By: Julius Konton
The Supreme Subordinate Council of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) – Liberia has elected Nobel Sister, Cllr. Philomena Tugbe Williams, a prominent legal practitioner and President of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFLIL), as Supreme Subordinate President of the Supreme Ladies’ Auxiliary, marking a pivotal moment in the organization’s leadership and renewal agenda.
Her election followed the Knights’ biennial national convention, held from December 10 to 14, 2025, in Harper City, Maryland County, under the theme:
“Faith, Hope, and Charity: Our Journey with Christ, Guiding Our Legacy.”
The convention drew delegates from across Liberia’s dioceses and subordinate councils, reflecting the organization’s nationwide footprint and its enduring influence in faith-based service, civic responsibility, and charitable outreach.
A Historic Organization with Deep Roots
Founded in the late 19th century and formally established in Liberia in the early 20th century, the Knights of St. John International is one of the country’s oldest Catholic fraternal organizations, with a membership base numbering several thousand men and women nationwide.
The organization has historically played a vital role in education, healthcare advocacy, disaster response, church development, and social welfare, particularly during Liberia’s civil conflict years and post-war recovery period.
The Supreme Ladies’ Auxiliary, which operates alongside the male arm of the Order, has been instrumental in mobilizing women for community service, parish support, humanitarian relief, and moral leadership, contributing millions of Liberian dollars’ worth of volunteer labor and material support over the decades.
A Leadership Transition Anchored in Reform and Unity
At the close of the convention, Cllr. Williams was formally installed as Supreme President, succeeding an outgoing leadership that served a five-year term marked by institutional stability and expanded outreach.
In her acceptance remarks, Williams expressed gratitude to delegates for the overwhelming confidence placed in her leadership.
“To our electorates, thank you for the confidence in our leadership,” she said.
Addressing concerns previously raised by senior clergy regarding organizational stagnation, Williams issued a call for revival and unity.
“United as a team, let us reawaken and revitalize our ancient and noble order,” she urged, referencing a bishop’s past characterization of the Knights as ‘dead.’
Human Rights, Canon Law, and Strategic Engagement
A seasoned lawyer with more than two decades of experience in advocacy, governance reform, and women’s rights, Williams outlined an ambitious agenda centered on faith-based service, legal awareness, and institutional accountability.
She emphasized the importance of understanding and exercising the rights and responsibilities of the laity under canon law, pledging closer collaboration with the Catholic Church hierarchy.
Among her key policy priorities are:
National educational workshops on human rights and civic responsibility
Awareness campaigns to protect vulnerable populations, particularly women and children
Leadership training for auxiliary members across Liberia’s counties
Organizational audits and strategic planning to strengthen governance and continuity
Reaffirming the Knights’ long-standing motto, “For God and Country,” Williams added:
“Let us begin our work. We will unite as a team, assess where we are, and jointly develop strategies for sustainable growth and relevance.”
Strengthening Institutional Collaboration
Williams also congratulated Major General Andrew Nimely, who was elected to lead the male division of the Knights of St. John International in Liberia, pledging full cooperation between both arms of the Order.
“The Supreme Ladies’ Auxiliary stands ready to support the broader mission and objectives of the Knights,” she said.
She further paid tribute to the outgoing leadership, acknowledging their service and laying emphasis on continuity.
“We say thank you, and we pledge to build upon the foundation you have laid, recognizing that good governance is rooted in continuity.”
A New Chapter for Faith-Based Leadership in Liberia
With Cllr. Philomena T. Williams at the helm, observers say the Supreme Ladies’ Auxiliary is poised for a renewed era of relevance, transparency, and impact, at a time when faith-based organizations are increasingly called upon to complement government efforts in social cohesion, moral leadership, and national development.
As Liberia continues its post-conflict consolidation and democratic strengthening, the Knights of St. John International guided by the values of faith, hope, and charity remain a vital pillar of civil society, committed to service to God and country.
