The Awgu Diocesan Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria has elected Rt. Hon. Chevalier Ben Eche as its President and Rt. Hon. Chevalier Uchenna Cyril Anioke as its Publicity Secretary.
The election, held at the Buckley Hall, Bishop’s Court Awgu and also conducted by the Vicar General of the Diocese, Rev. Fr Jacob Okoye, witnessed a significant turnout of Papal awardees.
Papal orders of knighthood, also known as Pontifical orders, are honors bestowed by the Pope, recognizing individuals for their contributions to the Catholic Church. These orders are granted under the Pope’s authority as head of the Holy See and sovereign of Vatican City.
Significantly, awards of the Order of Saint Gregory and the Order of Saint Sylvester are generally made on the recommendations of diocesan bishops with the support of the apostolic nuncio, and final approval of the Holy See.
It is noteworthy that on September 29, 2023, the Catholic Bishop of Awgu Diocese, Most Rev. John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye, on behalf of Pope Francis, conferred knighthood and medals on distinguished sons and daughters of the diocese.
In his acceptance speech, RHC Ben Eche expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by his fellow Papal awardees.
He described the honor as a call to greater service, pledging to work diligently with the executive team to strengthen the faith and spiritual growth of members and the larger Christian community.
Similarly, the Publicity Secretary, Rt. Hon. Chevalier Uchenna Cyril Anioke, urged members to be proactive in fulfilling their responsibilities.
He promised to ensure that the association’s activities are widely publicized, aiming to uphold the principles and doctrines of the Catholic Church.
Earlier, the Vicar General of the Diocese, Rev. Fr Jacob Okoye, who was also the returning officer for the elections, congratulated the awardees for the honor bestowed on them, emphasizing that they survived more than three years of discrete scrutiny and investigation, before papal approval of the awards.
Fr Jacob however, advised the awardees to be worthy ambassadors of the Diocese and the church both in their private and public conducts.
Other elected awardess include;, Vice president, RH Dame Roseline Chukwuonwe, Secretary, RHC Innocent Aniobi, Assistant Secretary Rev Sr.Ebubechukwu Chifomma, Treasurer, RH Dame Anastasia Nzeka, Financial secretary, RH Dame Justina Ikpenwa, Ex officio members: RHC Mathew Ude and RH Igwe Benedict Eze.
The new leadership has vowed to advance the mission of the association in promoting the faith and service within the diocese, and the body of Christ in general.