The St. Anne Commandery No. 795 and Ladies Auxiliary No. 669 of the Ancient and Noble Order of the Knights of St John International (KSJI) at St Anne & Joachim Parish at Teshie in Accra has launched its 10th anniversary celebrations with series of activities starting September 2022 and would be climaxed in July 2023.

The anniversary themed: “St. Anne KSJI @10 – Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Building the Future,” is to take stock of the impact the organisation continues to make as it rallies more members towards the growth of the church.

Speaking at the official launch last Sunday, Mr Robert Dela Mawuenyegah, The Worthy President of the Commandery No. 795, recounted the history of the Commandery and Ladies Auxiliary No. 669 which were jointly inaugurated in July 2013 with the youth wing of the group, the Cadet Commandery No. 795 and Junior Auxillary No. 221.

The Catholic friendly organisation at St Anne & Joachim Parish with about 200 members, is made up of astute men and women with diverse professional careers who assist in the spread of the Roman Catholic faith through charitable works, foster unity among members while promoting “a deeper and more respect for the Church and the community.”

Paying tribute to past and current leadership of the Commandery and Ladies Auxiliary, Mr Mawuenyegah said the group had chalked many successes over the years, taking up charity projects and other initiatives and had plans to do more in the years ahead.

In his address, Mr Wallace Akondor, a former Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) also praised members of the organisation for their achievements, active presence and hardwork within the church.

“You contributed a lot to the church by giving a permanent altar to the St. Anne & Joachim Church. The altar is the centre of the mass; it is the home of Christ Himself and gifting that to the church is a very significant offer. It tells us that you have taken the objectives of the founding fathers of this Noble Order very seriously,” he noted.

Mr Akondor, therefore, asked members to stick to the promise of their oath, continue their good works, live exemplary lives and whip up the interest of the youth in the church.

“As soldiers of the church, you are called to duty and you know that when the battle is thickest that is when you surge forward with all the strategies that you have at hand. Let us display that unique sense of nobility, leadership and integrity at all times,” he added.

Noble Sister Faustina Gadzekpo, Past Supreme Subordinate President of the Ladies Auxiliary in Ghana, pledged her continuous support to the Order and praised the Commandery and Ladies Auxiliary for enduring turbulent moments.

Mr Kwame Anane, Chairman of the PPC, and Madam Mathilda Quist, a member of the PPC, both pledged the church’s continuous support to the Order.

Activities lined up for the celebration include an anniversary lecture, keep fit and fun games, career and entrepreneurial development for the Cadets and Juniors, dinner and awards night, and a thanksgiving service to climax the celebration on Sunday, July 9, 2023.

By Ernest Nutsugah