SIMEO ONDETO MELKIO: THE GOD I KNEW SINCE CHILDHOOD

Testimony of Deacon Tobias Daniel Oloo

Legio Maria belief that Simeo Ondeto is God is founded on a public revelation that occurred at Johannes Baru’s home in Suna Migori. All who were present, over a thousand people, heard about a mighty roar of many voices coming from Kachola Hill to Johannes Baru’s home. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. All of them had their eyes opened and they saw angels and saints worshipping Ondeto. All of them heard the seven names of Ondeto. All of them started worshipping Simeo Ondeto as God on that day. Because I have talked to people who were there and who experienced the revelation, and they have confirmed the truth of the public revelation, I believe that Simeo Ondeto is God.

ALSO READ:  Events of Legion Maria Pentecostal Day

PART A: BACKGROUND

I was born in 1984 in Nyakweri village, Mfangano Island, Suba District. I belong to the tribe of the first Legio Maria pope Timotheo Atila. I belong to the Suba tribe because both my father and mother are complete Subas.  My father Elly Oloo was never a man of religion before he joined Legio Maria. Elly Oloo is a polygamous man who practiced and followed African tradition. He never accepted Christianity as worth his attention and often ignored the preachers that visited his home with much contempt. Elly Oloo married two wives, the first one being Beldine Aoko from Rachuonyo District (a luo) and Mary Atieno from Suba District, a complete Suba.

A Big Family

Beldine Aoko, the first wife gave birth to nine children: Gilbert, Evaline, Thomas, Rael, Anna, Ruth, Philip, George and Juliet. Mary gave birth to seven children: Maurine, Tobias, Moses, Peter, Catherine, Christine, and Jacinta. Elly Oloo, a primary school teacher, was always determined to have his children get basic needs, especially food, clothing, shelter, and education. With the assistance of two able wives, Elly was always on the path to success.

Elly Oloo Converted To Legio Maria

Elly Oloo never went to any church any week. In fact, his opposition to his wives attending weekly services was evident in the way he treated them when they returned home. Oloo would want everything prepared, including meals, before the two wives left for church. Mary Atieno was a Roman Catholic while Beldine Aoko was a Seventh Day Adventist. But the requirements really got tough when they were late from church. Elly Oloo would never tolerate any of this.

However, around 1979, one of Elly Oloo’s most beloved sons, Thomas Mboya Odhiambo got ill. Elly was determined to see Thomas recover and proceed with schooling, but this was not going to be possible. He went round the country seeking medical attention, but all in vain. Thomas was admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital for months and later discharged, but he soon got ill again and this time round, it was worse. Elly sought cure everywhere he could, but Thomas was not healed.

One night as he slept, Elly dreamt of visiting a certain beautiful home. In the dream Elly saw a star direct him to that home in which several people dressed in robes prayed. There, in that home, he dreamt to have found a solution for his son’s sickness. After this dream, it only took Elly a few days to learn of Baba Simeo Ondeto. Ondeto was now based in Jerusalem Amoyo in Kadem, and was being called a great prophet and man of God. So Elly left home and went to Kadem with his son Thomas to seek help from Simeo Ondeto.

Simeo Ondeto Knows Elly By Name

According to Elly Oloo, Simeo Ondeto had known he was visiting Jerusalem even before he arrived. Thus, a man was sent by Ondeto to meet him by the gate of St. Mary Jerusalem Amoyo Church as soon as Elly Oloo arrived. The man led Elly to Ondeto’s Glorious Seat, where Elly was told of the reasons why he visited Jerusalem even before he spoke. Elly was immediately astounded. “Here is a man I had not seen and who does not know me, but how does he know why I am here?” Elly asked himself. Then, Simeo Ondeto got hold of the boy Thomas Mboya, breathed on him, and Mboya recovered.

