Rev. Fr. Matthew Maleek, the Parish Priest of St. John Paul II, Kubwa has urged Christians to remain steadfast in faith, unity, and service to God and humanity.
Fr. Maleek, made the call at a joint thanksgiving mass for Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary.
This was following the successful convention and election which ushered new leaders expected to pilot the activities of the order in Abuja Archdiocese.
Meanwhile, Brig.-Gen. Francis Njoku was elected as the Grand President, Abuja Grand Commandery, while Noble Sister Amaka Umeokeke emerged as the Grand Respected President, Abuja Ladies Auxiliary.
Fr. Maleek challenged members to reflect on their roles and embrace total commitment to defending their faith.
“Where do you belong in the Church? Each of us has a role requiring commitment,” Fr. Maleek said.
He stressed that Christians must contribute meaningfully to Church growth and societal development.
“Faith is not passive; it demands action, dedication, and visible commitment,” he said.
Fr. Maleek urged believers to act responsibly without waiting for directives, noting that God has assigned duties requiring accountability.
“We must not wait to be told what to do,” he added.
He described Christians as pillars of the Body of Christ, urging unity and stronger communal bonds.
“We must safeguard unity and build a stronger, faith-driven community,” he said.
Fr. Maleek also urged prayers for national development, stressing faith and action as tools for positive change.
“I challenge you to remain firm in prayer for the Church and nation,” he said.
He congratulated the new leadership and urged them to lead with humility, service, and commitment.
In a goodwill message, Maj.-Gen. Joachim Chuks Amamgbo commended the peaceful transition and urged sustained unity.
“Our leadership must continue to provide direction, discipline, and stability for the growth of the Order,” Amamgbo said.
Also, Lady Nonye Okafor praised members’ dedication and encouraged continued commitment to unity and service.
“Unity and sacrifice remain the foundation of our strength and progress,” Okafor said.
Brig.-Gen. Francis Njoku described the event as a moment of gratitude for God’s guidance and peaceful elections.
He said the Dec. 6, 2025 election reflected divine intervention and unity within the Order.
“When God leads, His people find peace. To Him be all the glory,” Njoku said.
Njoku pledged to reposition Abuja Commandery as a model of discipline, unity, and excellence.
“We are committed to spirituality, discipline, charity, and service as our guiding principles,” he said.
He urged members to uphold fraternity and commitment while sustaining legacies of past leaders.
“Let our lives preach louder than our words,” Njoku added.
Also speaking, Noble Sister Amaka Umeokeke described the event as a spiritual milestone of gratitude and renewal.
“We gather as grateful servants, acknowledging God’s faithfulness and committing to serve Him,” Umeokeke said.
She commended members’ sacrifices and urged continued dedication to charity, unity, and service.
“Our service is a sacred calling, not merely an organisational duty,” she added.
Rev. Fr. Gabriel Edache urged members to remain committed to spiritual growth and Church mission.
“Our calling demands faithful service and unwavering commitment to God’s work,” Edache said.
Sir Honore Hounkpatin congratulated the leadership and praised their dedication to unity and service.
“Your leadership inspires unity, humility, and progress across the Order,” Hounkpatin said.
