Holy Trinity, Aba Panu Media Team

In Aba Panu, Ibadan Archdiocese—Joy and deep gratitude marked the Thanksgiving Mass for Sir and Lady Onumabor, following their recent investiture into the Noble Order of the Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba (KSM/LSM). The Mass was held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Aba Panu, on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

The couple, who received their Knighthood at St. Patrick Catholic Cathedral, Ado Ekiti, on September 5, 2025, were celebrated in a liturgy presided over by the Priest in Charge, Rev. Fr. Stephen Udechukwu. The Mass was a notable gathering, attended by Knights and Ladies from various parishes within the Oluyole Deanery, underscoring the fraternal nature of the Order. Fr. Udechukwu used the occasion to issue a powerful charge to the entire assembly—both those physically present and the wide audience following via social media platforms.

The Homilist's Challenge: A Useless Life is a Purposeless Life

During his engaging homily, Fr. Udechukwu set the context by asserting: "A purposeless life is a useless life." He immediately steered the reflection towards the core Christian mission, reminding the congregation that the ultimate purpose of life is clear: "to know Him, to love Him, to serve Him, and to be happy with Him forever." The priest acknowledged the expanding reach of the Church today, stating, "this generation cannot be caught in the Church... you will find them on social media." He affirmed that every preacher must take social media seriously, as it is where the faithful must be met and challenged.

Mandate of Witness: Be the Living Bible

Fr. Udechukwu cautioned the faithful against forces that lead to 'mission drift,' citing the Biblical failures of King Saul (disobedience) and King Solomon (immorality). He dedicated a significant portion of his reflection to combating the prevalent sin of immorality, warning that it "destroys even faster than you think." He urged all Christians to "shield yourself" and maintain spiritual discipline.

The central point of the charge—relevant to Sir and Lady Onumabor and all members of the Order—was the absolute need for authentic witness:

"The world is no longer interested in preachers who stand on the pulpit... the world is much more interested in witnesses," the priest insisted.

He charged the honorees and the entire congregation to preach the Gospel not with words, but with their actions: "Let your life become the Bible that people will see and read."

A Call to Action and Lasting Legacy

The celebration of the new KSM/LSM members transcended mere congratulation; it served as a spiritual mobilization for the entire deanery. The presence of Brother and Sister Knights and Ladies confirmed the solidarity within the Order and its commitment to upholding the Catholic faith through action.

In receiving their Knighthood, Sir and Lady Onumabor have publicly affirmed their deeper call to Christ's service. Their thanksgiving, Fr. Udechukwu concluded, is not just for the honour bestowed, but for the grace to live up to the mandate: to defend the Church, live with discipline, and ultimately, ensure their lives are not merely lived, but purposefully spent in pursuit of the eternal goal. As they step into this elevated role, the challenge remains for them, and for every believer in the Ibadan Archdiocese and beyond: to be the living, readable Scripture in the heart of the world.