The Knights of St. John International (KSJI) of St. Anne Commandery No. 795 at Teshie in Accra, has initiated 31 new Cadet members.
The initiation, the largest number since 2013, happened ahead of the 10th Anniversary celebrations of the organization, which comes off later in July 2023 on the theme: “St. Anne KSJI @10Â Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Building the Future.”
Rev. Father Edward Agbeobila, the Battalion One Chaplain of the 1st Regiment of the 15th District Commandery KSJI, addressing the new members at the ceremony at Teshie on Sunday, 4th June, 2023 urged the youth to manage their time and engage in productive activities.
He said young people must seize every opportunity to learn and develop their skills, as that would bring valuable returns and help advance their lives and careers in the future.
While encouraging the new members to treat each other with respect, he said honesty and discipline should be the watchwords, just as the organisation instructs.
“There are many things to learn as a cadet. Make sure you are always learning from one another, adding value to the organisation, and making good use of your time,” he said.
Lt. Robert Dela Mawuenyegah, the President of St. Anne Commandery # 795 Teshie, said the objectives of the Cadet Commandery are to form and organise Catholic boys, place them under competent leaders, and train them morally and physically to become “better gentlemen and more loyal Catholics.”
In addition to inculcating the love for God and country, he said the activities of Cadets were to shield young boys from “the evil influences that presently surround them.”
“The cadet movement is to help boys become strong and well-developed. It strives to imbue in their lives love and understanding and teach them the value of war games, clean sports and fair play,” he said.
He said the inductees had assumed “a serious obligation” and were, therefore, expected to perform all duties required of them by the c
church.
“I trust you will always hold sacred the pledge that you have made that you will strive to practice each day the virtues of the Knights of Saint John International,” he added.
Mr. Gordon Tamboro, the Accra East Grand Commandery Cadet Organiser, leading the swearing-in of the new Cadet Officers, described the initiation as significant and advised the young ones to sustain and help grow the organisation in the years ahead.
He admonished the leadership to lead exemplary lives, innovative and offer creative approaches to solving problems of the peers.
Mr. Prince Otabil, Cadet Organiser of the Commandery expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for the support received over the years and urged the new members to abide by the tenets of the Cadet.
Also present at the ceremony was Capt. Harry Mensah, the 5th District Cadet Coordinator of the Accra East Grand Commandery.
