ROMAN CATHOLIC:Ahiara Diocese, Knights of St John back Pope, condemn defiant priests

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The Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary, KSJI, an Order within the Roman Catholic Church, has advised Priests and faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara to fully comply with the directive of Pope Francis, regarding accepting Bishop Peter Okpaleke, ordained Bishop for the diocese.
Bishop Okpaleke, was appointed Bishop of Ahiara by then-Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, but has been unable to take control of the diocese because of protests by the majority of priests.
Okpaleke was later ordained a bishop in May 2013. The ordination took place not in the Ahiara diocese but at a seminary in the Archdiocese of Owerri. But the priest​s​ had contended that Ahiara is in Mbaise, a predominantly Catholic region of Imo State and that Bishop Okpaleke was brought from neighbouring Anambra State.
In reaction to their opposition, Pope Francis gave the defiant priests a 30-day ultimatum, which expired Sunday July 9, to write a letter to apologize for their oppositon, promise obedience to authority and accept the bishop appointed for their diocese.
Although the priests were said to have agreed to comply with the Pope’s directive and apologize, it is unclear if they met yesterday’s deadline.
But the Knights after a Supreme Subordinate Board (National) meeting of KSJI and their Ladies held at weekend, at KSJI Avenue, Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, Imo state capital, declared support for the Pope.
Their position was made known by Supreme Subordinate President, KSJI Nigeria, Major General Anselm Okafor who frowned at the situation in Ahiara Diocese.
His words: “We Knights of St. John International, condemn in its entirety the attitude of members of the lay faithful of Ahiara Diocese, which is bordering on intransigence and disrespect to the Pope.
“We also express our disappointment with the priests who should know better. Make no mistake about it; the Catholic Church has a rich and enviable history, devoid of ethnic and pre-modal considerations and therefore, the appointment of a Bishop is at the behest of the Pope, and this is backed by Cannon Law 377.”

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