By Sir Peter Osamgbi, Head of Publicity
The Knights of St. John International and their Ladies’ Auxiliary, Nigeria, will on Monday, November 10, 2025, by 12noon, hold a reception in honour of the Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, His Grace, Most Rev. Fortunatus Nwachukwu.
The ceremony is aimed at celebrating the top-ranking Vatican official and upgrading his status from a cadet to full membership. His parents, Noble Bro Innocent Nwachukwu and Noble Sr. Bridget Nwachukwu were members of the ancient Order. It is billed to hold at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Abuja, starting with the Holy Mass.
In the words of the Supreme Subordinate President of KSJI, Nigeria, Sir Remy Uche, “We are honoured to be given the opportunity to play host to this distinguished clergyman, whose service to the Church is a source of pride to us as Catholics, Nigerians, and the KSJI”.
Another important part of the day’s event will be the Public Presentation of the book commissioned by the KSJI, titled: ‘Enhancing Communication in the Parish Community’. The author of the highly rated pastoral communication handbook is none other than Very Rev Fr. Dr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, the dynamic National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja.
The distinguished Sir Kenneth lfekudu will be the Chairman of the occasion, while Most Rev. Gerald Musa, the Catholic Bishop of Katsina Diocese will be the Book Reviewer, and the High Chief (Sir) Christopher Ndubuisi will be the Chief Unveiler.
The decision of the KSJI to commission the book was informed by the result of a research which “… identified poor communication methods within the Church as one of the principal challenges to evangelisation and to sustaining the faith.
KSJI therefore considers the book to be of great relevance to the life and mission of the Church; and the choice of the author very appropriate as a result of his robust and significant contributions in advancing and deepening the communications apparatus of the Catholic Church in Nigeria since his assumption to office as the National Director. In this regard, the KSJI had noted in their letter to Fr. Umoh, that: “Given record of your distinguished services, including your founding and directorship of the Centre for Media Development in the Lagos Archdiocese, and now the Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, we believe you are ideally positioned to partner with KSJI on this initiative.”
The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, commends the KSJI for their vision and initiative, stressing that “This vision comes alive in Fr. Umoh’s work, commissioned by the Knights of St. John International, Nigeria, reflecting a true synodal spirit; the clergy and the laity indeed working in harmony for advancement of the Kingdom of Christ”.
The CBCN President has strongly recommended the book to all clergy, religious and other pastoral agents in Nigeria, as well as for all students in ecclesial houses of formation.
The book is theological rich and practically addresses an urgent and often neglected area of parish life: communication. In a Church where message delivery impacts everything from catechesis to sacramental participation and pastoral care, the handbook fills a critical gap. It serves to guide parishes toward clearer, more intentional communication. This book is timely, pastorally enriching, and strategically aligned with the synodal vision of the Church. It is suitable for use in seminaries, parish councils, diocesan offices, and catechetical formation as a must-read pastoral tool for Nigerian Catholic parishes and beyond.