Now, Elly wanted to leave with his son, but Simeo Ondeto asked him not to do so. Instead, Simeo asked him to send for the child’s mother to come and live with the boy at Jerusalem Amoyo for some time. The motive of Ondeto’s proposal was not known by Elly Oloo, but he accepted it because he wanted life for his son and he had seen Thomas well and playing again. Soon, Beldine went to Jerusalem Amoyo to watch over his son in that prayerful environment. Both Elly Oloo and Beldine became Legio Marias due to this event.

ALSO READ:  Who is Simeo Ondeto?

The Death and Burial of Thomas Mboya Oloo

Thomas Mboya did not get sick again for some two months. So, Elly Oloo was back to his teaching job. But on the third month of stay at Jerusalem Amoyo, Thomas became sick again. Instead of healing the boy this time round, Simeo Ondeto sent for word that Elly Oloo should see him as soon as possible in Jerusalem. So, Elly left home again and returned to Jerusalem Amoyo where Legio Maria was now tentatively headquartered. It is Simeo Ondeto that broke the news to Elly Oloo that Thomas was not going to live again. It was the will of God and it could not be prevented: this was the message.

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The message that one of his beloved sons was going to die was unbelievable and painful. Elly could not take it except with sobs. Two days passed, and Thomas died. The Oloo family was hit by bitter mourning and Beldine could not be consoled. However, after one day, the message from Baba Simeo consoled their hearts and they even accepted to bury Thomas Mboya Oloo in Jerusalem Amoyo. Following the burial of Thomas, Elly and Beldine were given a team of Legio Marias to take them home. So, against the wishes of the clan, Elly’s mother Rael Nyobar and Elly’s father Otieno Kwasi, Thomas was buried at Jerusalem Amoyo.

ALSO READ: Reasons why Simeo Ondeto is God

Back Home without Thomas

When Elly arrived home in a canoe and with a band of Legio Maria faithful, the furious clan members had to shelve their planned beating of their culturally strayed son. However, they expressed extreme disgust for Elly’s entry into Legio Maria and his decision to bury Thomas away from home. Nonetheless, Legio Maria had found its way to Mfangano Island and was soon to spread to the many villages of the Island. 

ALSO READ: Miracles of Simeo Ondeto

On the island, the workings of the Holy Spirit in Legio Maria were evident. They exorcised evil spirits, healed the sick, had a real gift of prophecy, and through the laying of hands, they helped many others to receive the Holy Spirit. Among those who received the gift of prophecy at this early stage was Mary Atieno (my mother). Other people who belonged to this band of prophets included Odira Osuku (Soklo), Salome Okeyo (from Yokia, but married in Uozi), and Dorkas Ogutu (Uozi). With these prophets and many other gifted people, Legio Maria was permanently established on this Island.

PART B: GROWING IN KNOWLEDGE

My Childhood Legio Maria Experience

As soon as I could tell what was going on, I realized that Legio Maria was really reliant on the Holy Spirit for its growth. Our home was visited by many prophets, priests, and Bishops of Legio Maria. Among the many whom I saw visit our home before 1991 were Priest Omolo MaloMalo, Bishop Olan’go, Priest Owigo Olan’g, a prophet only identified as Wuon Akuche, Priest On’gawo Aloo, prophet Oguda Osuku, prophet Michael Ran’gwa, and many others. In Mfangano Island, our home was the epicenter of Legio Maria activities. My dad gave a portion of his land for the construction of St. Joseph Legio Maria church, which became the parish.

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Legio Maria was everything to us, the Oloo’s, to the extent that everything we did was always asked of Baba Simeo Ondeto. As long as there was a prophet around and Simeo Ondeto could speak to us spiritually, we would ask him everything and got answers that we took as the supreme truth. And at home, we had Mary Atieno as the prophet through whom Ondeto could speak to us spiritually. I remember attending the first ever Legio Maria procession (Mandamano) that went round the entire Island in June 1991. Only two children attended the procession, Philip Oloo and Tobias Oloo. It was a hectic and long walk that took us three days of walking, both day and night.

