. Ojefua dedicated his life to the service of others, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and community development, adding that Fr. Ojefua was deeply committed to improving education in Nigeria and played a significant role in establishing and expanding educational institutions. He worked diligently to enhance access to quality education for students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. By prioritizing education, Fr. Ojefua strived to empower individuals and communities to overcome social and economic challenges.
Fr. Obah also stated that Fr. Ojefua was also actively involved in healthcare initiatives, recognizing the need for accessible medical services in underserved areas. He worked closely with healthcare professionals and organizations to provide medical facilities, resources, and support to those in need. Through his efforts, Fr. Ojefua helped improve healthcare outcomes and living conditions for many. He said “Beyond education and healthcare, Fr. Ojefua has also engaged in community development projects. He has been instrumental in advocating for the rights and welfare of marginalized communities, promoting social justice, and fostering sustainable development. His initiatives have focused on empowering individuals and communities, enabling them to thrive and reach their full potential.
In conclusion he stated that Humility forms the bedrock of a Servant of God's life, shaping their character, relationships, and spiritual growth. Through humility, these individuals place their faith in God above all else and recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. They embody compassion, empathy, and a genuine desire to serve, helping to create a more just, caring, and harmonious world. By following the teachings and examples set by Servants of God, we can all strive to cultivate humility in our own lives, thus deepening our connection with the divine and enriching our interactions with others.
According to Worthy Brother Simon Ogbe-Ogboyi, Grand Knight, Maryland Sub-Council, the order of Christian Knight is an old institution in the Catholic-world, it has always been an organisation of good and brave men, but it became very glorious and famous in the middle ages, when Christian Knights organized a series of crusades against the enemies of Christianity.
With little modifications, the order of Catholic knight has continued till modern times and now flourishes in many countries. Thus, we have the Order of Knight of Martha in continental Europe, the Knight of Columbus in America, the Knight of St. Columbanus in Ireland, the Knight of St. Columba in England, the Knight of Southern Cross in Australia, the Knight of St. Thomas in India, the knight of Dagama in South Africa, the knight of Marshal in Ghana, the knight of St. Peter Claver in America, and in Nigeria, the Knight of St Mulumba.
Speaking further he said the aims of the organisation is to bring Catholics together and organize them to participate in Catholic action and assist in all matters concerning the progress of the Catholic Church. The order promotes the moral, intellectual and material welfare of its members and of the whole Catholic community. It also seek the welfare of the whole country and of all men.
Answering to the question whether Catholic Knight is a secret society, he said “Our other is not a secret society because in secret society, as condemned by the church, is that which plots against the church or the legitimate civil authority, or which assumes a religious character or cult, or which adopts a profane imitation of religious rites. Since a Catholic must not take part in plotting against his church or the lawful civil authority and since he must not participate in any religious worship or cult that is not catholic, he cannot belong to any such secret society.
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