The Knights of St. John International (KSJI), an international sodality organisation of the Roman Catholic Church, has joined the Church in Nigeria in mourning the death of the Catholic Bishop of Ilorin, Most Rev Paul Olawoore.

The organisation expressed deep shock and pains for the death of the bishop whom they described as a very dutiful and loveable personality who was a true shepherd of the flock.

In a condolence message to the Church in Nigeria, the Supreme Subordinate (National) President of the KSJI in Nigeria, Maj. Gen. (Prof.) Remy Uche, told the Roman Catholic faithful in Ilorin that news of the death of Bishop Olawoore came to KSJI in Nigeria as a shock.

“News of the death of Most Rev. Paul Olawoore of the Catholic Diocese of Ilorin broke to us in Knights of St. John International with shock, disbelief and serious pain, of which the magnitude of our mourning is so deep and severe,” the SSP stated.

On behalf of himself and the entire knights and ladies of KSJI in Nigeria, Prof. Uche expressed heartfelt condolences to the leadership of CBCN, the entire Catholic Bishops and the Church in Nigeria for the death of Bishop Paul Olawoore.

“We’re so visibly touched by having to go through this pain of loss, as we deeply mourn with the Church, praying that the soul of our late Bishop be at peace with our Heavenly Father,” the KSJI leader explained, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the group’s spokesman, Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu.

“The Supreme Subordinate President assured the Catholic faithful that the departed bishop will always be fondly remembered by the Order.

“He prayed God to help the bishops to find some peace and solace to enable them cope with the death of their brother bishop,” the statement said.

“The members of the CBCN will be remembered in our prayers,” the statement further quoted Maj. Gen. Uche as saying.