ALSO READ: The Good News given to Legion Maria

As a young boy assisting in the altar, I was always close to the priests and prophets that came home. Often, they used to take me with them to local meetings around Mfangano Island as one of the mass servers. I used to listen to their sweet tales about their God Simeo Ondeto. Sometimes they debated among themselves; sometimes they seemed to concur on some issues; and at other times they differed on their understanding of the religious movement. However, the debates were always resolved by a higher authority, such as bishop, if present. This allowed the understanding of Legio Maria and Baba Simeo to come through very easily to them.

Scorn from Classmates

As early as nursery school, I used to be scorned about my faith. The scorn came from the children we played with together, but who belonged to other faiths by birth. Sometimes, the scorn came from teachers, especially when they taught us about the Bible stories. I never understood the real reasons for their scorn, but certainly, it was inconveniencing to be insulted that I worshipped a man, whom by this time I had not seen. The scorns, however, did not have much impact on me because it was occasional and I never really understood their meaning. I must confess that the worst scorn came in 1991. This was the year Simeo Ondeto died. How the kids knew about it was really a mystery to me then. But as we left class to play some games, they started singing a mocking song upon me saying: “Ondeto went to heaven with a torn trouser. Go chased him away saying: go back to earth quickly.”

Simeo Ondeto Comes to Mbita, Kasgunga

My first direct experience came with Ondeto’s visit of Kasgunga, Mbita. I was too young and went in the care of my mom. The event must have taken place in 1989. And as kids who attended these prayers, we never got interested in anything he said or did, except we were called to him for blessings, which he did.

The Greatest Shocks: Simeo Ondeto Dies

One of the greatest shocks of my life was the death of Simeo Ondeto. I must say, nothing touched me in my childhood as this and the poverty levels at our home. On the 8^th /9/1991 when the news was broken to us, I had no good plan for attending church. Instead, I had planned to play soccer with my cousins and brothers. Very early in the morning, I was asked to go prepare the altar, which I did. After doing this, I took the polythene ball that we had built for our soccer games and left home.

ALSO READ: How did Simeo Ondeto die?

Church service used to begin at around 9:00 a.m. and ended at 1:00 p.m. The prayers consisted of songs, a catena, a rosary, and teaching. If a priest was present, the church would attend mass and partake of the holy sacrament. After service, which occurred inside the thatched hut, we would sing and process to the front of a flag (Mary’s flag) erected outside the church, just near the gate, to conclude our prayers. (These days, Legio Maria concludes prayers before a cross).

I was called at around 12:00 noon that Simeo Ondeto (or Baba according to my caller), wanted to speak to me. That day, the parish was full because most Legio Maria faithful from Mfangano had gathered for a common meet. Among those present were Samwel Odenga, Tembu Otieno, Salome Okeyo, and Dorkas Aoko, the local members from Nyakweri, my sisters and brothers, including Corporal Joseph Oloo. So it was a surprise that I was called from where I was playing.  When I arrived, Baba Simeo was speaking through my mother, Mary Atieno. I was admonished against leaving church to play football on Sunday. I was asked to make sure that the altar is cared for properly. 

After talking to me, Simeo Ondeto turned to other teachings. Then towards the close of his teachings, he broke the news to us. We did not understand what he was saying, but it got clearer to us after we left church. He asked us to pray for him. We pleaded that we could not pray for God. But he insisted that his body was in a bad place and state as he was speaking to us. We insisted that his body could not be in a bad place or state because he was God. Then he opened up and said that his body meant his children. That something had struck Legio Maria and his spiritual children were troubled in their hearts. After accepting his plea that we pray for his body (children), he concluded his teachings and we had to take another complete rosary of prayers.

ALSO READ: Simeo Ondeto is Melchizedek

When we had completed our prayers just before the flag of Mary, a woman who was our neighbor stood in wait to break the news to us. So after we greeted and settled, she came and asked us if we had listened to any news. We said no. In fact, our home had not even a radio during those days so we could have not listened to news anyway. She told us that the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) had announced that Baba Simeo Melkio Ondeto was dead.

