KNIGHTHOOD ORDER OF ST PAUL .KSP. NIGERIA – KNIGHTHOOD ORDER OF ST PAUL

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

OUR PATRON SAINT PAUL

LIFE OF ST PAUL
St. Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a Jewish Pharisee who experienced a transformative encounter with the resurrected Jesus, leading him to become a central figure in the early Christian church. He embarked on extensive missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, spreading the gospel and establishing churches. Paul’s prolific writings, including the Pauline epistles, continue to shape Christian theology and practice.

Early Life and Conversion:
• Born into a Jewish family in Tarsus (modern-day Turkey), Paul was a citizen of Rome and received a rigorous education in Jewish law.
• He studied under Gamaliel in Jerusalem and was a member of the Pharisaic party.
• Before his conversion, he was involved in persecuting early followers of Jesus.
• His conversion experience, described in Acts of the Apostles, involved a dramatic encounter with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus where he was blinded by a bright light and later transformed to a follower of JESUS CHRIST.
Missionary Journeys:
• Paul embarked on several missionary journeys, traveling throughout the Roman Empire, including present-day Turkey, Greece, and parts of Europe.
• He established numerous churches and nurtured existing ones.
• His journeys were often perilous, marked by imprisonments, persecution, and even a shipwreck.
Writings and Theology:
• Paul wrote thirteen books of the New Testament, collectively known as the Pauline epistles.
• These letters address various theological issues, provide pastoral guidance, and offer instructions for Christian living.
• His theological contributions, including the concepts of justification by faith, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the coming Kingdom of God, have been influential in shaping Christian thought.
Death and Legacy:
• According to tradition, Paul was beheaded in Rome under Emperor Nero in the mid-60s CE.
• He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Christianity, after Jesus, for his role in spreading the gospel and his theological contributions.
• He is honored as a saint by various Christian denominations and is the patron saint of missionaries, evangelists, writers and our very own KNIGHTHOOD ORDER OF ST PAUL KSP.

OUR FOUNDER HIS GRACE, MOST REV DR PATRICK EBOSELE EKPU (OFR), LATE ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS OF BENIN CITY

A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF OUR LATE FOUNDER
On 26th October 1931, a baby boy named Omoareghan was born at Uzenema-Arue in Uromi to the family of Mr. and Mrs. John Ekpu Ugboke of Onuwarzi-uromi, Edo Central, Edo State.
Mr. John Ekpu Ugboke who was a skilled carpenter trained by European craftmen was also known for his use of Zinc roofing sheet while his wife was an industrious woman who travelled to purchase clay pots for wholesale. Nevertheless, life was challenging for Mr./Mrs. John Ekpu most especially after the birth of their first daughter, they tragically lost three children consecutively. However, with the birth of Omoareghan, things changed. Hence, his native name Ebosele meaning, “the oracle has worked” in Esan, Edo State, signified this miraculous change.
In 1939, he began his education at Government school-now Eguare primary school. He also enrolled at Holy Cross Primary School, located at the present-day Holy Cross Cathedral on mission Rd Benin City. He was later transferred to St. Thomas Catholic School-now Ezotic Nursery and Primary School.
The young Ebosele took the name Patrick on June 12, 1942 which was Pentecost Tuesday. He was Baptized at Holy Cross Cathedral in 1946 June 12 by Fr. Thomas Barthlayand sponsor by Edward Harlim. Patrick Ebosele was conformed by Archbishop Leo A. Taylor at St Mary Pro- cathedral, Oke Padi Ibadan in 1951.
The young Patrick Ebosele Ekpu started his major seminary training in September 1955 at the completion of his minor seminary training in June 1955.
He was ordined to the Catholic priesthood by late diocesan Bishop most Rev. Dr Patrick Joseph Kelly on July 7, 1963 at St Anthony’s Catholic Church, Uromi Edo State. He was installed the substantive diocesan bishop of Benin City on July 5, 1973 at Holy Cross Cathedral, mission Rd Benin City. He was the first indigenous Bishop of Benin City and also the first Archbishop. He retired at the age of 75 years on November 21, 2006

The spiritual and physical achievement of Archbishop Patrick Ekpu are too numerous to mention:

1. He initiated the prison apostolate-bring hope to incarcerated
2. He offer scholarship to indigent children, empowering future renovation
3. He established home for the Elderly, providing refuge and dignity
4. He founded the sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
5. He established the first priest’s retirement home in Nigeria
6. He dedicated numerous alters across the Archdioceses-Benin, Uromi and Auchi hence dioceses of Uromi and Auchi was born.
7. He established over 80 parishes and mass centre.
8. He established Knighthood Order of St Paul in 1991.
9. The establishment of “DESIGN”, the acronym for “Distinguished Ecclesial Donor in a Growing Nation” from which programme and project the church a raised funds for the development of various infrastructure in the Diocese
10. He has ordained over ninety (90) person to the Priesthood in the Archdiocese.

During his life time, his life journey was marked by:
78 years as a baptized Catholic, 61 years as a devoted priest, 53 years as a respected Archbishop emeritus.
He was transformed unto eternal glory on the feast of the Transfiguration on August 6, 2024. Rest in peace our adorable father founder of the noble Knighthood order of St Paul.
God will certainly welcome and offer our late Archbishop emeritus a place among His saints.

