More than 500 Knights and Ladies of Saint John International (KSJI) have commenced month intensive training on Catholic Social Teaching aimed at enhancing civic responsibilities in the country.
The KSJI Grand Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, represented by Rev. Fr. Lawrence Emehel, said this while declaring the training open in Abuja.
Banjo described the training as a global event within the Catholic family.
According to him, the training themed: ”Catholic Social Teaching as a Framework for Ethical Leadership and Nation Building in Nigeria,” is organised by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in collaboration with Catholic Caritas Foundation Nigeria.
The training, he said, was also supported by the Abuja Grand Commandery and Laux Knights of John International.
He said the training was designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to promote peace and unity in the Church and the country.
He urged participants to use the knowledge gained to exert positive influence for a better society.
He noted that the programme would help members understand their role in nation building and contribute meaningfully to public life in line with Catholic values.
Also speaking, the Grand President of the Abuja Grand Commandery, KSJI, Brig.-Gen. Francis Njoku, said the training was geared toward equipping participants with the necessary rudiments to achieve the collective goals of Catholic Social Teaching for national development.
He noted that the initiative would enable members to translate faith into practical action that benefits both the Church and society at large.
”The essence of the training is to prepare us as knights to face the various challenges we go through in the society.
”The Catholic Social Teaching is about deepening and strengthening our faith.
”It is a platform for us to have better understanding what we are expected to do the role we are expected to play in the society,” he said.
The Abuja Grand Respected President, Noble Sister Amaka Umuokeke, expressed optimism that the workshop would enhance the contributions of KSJI members to the development of the Church and the wider society.
She said the training would deepen members’ understanding of social justice, human dignity and the common good, which are central to Catholic Social Teaching.
The Programme Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Augustine Okogbua, said the training was designed to bridge the gap between faith confession and service to humanity.
He explained that participants would be trained to live out their faith through active engagement in civic and social responsibilities.
Okogbua described the timing of the training as apt and timely, noting that the nation was preparing for the 2027 general elections.
He added that the programme would prepare Catholic faithful to promote ethical leadership and peaceful coexistence during the election period.