The news was a shocker. I personally shed tears. My sister-in-law Claris Anyango cried. Silence fell upon the gathered congregation for minutes. Then it was decided that one of those present should go and confirm the message. The rest were to go and wait for the report at our home. So instead of further discussions over church matters, the entire congregation left for our home. In a matter of two hours, we confirmed the message. Baba Simeo was dead! Furthermore, we got the report of the planned date of burial, which was around a week later (14/9/1991). So, the entire Mfangano Parish got into immediate plans on how to get a boat, food, and other supplies, and prepare for the journey the following week. I must really say the message shocked everyone in our parish.

Going to Simeo Ondeto’s Burial

The plans to travel to Jerusalem Amoyo where Simeo’s body was still lying were made as quickly as possible.  Within three days, our boat left for Mfangano to the nearest Island of Ringiti to pick the other faithful. By 12^th, the itinerary had landed in Mihuru Bay near Kadem and the journey was taken to Jerusalem. Most of our members went on foot. Arriving at night, our group found when there had been intense controversies over the place of burial of Simeo Ondeto. The controversies had caused an Apostolic Meeting, which too did not resolve anything because people differed immensely. During this entire duration, Simeo Ondeto did not talk to the gathered congregation at Jerusalem in the Holy Spirit. 

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So, on the 12^th night when Timotheo Atila had visited Calvary Hill to make preparations for the burial, Kadem had a meeting and decided to bury Simeo. Atila returned from Calvary quickly, got the help of the police, and exhumed the body. The events made it difficult for any members of our group to see the body of Simeo Ondeto. Before the group could rest and plan on how to see the body, word went round that Simeo Ondeto’s body was already taken to Calvary. This forced the group to make quick plans and leave for Calvary. So, finally, Mfangano parish was there to witness the final send-off of Simeo Ondeto.

ALSO READ: Legion Maria movement

PART C: WHY I BELIEVE SIMEO ONDETO IS GOD

I was born in Legio Maria, so I grew up calling Simeo Ondeto as God. But there were always serious challenges to my faith, especially the questions asked by my peers as we grew up. Sometimes, I believed they asked genuine questions and so I used to ask the priests of Legio Maria for answers. I must say the journey to my full conviction that Ondeto is God was long and internal. I grew in knowledge of Legio Maria, but tested it with the truth of other books, sources, and religions. The more I advanced in the study of other faiths, the more I began to appreciate that Ondeto was and is indeed God.

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Simeo Ondeto Talks upon Death

Saying that someone talks while dead can be a hard-to-believe thing. To Legio Maria faithful, however, the phenomenon of spiritual communication with Ondeto both before and after death continued in different places. At our Church in Mfangano Island, we actually talked to Ondeto (the spiritual) Ondeto while he was dead. Ondeto used to possess his adherents and speak as a spiritual voice through them. This was something quite unique and unfamiliar. Before Ondeto’s coming, spiritual possession of another person by another who is alive was something unimaginable. Ondeto achieved this. In fact, many Legio attest of Ondeto sometimes speaking the same things in different spiritual possessions at different places.

ALSO READ: Resurrection of Simeo Ondeto

Public Revelation at Johannes Baru’s Home

Legio Maria belief that Simeo Ondeto is God is founded on a public revelation that occurred at Johannes Baru’s home in Suna Migori. All who were present, over a thousand people, heard about a mighty roar of many voices coming from Kachola Hill to Johannes Baru’s home. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. All of them had their eyes opened and they saw angels and saints worshipping Ondeto. All of them heard the seven names of Ondeto. All of them started worshipping Simeo Ondeto as God on that day. Because I have talked to people who were there and who experienced the revelation, and they have confirmed the truth of the public revelation, I believe that Simeo Ondeto is God. Those who were there like Romanus On’gombe are still alive to this day (May 23, 2014).

