As part of activities marking the 12th Biennial Supreme Subordinate Convention of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) and Ladies’ Auxiliary, Ghana, a solemn Memorial Mass was celebrated in honour of all deceased Brothers and Sisters of the Noble Order at the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Chaplaincy, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.
Very Rev. Fr. Col. Benjamin K. Opoku Ohene, the Supreme Subordinate Chaplain, delivered a touching homily centered on the convention theme: “Pilgrims of Hope, A Year of Discipleship: The Role of the Knights and Ladies of KSJI.”
In his homily, Fr. Ohene reminded members of the ultimate purpose of human life, to know, love, and serve God. Drawing inspiration from the theme, he described the Christian life as a personal journey of faith, saying, “We are pilgrims on a journey, and that journey is one by one.”
He emphasised that the essence of our earthly existence is to seek and know God, encouraging members to reflect deeply on their relationship with Him and with one another. “We are created to first of all know Him,” he said, adding that discipleship requires love, compassion, and service to others.
Quoting Scripture, he reminded the congregation that, “whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.”
Fr. Ohene urged all Knights and Ladies to use the convention as a time for spiritual renewal and recommitment to their Christian calling, praying that each participant would encounter God more intimately during the gathering.
He further reflected on the meaning of the Memorial Mass, noting that it is a sacred time to pray for the peaceful repose of departed Brothers and Sisters, asking God to welcome them into eternal joy, while also seeking His blessings for the living.
“We pray that God grants our fallen brothers and sisters a place in heaven where they can live happily with Him, and that He grants the living peace and a happy life,” he said.
Fr. Ohene reminded members that “as Pilgrims of Hope, our destination is heaven and not purgatory,” and that to attain this, we must strive to serve God joyfully and wholeheartedly in our daily lives.
By Celestine Edem Gbologah
