“Pilgrimage of hope begins with God” – Bishop Asare to Knights of St. John, Ladies Auxiliary

Winneba, Ghana –  Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, has called on members of the Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary to embark on a transformative spiritual journey, reminding them that “the pilgrimage of hope begins with God.”

Addressing the 2025 Biennial Grand Convention of the Accra West Grand Commandery and Ladies’ Auxiliary at Windy Beach Resort, Winneba, the bishop charged the Catholic fraternal order to renew their covenant with the Lord and rediscover the heart of their vocation in the Church.

“As knights and ladies in the tradition of the Church, our first responsibility is to renew our covenant with the Lord,” he said.

Speaking on the convention’s theme, “The Knighthood Pilgrimage of Hope: A Journey Towards Rediscovery and Renewed Relationship with God, One Another, and Creation,” Bishop Asare noted that the current age is marked by spiritual crises, moral confusion, and environmental degradation, and thus demands a return to the foundational disciplines of the faith.

“Rediscovering God means returning to the spiritual disciplines of prayer, the sacraments, and Scripture,” he said, pointing to “confession and active participation in the Mass” as necessary steps for rekindling a zeal for holiness.

Using biblical figures such as David and Peter as examples, the bishop urged the knights to walk the path of repentance and renewal.

“This pilgrimage is marked by repentance and renewal, as seen in the lives of biblical figures such as David (Psalm 51) and Peter (Luke 22:61–62), who turned back to God with contrite hearts.”

He further reminded members of the Order that the Knighthood is not a solitary vocation but a community built on fraternity, compassion, and Christian witness.

“The knighthood is not a solitary path but a community of faith and mutual support,” he said. “The pilgrimage of hope entails fostering reconciliation, encouraging dialogue, and healing wounds within the Church and society.”

Highlighting the need for social outreach, Bishop Asare encouraged the Knights and Ladies to engage in concrete works of mercy as expressions of their renewed covenant with God.

“Acts of charity—feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, educating the poor—are expressions of a renewed commitment to human dignity,” he stressed, citing Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

On the ecological front, the bishop made a passionate plea for ecological conversion, echoing Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’ and the Church’s call to care for creation.

“The pilgrimage of hope involves embracing sustainable practices, supporting clean energy, reducing waste, and educating communities about environmental justice,” he stated. “By restoring our bond with creation, we honour the Creator and safeguard our common home for future generations.”

He invited the Knights and Ladies to view pilgrimages not only as physical journeys but as deep spiritual exercises that renew both the individual soul and the broader Christian mission.

“Pilgrimages to Marian shrines, cathedrals, or places of martyrdom serve as reminders of the enduring presence of God in history,” Bishop Asare said. “The journey fosters humility, reflection, and renewed purpose.”