Real Spiritual Power

From my experience as a Legio Maria, I have actually known that there is real spiritual power in Legio Maria through Simeo Ondeto. My mother was a lay ordinary woman. But when possessed of the Spirit of prophecy, she could predict so many things that she could have not known about other people. My mother also prayed and healed so many people as I watched. Another spiritually powerful prophet I knew from my childhood was Salome Okeyo. Okeyo was a prophet of no mean power. Sick people, including my dad were healed through her as I watched. The miracles performed by Bishop Olan’go are some I am familiar with. Similarly, the spiritual power of priest Daniel Okeyo Ayot and some of the miracles I have seen with my eyes.  In Legio Maria, Simeo Ondeto gave all people the authority to pray to and heal the sick. That is why almost all Legio belong first to the Order of the Michaels. Prayers have helped so many people. I am also familiar with the spiritual powers of Romanus On’gombe and Romanus Odongo. 

While some may be deceptive prophets, as any human being can be a liar, I have believed these people because of the closeness I have been in contact with them. I have been able to confirm that nothing they did or said as prophets came from lies.  They truly were possessed of the spirit of prophecy and they did many things. Many of the people I am familiar with their spiritual powers are still alive till today and they bare witness of this things.

Simeo Ondeto Is Completely Holy

Before I could confirm the true holiness of Simeo Ondeto, I took my time to discuss him with great Legio Maria authorities.  The people whose testimonies I have taken include Romanus On’gombe, Susana nyar Ouma, Owino Obimbo, and the general testimony of Legio Maria. I had a long and frank chat with Susana nyar Ouma in 7^th January 2010 at Mawego Kobuya. The reason why I had to get Susana’s testimony was in relation to the claim that she was Simeo Ondeto’s wife.  To verify this, I got six hours with Susana under a tree and this is what she told me:

  Susana: “Tobias, Baba Simeo was God. He was truly holy. People can say anything they wish to say but you should not be so gullible as to believe them. First, I met Simeo when I was a young girl. It was in a market where I had gone with my father. I do not know where Simeo was coming from or going to. But when my dad was busy in the market and I had been left seated in a shade, a young man in his early twenties came and asked me to take care of a small heifer (cow) he had brought into the market. I was in my teens but was not aware of anything about men. So there was no conversation between us except I took care of the cow for him and he never returned again to pick it. By evening we left the market with the cow and went home. I never saw him again. But after five years, when I was in Nairobi as a domestic help of my sister, he appeared to me again. This time he entered a bus I was traveling in from the market to our estate.  I could not recognize him. But when he was seated next to me, we entered into a long talk until he reminded me of our encounter in the market where he had left me to take care of his cow. So, I remembered whom he was. It was on this day that he promised he would return home after the Mau Mau war to lead us (people) to God. I saw him three times when I was in Nairobi, but in those occasions he was just talking about people leaving sin and going to God. He was also concerned about the independence of African countries from colonialism.

Deacon Tobias: Did he ever ask you to be his wife?

Susana: No. absolutely no. I was married to a man called Augustinus Gucha, back home. As for Simeo, he was so mysterious that even a girl or a woman would have not desired anything to do with him. Let me tell you Tobias that sometimes when we had cooked food for him and went to wake him up while he was asleep, we would find that he was swollen in body size as to make any person run away in fear. There was an incident in which the Bishops tore his clothes by force to find out if he was really a man. Well, they found he was neither man nor woman. Simeo was not a man. He could become what he wanted. He could become white, brown, and black. He could become a child, a woman, and a spirit. There was no way he could have become anybody’s husband. 

Tobias: How did you begin to work for him?

Susana: After he did a miracle at Nyandago Catholic Church? I was in the church when the heaven opened and a voice said that Simeo was the son of God. That is the day I decided to work for him. I went home and told my dad that I was going to Legio Maria, to follow Simeo.  I was trusted by the Apostolic Council to be the one caring for his food and all his items. But I was not alone. There were other women and men we worked with. 

Tobias: You could have done this and still lived in your husband’s home?

Susana: Yes, Tobias. But remember I was a barren woman and my husband despised me for this. I had several problems with him at home. In Legio Maria, I found a home and company. I found a place of peace and of spiritual growth.

Tobias: Can you remember any incidence when Simeo committed evil? 

Susana: No. I cannot remember. Simeo was humble and loving. He loved and cared for all. He condemned all manner of evil. Even those who insulted him he never answered back. Those who persecuted him he never cursed. He was sinless. Completely.

