Timotheo Atila was born in 1941 at Kaksingri, Roo, in the
old Migori District, but now Suba District. The son of Jacob Ojwang and
Catherine Akinyi, Timothy belonged to the Kakione Clan of Suba community. Five
years after the birth of Atila (named Hitler or Ahitler after Adolf Hitler of
Germany); his family moved to Migori and settled in Raha village, Migori
District.
Timothy Atila had good education according to the standards
of his time. He completed secondary school education before becoming a member
of Legion Maria clergy. He also attained Advanced Level Certificate while
serving as a clergy. In March 1963, Timothy Atila was consecrated as the first
Legion Maria cardinal. And in 1964, he rose to the papal rank after Legion
Maria broke ranks with the Roman Catholic Church.
Being a warm, gentle and humble man, Timothy Atila had a
gracious presence around him. He looked calm in the face of hardship and
radiant in the face of gloom. During the time of Baba Simeo, Timothy Atila was
down to earth. You would never know he was the pope unless someone reminded you
of that. He sat down on the floor in the presence of the lord, always rendering
his service whenever necessary, but always reminding himself that he was a
sinful man who was in dire need for the grace of the God.
As a leader, Timothy Atila was selfless. He allowed every
priest, bishop, archbishop and cardinal to do his job without undue
interference. He knew the value of giving other people their space. But he was
also firm and courageous. His unwavering resolve was at its peak when he stood
above the petty divisions among Legion Maria members and took the body of Baba
Simeo to Calvary, honoring the wishes of his lord without blinking an eye or
ceding ground to human desires.
After the return of Baba Simeo to heaven, Timothy Atila led
Legion Maria as a true shepherd. He faced rebellion from Cardinal Owino Obimbo,
the lord’s brother, and remained cool even at the face of an unnecessary court
battle. And during his time, more flock was added to the fold and Legio grew
stronger.
Timothy Atila died on 12th June 1998 and was buried on 20th
June 1998. He was buried at St. Mary Basilica, Calvary, which is the Legion
Maria headquarters. His burial site is today a shrine visited by Legion Maria
faithful. The burial service was conducted by his Eminence Cardinal Dean
Lawrence Chiaji.
Timothy has gone ahead of us. He has joined the lord in his
glory. He often greets us through the Holy Spirit, reminding us that when we
serve the lord with dedication, humility and truth, we will shine in his
Kingdom. He calls us to serve the lord; to remain faithful and humble; and to
use our talents in spreading the message of the glory of God. He is our rock
forever, the first among us to receive the keys to the gates of heaven, and the
one who is forever the rock of Legion Maria.
Prayer:
“Timothy Atila, our rock. Pray for us so we can lead lives
that are as humble as yours. Inspire us to know that leadership is not about
ourselves but about the people we lead. Call us to know the lord, and lead us
through the way, just as you led us when you were our leader here on earth.
Amen.”