The Tamale Grand Commandery of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) has inaugurated of the Our Lady of Lourdes Cadet Commandery No. 969 in Yendi.
The inauguration, which coincided with the 25th anniversary celebration of the Catholic Diocese of Yendi is also the Noble Order’s commitment to fostering youth involvement in community service and the Catholic faith.
Presenting the 20-member newly inaugurated young men in uniform to the Bishop of the Diocese, Brigadier General Joseph Saakuur Bapule, President of the Tamale Grand Commandery highlighted the journey that led to the moment.
“Barely two years ago, we were here to inaugurate a Commandery for this Cathedral,” he remarked. “Through inspiration and encouragement, we have successfully motivated 20 young children to join the junior ranks of our order, known as the Cadet.”
He expressed pride in the youth’s enthusiasm and the successful charter application submitted to the United States, which allowed them to officially operate as a Cardet Commandery.
Bishop Matthew Yietiereh, who officiated the handing over of charter ceremony, echoed Brigadier General Bapule’s sentiments. “I believe you know what you are stepping forward for,” he stated, addressing the young members of the newly inaugurated Commandery.
“It is inspiring and exciting to see the younger generation keenly interested in the work of God.” The bishop notedthe importance of instilling faith-based values in youth, especially in a world where distractions often pull them away from spiritual growth.
He reflected on a common critique faced by the Catholic Church regarding infant baptism, using it as an analogy for the proactive nurturing of faith in children. “When you give birth to your children, do you wait for them to grow before you give them breast milk?” he questioned, underscoring the necessity of early spiritual education.
