Flying News: Knight of St. John International (KSJI) Stands with the Pope

The Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary, KSJI, an Order within the Roman Catholic Church, has called on Priests and the lay faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara, in Imo State, to fully comply with the directive of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, regarding accepting Bishop Peter Okpaleke, the ordained Bishop for the diocese. Pope Francis This comes following the Supreme Subordinate Board (National) meeting of KSJI and their Ladies held, weekend, at KSJI Avenue, Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri. Speaking after the meeting, the Supreme Subordinate President, KSJI Nigeria, Major General Anselm Okafor who frowned at the situation in Ahiara Diocese said:  “We Knights of St. John International, condemn in its entirety the attitude of members of the lay faithful of Ahiara Diocese, which is bordering on intransigence and disrespect to the Pope.” Okafor further said, “we also express our disappointment with the priests who should know better. Make no mistake about it; the Catholic Church has a rich and enviable history, devoid of ethnic and pre-modal considerations and therefore, the appointment of a Bishop is at the behest of the Pope, and this is backed by Cannon Law 377.”

We should recall that following the refusal of some priests to accept Peter Ebere Okpaleke who was appointed the Bishop of Ahiara Diocese in Imo State by the then pontiff Benedict XVI , Pope Francis has said that all priests involved would be “ispo facto suspended” in a month if they do not obey.