On Friday 29th September, 2023, History was made in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State as Uchenna Cyril Anioke, Ph.D joined the less than 500 privileged Nigerians to be bestowed with Papal Knighthood of St Sylvester by Pope Francis.
the Sylvestrine Order or the Pontifical Order of Pope Saint Sylvester, is one of five orders of knighthood awarded directly by the Pope as Supreme Pontiff and head of the Catholic Church and as the Head of State of Vatican City. It is intended to honour Catholic lay people who are actively involved in the life of the church, particularly as it is exemplified in the exercise of their professional duties and mastership of the different arts.
The investiture of Chief Anioke and few others on the order of the Pope was conducted by His Lordship, Most Rev. John Okoye, the Catholic Bishop of Awgu Diocese.
Anioke who’s the National President of Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) as well as a member of the Executive Committee of the Geneva-based International Publishers Association (IPA) survived the over two years rigorous selection process by the Vatican.
Speaking during the homily, Bishop Okoye charged the new Papal Knights to continue to exhibit the good example they were known for which led to their selection by the Pope.
The Bishop urged them to see their elevation as Papal Knights as a call to re-dedicate themselves to the service and defence of the church.
He expressed happiness that the knightly decoration coincided with the 18th anniversary of the Awgu diocese, adding that the diocese is privileged to have knights of St. Sylvester and St. Gregory.
The Catholic prelate thanked the Pope for honour done to the diocese, which included the elevation of three priests to monsignor, noting that they would not take the honour for granted.
Speaking with JOURNALIST101, Dr. Anioke who’s also the Managing Director of Acena Publishing Limited said the elevation by the Pope “is a challenge to do more because it shows that my little efforts at evangelism has been recognised beyond the shores of Nigeria; by the Vatican, so what else can one do other than to dedicate the rest of his life propagating the Gospel.”
He pledged that the rest of his life will be dedicated to evangelism, helping the poor, the sick and the hopeless.
He admonished the upcoming generation to always look up to God no matter what life throws at them.