The same testimony of holiness was repeated by Owino Obimbo, On’gombe Romanus, and the general Legio Maria community. Even those he worked for as domestic help such as Lucia and Anton Ooro testified that Simeo was absolutely honest, truthful and a good worker.

Simeo Ondeto Knew Everything and Could Be Everywhere at Ago

Making such a conclusion was indeed hard. It is hard to make of any person living. However, according to the testimony of his brother (Owino Obimbo), those who lived with him as a young man, those he worked for, and the general Legio Maria community that spent many years with him, he knew everything. For instance, Legio Maria faithful attest that Simeo knew every person who went to him even if he had never met such a person before. His predictions came true. He knew the thoughts and hearts of men. He could speak everywhere else as a spiritual being in possession of other people. Many prophets attest to seeing Simeo at different places at the same day. According to their experiences, the experiences in which I share, Simeo knew everything.

ALSO READ: Simeo Ondeto teachings on his origin

Simeo Ondeto Was Worshipped

Legio Maria worshipped Simeo Ondeto as God while he was still alive in the flesh. They fell (prostrated) to the ground in worship and reverence whenever they approached his Glorious Presence. He lived for many years as God on earth with followers going to him and worshipping him. Just by fact that he was worshipped by his brothers and sisters, a huge band of followers, and even met opposition for his claim to be God while he was alive is a testimony that at least he is God of/to some people. Moreover, even during his life, Legio Marias prayed in his name and had their prayers answered. They also exorcised evil spirits in his name and the spirits left. So Simeo Ondeto is God.

Deacon Tobias Oloo

LEGIO MARIA MOVEMENT

Legio Maria, fully known as the Legion Maria of African church Mission, or Maria Legio, is a new religious movement that emerged from the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) lay movement called the Legion of Mary. The new movement first attracted adherents around Western Kenya regions, with a massive following among the Luo community of Nyanza Province, Kenya.  Then it spread massively to the neighboring countries of Uganda and Tanzania, Congo and Zaire, Rwanda and South Sudan, carried to those places by immigrant believers.

ALSO READ:  Who is Simeo Ondeto?

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Simeo Ondeto’s new movement is unique. Just like Christianity was an offshoot of Judaism but had the unique doctrine of belief in Jesus as God; Legio Maria has the doctrine of divinity of Simeo Ondeto which makes the movement unique and completely different from other Christian churches. Indeed, the worship of Ondeto makes Legio Maria essentially a new religion with links to Christianity and not a Christian denomination as many tend to think.  And like the emergence of Christianity from Judaism, Legio Maria has a passionate start that includes persecution of Simeo Ondeto and his memorable victories over his persecutors.

ALSO READ: Is Legion Maria a new religion?

Factors behind the Rise of Legio Maria

(A). The Missionary Activities Of Legion Of Mary In Kenya

Just like the formation of Christianity, Legio Maria developed gradually.  The first major factor behind the rise and development of Legio Maria was the missionary activities of the Roman Catholic lay Movement, Legion of Mary. In fact, the ground for Legio Maria was prepared by the missionary activities of Edel Quinn in Kenya in the late 1930s. Quinn led the Catholic Legion of Mary movement into spreading across Kenya, gaining adherents, and empowering lay people to worship God. According to Legio Marias, this spread was the work of God in the preparation for the fulfillment of Mary’s prophecy of Fatima in Portugal that she would come to Africa in the 1960s. By 1940s, the Catholic Lay movement had enabled many people to know crucial facts of the Bible, to say prayers according to the Tassera, and to work as auxiliary catechists in their local gatherings.

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(B). The Fatima Apparition of Mary in 1917

The second factor behind the rise and growth of Legio Maria is the Fatima Apparition of Virgin Mary in 1917. It is the Third Secret of Fatima that was given to Lucia Santos by Virgin Mary that has been cited as one of the major prophecies for a Marian Movement in the 1960s. According to Legio Maria members, Mary had told Lucia that she should not reveal the secret until the 1960s when the meaning of the secret would be clearer; which, they insist, was a direct declaration of the time when Legio Maria would start in Kenya.

