Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke in a group photograph with national officers of APKMN
The Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, has urged members of the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria (APKMN) to deepen their lives of holiness by prioritizing the good of others through selfless service.
Archbishop Okeke made the call during a Holy Mass to mark the 17th APKMN National Conference, held over the weekend at the Madonna Renewal Centre, Nkpor, Onitsha, Anambra State. This year’s conference was themed “Hope, Faith, and Charity in Contemporary Society.”
In his homily, the Archbishop exhorted members to develop the spiritual sensitivity needed to recognize and appreciate the good in others rather than becoming preoccupied with their own achievements.
According to him,Christians must consistently cultivate a mindset focused on the welfare of their neighbours and on inspiring hope in society.
“When we think of the good of others, they too will think good of us. Goodness begets goodness; selfishness attracts selfishness. Always try to make others happy.”
Declaring the conference open with the topic “Faith, Hope, and Charity as Virtues,” Archbishop Okeke described virtue as fundamental to human existence.
He explained that the theological virtues faith, hope, and charity are supernatural gifts from God that perfect the human person and elevate society.
“When people are taught virtue, the entire world becomes a better place. Faith, hope, and charity perfect the human system and lead to authentic transformation,” he stated.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the opening ceremony, Archbishop Okeke stressed that no society can progress without sacrifice, noting that personal convenience must never outweigh the common good.
“A mother must sacrifice to nurture her child into adulthood. Without sacrifice, societies retrogress rather than progress. Even with intelligence, if one does not believe in God or is unwilling to make sacrifices for others and for the common good, one cannot contribute meaningfully to societal growth,” he added.
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, who served as guest speaker, insisted that belonging to secret societies is incompatible with Christian faith. He emphasized that Christianity is rooted in truth, transparency, and the light of the Gospel—values that cannot coexist with secrecy or occult practices.
According to him, when faith and love flourish within families, their influence naturally radiates outward into society. He explained that genuine love, deeply rooted in faith, illuminates human relationships and strengthens social harmony.
Bishop Ezeokafor warned:“If you remove faith in God, mutual trust in society is weakened, and our collective stability becomes threatened.”
Speaking on the dignity of Papal Knighthood, he reminded members that nobility carries responsibility.“Papal Knighthood is not an empty title. It is a noble order based on merit. To whom much is given, much is expected. As Papal Knights and Medalists, remain focused on charitable works for the betterment of Nigerian society,” he added.
Addressing journalists, the National President of APKMN, RHC Steve Adehi, SAN, said the conference was organized to rekindle the faith and hope of Christians, especially in the face of the country’s current challenges. He noted that since this is the Year of Hope, Christians must be encouraged not to lose confidence in God or in Nigeria’s future.
Adehi urged the government to address the widening gap between official claims of improvement and the daily realities experienced by ordinary Nigerians.
“Our conference seeks to remind Christians that hope is not lost. We must believe that Nigeria can be great again it has been great before.”
The President of the Onitsha Province of APKMN, RHC Peter Anazodo, described the conference as a platform for deep spiritual and moral renewal among members, aimed at strengthening their commitment to God and humanity.
Similarly, Prof. Augustine Nnonyelu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and a member of the Papal Knights, described the gathering as “a form of total evangelization for positive change.”
He explained that the vision is to spread the work of faith, hope, and charity across the entire nation, noting that the next conference will take place in Owerri, before moving to the North and West.
“The theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity lie at the heart of Catholicism. Virtue is our key takeaway from this conference; it is central to everything we practice in the Catholic Church,” he said.
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