The Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale, Most Philip Naameh, has urged members of the Noble Order of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall to speak out against the growing economic inequality and social injustice in our world and to work towards a more just and equitable society.
He called on them also to be bold in their advocacy, unafraid to challenge the status quo and to demand change where it is needed.
The Archbishop made the call in a Keynote Address read on his behalf by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese who also doubles as the Parish Priest of Holy Cross Parish in Tamale, Very Rev. Fr. Jonathan Kuuyonongme, at the opening ceremony of the first Tamale East Regional Conference and seventh Tamale Regional Court Conference of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall at the Centre for Pastoral Formation in Tamale, recently.
Themed: Towards a Century of Marshallan service to the Church, community and country: the role of the Local/Regional Council and Court, the three-day Conference brought together about 180 Brothers from Councils 27 Tamale, 146 Saboba, 153 Tamale and Sisters from Courts 12 Tamale, 149 Tamale and 173 Lamashegu.
He stressed that “one of the current challenges is the growing economic inequality and social injustice in our world. As Knights and Ladies of Marshall, you have a responsibility to speak out against these injustices and to work towards a more just and equitable society. This requires you to be bold in your advocacy, unafraid to challenge the status quo and to demand change where it is needed”, the Archbishop urged.
He also spoke about the need to recognise the challenges of the growing secularism in our society, saying, “As the world becomes increasingly secular, it is more important than ever that we remain committed to our faith and to the teachings of Christ”. In this regard, he entreated Local/Regional Councils and Court to be at the forefront of this effort, and to provide a strong spiritual and spiritual foundation for members to ensure that its mission remains rooted in the gospel.
He urged Local/Regional Councils and Courts to continue to prioritise the spiritual formation of their members to ensure that they remain rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The Archbishop commended the Noble Order for its legacy of service to Mother Church and society through its advocacy roles and contributions to national discourse on issues such as morality, justice and social development since its inception in 1926. As they journey towards their centenary, he advised Marshallans to tread in the footsteps of their founding Fathers and to build a future that honours them.
He further called on Marshallans to be steadfast in their mission, unwavering in their faith and relentless in their pursuit of justice and charity. “Together, let us work towards a century of service that will leave an indelible mark on the Church, your communities, and our country”, he added.
The Supreme Knight and the Grand Lady in a message to participants which was read by the Grand Lady Most Respected Lady Sis. Patricia Dunenye, called on Regional Councils and Courts aided by their Adult Councils and Courts, to announce and replicate the medical outreach which was unveiled during the launch of the centenary celebration in 2023 in their localities and in addition to organising major charity outreaches, excursions, pilgrimages, public symposia on relevant topics related to the mission, vision, values and the future direction of the Noble Order, among others.
Representatives of the Knights of St. John International and their Ladies Auxiliary, Council of Catholic Women, Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Tamale Archdiocesan Laity Council, delivered goodwill messages during the ceremony.
The Supreme Council was represented at the Conference by Sir Knight Bro. Amatus Saanikuu and Worthy Bro. Emmanuel Ofori-Dankwa, the Supreme Business and Paraphernalia Officer, while the Grand Lady, the Deputy Grand Lady Respected Lady (RL) Sis. Irene Smith Ansah and the Grand Secretary RL Sis. Ruth Anin Serebour, represented the Grand Court.
Earlier, the Regional Grand Knight Worthy Bro. Thomas Azuure and the Regional Noble Lady RL Sis. Albertina Ninnang, had opened the conference that was chaired by Sir Knight Bro. Sir Malex Alebikiya and co-chaired by Most Respected Lady Sis. Alice Belbaar.
From Francis E. Monnie, CAMP-G
