The 30th District Commandery and District 4 Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Accra East Grand Commandery, Knights of St. John International and Ladies’ Auxiliary (KSJI), have held their maiden Feast Day celebration following the inauguration of the new District.
The celebration, held at St. Luke Catholic Church, Ashaiman, formed part of the Order’s annual observance of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. It brought together Knights, Ladies, Cadets, Junior Auxiliaries, and distinguished guests in thanksgiving and prayer.
Delivering the homily, the Dean of the Ashaiman Deanery and Spiritual Director of the 30th District Commandery and District 4 Ladies’ Auxiliary, Rev. Fr. Henry Duah, SVD, reminded members that true discipleship demands sacrifice and unwavering commitment to Christ.
He said following Jesus Christ is not an easy task, and that Christians must be prepared to take up their cross in faithful service, with the assurance of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Rev. Fr. Duah further urged members of the Order to love the Catholic Church above all else, emphasizing that their commitment to the Church should remain at the heart of their service as Knights and Ladies of St. John International.
In a goodwill message, the 30th District Commander, Major Eric De-Graft Mensah, described the occasion as a historic milestone. It was the first Feast Day celebration since the creation of the District Commandery and Ladies’ Auxiliary within the Accra East Grand Commandery.
He said the event signified “a new beginning and a divine responsibility” for members to strengthen the mission of the Order within the Ashaiman Deanery.
Major De-Graft Mensah called on members to build the new District on the pillars of Unity, Charity, and Faith, stressing that their strength lies in working together as one family. He also encouraged them to demonstrate Christ’s love by supporting the sick, the poor, and the vulnerable, while remaining steadfast in faith and service to the Church.
Addressing Cadets and Junior Auxiliaries, he urged them to take their education and spiritual formation seriously, describing them as both the present and future of the Noble Order. He further encouraged all members to live exemplary Christian lives, noting that people often judge the faith through the actions of believers.
As part of the Order’s charitable mandate, the 30th District Commandery and District 4 Ladies’ Auxiliary made a presentation to St. Luke Catholic Church. The donation was presented by the District President of District 4 Ladies’ Auxiliary, Sis. Regina Asamoah, on behalf of the Brothers and Sisters. The gesture reaffirmed the Order’s commitment to supporting the Church and serving the community.
The Grand President of the Accra East Grand Commandery, Brigadier General Samuel Baimbill-Johnson, joined other dignitaries and members for the celebration. He commended them for their dedication to the Church and the Order.
The 30th District Commandery comprises St. Augustine Commandery No. 630, St. Luke Commandery No. 930, St. John Bosco Commandery No. 987, and St. Michael Commandery No. 992, together with their respective Cadet Commanderies.
District 4 Ladies’ Auxiliary comprises St. Augustine Ladies’ Auxiliary No. 555, St. John Bosco Ladies’ Auxiliary No. 832, St. Michael Ladies’ Auxiliary No. 865, and St. Luke Ladies’ Auxiliary No. 870, as well as their respective Junior Auxiliaries.
The Feast Day celebration marked a significant milestone for the newly established District as members renewed their commitment to faith, unity, charity, and service in the footsteps of their patron, St. John the Baptist.
By Celestine Edem Gbologah (St. Augustine Ladies’ Auxiliary No. 555, Ashaiman)
