By Eseoghene Emuke
Pope Francis has awarded the prestigious Papal Knights and Dames of St Gregory and St Sylvester to 15 notable indigenes of Delta State for the contribution to the universal church and society.
One of those being honoured by the Holy Father are the former Chief Judge of Delta State, Mrs. Rosaline Bozimo.
Mrs Bozimo, a former Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), is the wife of former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo.
Also to be honoured is a former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Epiphany Azinge, and wife of Delta APC, Mrs. Carol Enuha.
Others awardees include Patrick Ikemefuna, Okechukwu Ofili, Benedict Chukwuma, John U T Okolo, Joseph Emuezie, Henrienta Odume, Henrienta Ajuebon, Caroline Sotunde Patience Elumeze, Justina Nwaobi, NES, Elizabeth Okwuadi and Suzanna Nwabude.
The Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku (Delta State), Nigeria, Rev Fr. Charles Uganwa, disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement in Asaba.
Uganwa said, “Some were also honoured with Papal Medals. These men and women have distinguished themselves in faith and morals and have contributed immensely to the growth of the Church and society.
“The Bishop of Issele-Uku diocese, Most Rev Michael Elue will on behalf of the Holy Father perform their investiture ceremony within a Eucharistic celebration which will take place at St Paul Cathedral, Issele-Uku on Saturday, June 18
“They have also selflessly helped in bringing positive development to Nigeria in all ramifications. The honour given to them is, therefore, a clarion call on them to further gird their loins in the defence of Christ in all ramifications at all times as his soldier.”
Catholic priest added that the ceremony, which will attract dignitaries from all walks of life, is expected to kick off at 10 am.
The Papal Knighthood is awarded Catholic faithful have been instrumental to the physical and spiritual development of their local Church thereby helping in no small measures in grassroots evangelisation in the diocese.
The Knights are expected to be fired with a fervent zeal of the Holy Spirit for the social apostolate, holding in high esteem professional competence, family and civic sense, virtues related to social behaviour, such as honesty, sense of justice, sincerity, courtesy and moral courage without which there can be no religious or social apostolate.