ALSO READ: Who is Mama Maria, the Virgin Mary of Legion Maria?

(C).  The Convergence of Luo Mythical Stories with Legio Maria Narratives

The third factor that led to the rise and development of Legio Maria was the mythical stories about a woman called Min Omolo Ka-Nyunja. The Luos have two stories, the Simbi Nyaima Narrative (a crater lake in Karachuonyo of Homabay County believed to have been caused by a mysterious wandering woman) and the Nyamgondho Kombare Narrative (story of a woman fished out from the lake) which converge with the Legio Maria narrative of Min Omolo Ka-Nyunja (the story of Mama Maria who was a wandering woman across the Luo nation). Former Catholics who converted to Legio Maria, such as Petro Oswago, Juma Pesa, and Atila Timotheo, recounted how this woman visited them in Catholic and called them out to join the new Legio Maria movement. When this old woman, around 90 years of age, finally met with Simeo Ondeto and called him her spiritual son, the spiritual link between Ondeto, this woman, and the mythical stories retold among the Luo coalesced into a powerful force for propelling the formation of a new religious movement.

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(D). Simeo Ondeto Called Himself Son of God

The Fourth factor is Ondeto’s open and blatant statements that he was the Son of God and the return of Jesus. Simeo was a man of mystery right from childhood as is retold by his elder brother Owino Obimbo. However, this would have not made him known as God unless he talked about his status. So when he started preaching to people at Segegi  in Migori about his God’s Kingdom, Simeo made it clear that he was equal or just the same person as Jesus. He proved his claims by telling people everything they wanted to know about heaven, giving true descriptions of past and present events in the lives of the people who went to him, and by healing the sick.

ALSO READ: Simeo Ondeto teachings on his origin

By 1959, Simeo Ondeto had attracted a following of more than 20, 000 people across Luo Nyanza and Tanzania Mara District. These people traveled to visit him at Segegi. His profile improved quickly due to his many miracles and wonders, such as raising a dead man in Gombania Church in Tanzania and healing Salome Owiny who had bled for over 10 years.  And when he was narrating how the father had sent him to earth, he promised that God would help him to start a religious movement that would be characterized by the power of the Holy Spirit. So, many people were excited about his movement and became his followers.

(E). Legio Maria Pentecostal Day

The fifth factor that established Legio Maria as a religious movement was the immense charismatic and prophetic power of adherents. Prior to the Legio Maria Pentecostal day, there were members of the movement who had power to exorcise evil spirits and heal the sick. Vitalis Okelo Oketa and Simeo Ondeto were such members of the movement.  But after the Pentecostal Day of March 9, 1962, a massive spiritual power was poured among the faithful and there arose numerous powerful prophets who could take the movement’s message far and wide. Some of the most notable prophets of the early 1960s were Tobias Oongo, Silvester Okweto, Silas of Imbo, Gaudencia Aoko, and Kepha of Asumbi.

ALSO READ: Reasons why Simeo Ondeto is God

Moreover, it is during the Legio Maria Pentecostal Day that a group of over 1150 followers of Simeo Ondeto who were gathered at John Baru’s home had a public revelation and heard the declaration of the Holy Spirit that Simeo Ondeto is the son of God. On that day, Legio Maria members saw Simeo Ondeto seated on the throne of heaven and passing judgment on the living and the dead. Simeo was also being worshipped by angels and saints of heaven. And the saints and angels joined Legio Maria members at John Baru’s home, giving them an incredible communion with heaven that stirred an unwavering faith in the members.

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Most importantly, the Holy Spirit was donated to the members of the faith by Simeo Melkio Ondeto and those who rebelled from him soon lost their charismatic powers. This occurred to Mercelianus Orongo of Tanzania Mara and Gaudencia Aoko of Kano Kenya who rebelled from Simeo and lost their charismatic and prophetic powers quickly. So, after the Legio Maria Pentecost, Simeo Ondeto became officially acknowledged as God by Legios.