FRANK NKEM IRABOR Fnimn

KSP FORMATORS: LATE VERY REV FR T.E.UWAIFO AND REV SIS CECILIA DIMAKU

FORMATORS/CHAPLAINS
At its inception, the Order had the privilege of the appointment of Rev. Fr. Theophilus Ewaen Uwaifo, of blessed memory, who was Chaplain and Formator for more than a decade. Rev: Sr. Cecilia Dimaku, SSH, nurtured the first set of female members while Rev. Fr. Ambrose Alumasuya composed the Order’s anthem, from Rom. 28-30.
The Order also had Rev. Fr. Victor Darlington, Rev. Fr. James Chima and Rev. Fr. Patrick Osagie, lev. Fr. Christopher Okechukwu as Grand Council Chaplains and Rev. Fr. Kingsley Aniakor. Very Rev. Fr. Cletus Omojie Is the incumbent National Council Chaplain.
The three councils in the Metropolitan See of Benin City Archdiocese namely Akugbe, Oredo and Uselu Councils have Rev. Fr. Raphael Ifejioku, Rev. Fr. John E. Ograh and Rev. Fr. Charles Obiora as Chaplains, respectively.
Following the erection of new dioceses, Auchi, Issele-Uku, Uromi and Warri Councils now have Rev. Fr. Ignatus Omunagbe, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Nwutu, Rev. Fr. Francis Okahe and Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Ekabo [JP] as Chaplains, respectively. The present apex council of theOrder is the Benin City Grand Council to which all councils report.
The Knighthood Order has the benefit of the invaluable services of committed members as leaders – Late Dr. Peter C. Of iii was appointed Chairman by our Founder at the inauguration of the Order in June 1991 and served till November of the same year. Prof. Gabriel Osuide was elected president on 19th November, 1991 and served till May, 1994. Mr. Anthony Aghedo was elected Acting President in June 1994 and served till October 1995. Mr. Donald S. Egbagbe served as Grand Knight for two tenures from 17th October 1995 to September 2002. Mr. Peter Nwabuo led the Order as Grand Knight for two tenures from 28th September, 2002 to September,2008, while Mr. Samuel Enebe piloted the affairs of the Order as Grand Knight from 18th October, 2008 to 17th September, 2011.
Dr. Rufus Ikharebhore [JP] was elected Grand Knight and served two tenures from November 2011 to September, 2017. The present Grand Knight, Barr. Austin Odigie was elected on 23rd September, 2017.
After the amendment of the constitution, the highest level of authority in the order became the National council with the introduction of the Board of Trustee (BOT). Hence the present Grand councils metamorphosis to National Council while the existing Councils became Grand Councils. Zones became Coucils.
Mr. Peter Nwabuo was elected the first National Knight on 20th November

NATIONAL COUNCIL CHAPLAIN: VERY REV FR CLETUS OMIJIE

Very Rev Fr Cletus Omijie serves as the National Council Chaplain of the Knighthood Order of St Paul. With a deep commitment to his faith and a passion for service, Fr. Cletus has dedicated his life to guiding the members of this honored order. His leadership and spiritual guidance are instrumental in fostering a sense of community and purpose among the Knights.

With years of experience in pastoral care, Fr. Cletus brings a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to his role. Through his teachings and outreach, he has impacted countless lives, inspiring members to uphold the values of the Order while serving the Catholic Church and their communities.

In his tenure as National Council Chaplain, Very Rev Fr Cletus Omijie has continually exemplified the spirit of service that is foundational to the Knighthood Order of St Paul, encouraging growth, unity, and a deepened faith among all its members.

NATIONAL KNIGHT: SIR PETER NWABUO

Sir Peter Nwabuo is a distinguished handsome head of the Knighthood Order of St Paul, recognized for his unwavering dedication and exemplary service to the Catholic Church and the community, he is also known for his vast knowledge of the scriptures and magnificent ability to quote the relevant bible verses to suit any teachings and situation. His journey as a knight reflects a profound commitment to the values of faith, charity, and service.

Throughout his life, Sir Peter has played a pivotal role in various charitable initiatives, embodying the spirit of generosity and compassion. With a life dedicated to service and excellence, he has become a beacon of inspiration to all of us. His unwavering faith and resolute spirit echo our mission to restore all things in Christ. Sir Peter is known not only for his leadership skills and his gentle demeanors.

Sir Peter Nwabuo’s strategic vision and commitment to the mission of the Knighthood has inspired others to follow in his footsteps. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering a sense of unity and purpose among the members.

As a National Knight, Sir Peter continues to uphold the legacy of St Paul, demonstrating that true knighthood is not merely a title, but a lifelong commitment to serving God and humanity making him a respected figure and a role model for all knights.

1st DEPUTY NATIONAL KNIGHT: KNIGHTED LADY LYNNETE IKHAREBHORE

Knighted Lady Lynnete Ikharebhore is our 1st Deputy National Knight. Her dedication to the values of the order and her commitment to serving the community have distinguished her as a leader and role model.

Throughout her journey, Lady Lynnete has exemplified the virtues of courage, humility, and devotion, making significant contributions in various initiatives aimed at supporting the less fortunate. Her knighthood not only reflects her personal achievements but also inspires others to pursue a path of service and excellence.

Knighted Lady Lynnete is poised to continue her mission of fostering unity and charity among members of the order and the broader community.

2nd DEPUTY NATIONAL KNIGHT: SIR BRUNO SOBOTIE

Sir Bruno Sobitie serves as the esteemed 2nd Deputy National Knight of the Knighthood Order of St Paul. With a commitment to the values of our order, he exemplifies leadership and service within the Catholic Church. He is very humble and hard working. His dedication to helping others and promoting the virtues of faith, charity, and brotherhood are hallmarks of his role. Sir Bruno is not just a figure of authority but a mentor and supporter of fellow knights, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among members. His contributions are invaluable in guiding our mission and encouraging the development of all knights under his mentorship.

Through his actions and unwavering faith, Sir Bruno Sobitie continues to inspire those around him, ensuring that the principles of the Knighthood Order of St Paul are upheld and cherished within our community.