The 6th Biennial Supreme Subordinate Convention of the Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary has opened in Accra.

The four-day convention, which is being attended by members of the Accra, Cape Coast and Tamale Grand Auxiliaries including other members from Togo and Sierra Leone, is on the theme: “The faith in the life of a true Knight”.

Major General Larry Kofi Etse Tandjie, the Supreme Subordinate President, said new Grand Commanderies had been inaugurated across the country to enable its members to get close to their bishops for effective evangelization.

He said the formative stage of any enterprise was difficult and urged members to show great sacrifice, commitment and support.

He also commended the government for the opening of an Embassy at the Vatican and the appointment of Sir James Bebaako-Mensah, a member of Christ the King Commandery-Cantonment, as Ambassador.

In a speech read on his behalf, Most Reverend Gabriel Charles Palmer-Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, urged Christians to live by faith, profess faith, bear witness to faith and spread the faith.

He said by faith, Christians would be able to overcome suffering, fear, injustice, hunger, poverty and frustrations.

Most Reverend Francis A.K. Lodonu, Bishop of the Ho Diocese, urged Catholics to emulate the unique life of Pope Francis - humility and caring for the needy.

He said leaders of the Grand Commanderies should also adopt simple and approachable behaviour to help develop the Church and communities, adding that members should form an active partnership to spread the gospel and win more souls for Christ.

Brigadier General James B. Dasah was conferred with the Jewel of Honour, the highest honour to be conferred on a Knight, for helping to uplift the image of the Order.