By Chika Kwamba
Members of the St. Benedict Zone of the Knight of Saint Mulumba (KSM), Asaba Sub-council, Asaba, yesterday extended a helping hand to indigent patients at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) and St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital, Asaba.
Speaking to The Pointer correspondent, the Zonal Leader, St. Benedict Zone, Asaba Sub-council of the Order of Knights of St. Mulumba, Sir Fidel Emeni disclosed that it was an annual exercise and part of their Easter Duty as required by the Catholic Church.
He said, “Every year, we embark on this Easter duty as a Catholic body, and this year, we have chosen the Federal Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital, Asaba. We are here to assess hospital bills and clear the ones we can, so that other associations will follow suit.”
“In Catholicism, there’s what we call Lenten duty; this is for all Catholics, but primarily for us who are members of the Order of Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) all over the nation. Some visit prisons, motherless babies’ homes, dole out succor or cash, and other charity works are being executed during this period.”
“I call on other charity bodies to key into this act, as we cannot be merry, eating, and wasting food while some persons are begging for financial help to pay off their bills.” Emeni said
Earlier, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital premises, the Worthy Grand Knight, Asaba Sub-council, Sir Andrew Uwaje, highlighted the aim of the outing, which is in line with the Lenten season.
“When we talk about Lent, the 40 days fast, it involves abstaining from food, charity work, care for the poor, and the homeless. Today, we decided to visit the sick at the hospital and help offset their hospital bills. For those who have been discharged and couldn’t pay off their bills, while others are still receiving treatment and their bills are piling up.”
“At the Federal Medical Centre, one of the patients lost her newly born baby, and her bills are quite outrageous. The best we can do is to help her pay off the outstanding bills, seeing the tragedy that has befallen her as she goes home with nothing.”
“Also, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital, we came to see what we can do for them. I think it’s not all about buying rice during festive periods but making an impact in their lives and putting smiles on their faces. However, we pray that the government and other charity organizations will come to their aid and even do more.”
Patients who benefitted were: from the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Neo-Natal Ward, Mrs. Blessing Ugochukwu and Mrs. Antonia Okeke, while at St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital, maternity complex, Rosemary Chinonso and Maureen Cyril’s bills were paid off, alongside Ifeanyi Prosper, a patient.
In appreciation, Rosemary Chinonso expressed her profound gratitude to KSM members for their benevolent acts, stating that it was a huge surprise for her and her family, praying for God’s blessings, peace, and replenishment.