(F) Persecutions of Legio Maria

Nothing binds people together as suffering together. And Legio Maria benefited immensely from the unity that arose from their suffering and struggles in the years 1963-1966 when Simeo Ondeto and members of the faith were arrested, beaten and detained. Some Legios suffered and died during the persecutions. Some were tortured and had their faith tested by brutality. The scorn and insults, the public derision and hatred that was directed towards Legio Maria, made the members even stronger and inspired them to work hard and recruit more members. The period between 1963 and1966 saw great development and restructuring of the faith, the creation of official hierarchy, and the creation of primal theology. And in 1966, the religious movement was officially registered as a church.

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Beliefs of Legio Maria

What are the most fundamental beliefs of Legio Maria? Just as many other religious movements, Legio Maria movement has several doctrines that define its membership. They include:

1.                Simeo Ondeto Is the Son Of God: Legio Maria faithful worship Simeo Ondeto as God. To them, he is Jesus Christ.

2.               Jesus Second Coming Was Fulfilled by Ondeto’s Coming: in Legio Maria, the much awaited second coming of Jesus was fulfilled in Simeo Ondeto. There is no other return of the Son of God expected. The belief emanates from the words of Simeo Ondeto himself who said that “my children, I have returned. Truly, I have returned.”

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3.               Simeo Ondeto is the Glory of God: The glory of God is a biblical phrase that implies the splendid light and greatness of God that was often associated with the cloud and fire that accompanied the Israelites during their sojourn in the wilderness. The New Testament promise that Jesus would come in the clouds resonates with the visions of Ezekiel who sees the glory of God coming in the clouds, and the prophesies of Daniel about the coming of the son of man.  In Legio Maria, the coming of Ondeto is believed to have occurred from the clouds. Indeed, Legio Maria prophets such as Silvester Okweto and Wilfrida Magel pronounced the coming of Simeo Ondeto upon the clouds long before many of his followers discovered he had physical parents in the name of Margret Aduwo and Obimbo ka-Msumba.

4.               Mama Maria is the spiritual mother of Simeo Ondeto: Legio Maria benefited from the work of an old woman known to Legio Marias as Mama Maria, or simply as Bikra Maria. The origin and birth place of this woman is not known. Indeed, while some speculated that the woman was from Alego, Kaudida clan, and was probably married there long before her appearance as Legio Maria’s Virgin Mary, the most dominant side of the woman’s story border on the mythical and mysterious. Legios believe that this woman is the same one that appears in Luo tales such as Min Omolo Ka-Nyunja, Nyamgondho Kombare and Simbi Nyaima, but Mama Maria appeared in the scene in 1962, met with Simeo Ondeto at Johanes Baru’s home, led Legios in building the first and most prominent church (St Joseph Kalafare/ nowadays called St Mary Kalafare in honor of Mama Maria), and helped, together with Simeo Ondeto, to lay the foundation of the new religious movement.

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5.               Endless life: While Christians believe in resurrection of the dead as a way of allowing people to enjoy life after death, Legio Marias believe in endless life.  According to Legio Maria teachings, life is a form of energy that is only transformed from state to state and that is eternally indestructible. When Legio Maria faithful die, they simply cross over to the next state of life, which is the spiritual and most lasting state. The belief in endless life explains why Legio Maria believes that Ondeto did not have to resurrect with his body to continue living after his death. He was always living before and after his physical death (the return) and will always be there for them. Legio faithful also become saints soon after death and may even be adored by faithful sooner. For instance, Timotheo Atila, who was the movement’s first pope, is adored by Legios. Other Legio Saints that are frequently adored include Carilus Mumbo, Philip Odero, Angi Clement, Petro Otieno, and Tobias Oongo.

6.               The End of the World: In practice, Legio Maria faithful do not believe in the end of the world and another return of the Son of God. However, due to the blend of beliefs with Catholics and other Christians, some may still talk about the end of times and the coming of Jesus again. In Legio theology, one dies to be with the Lord. It is a person’s work for God that wins him eternal bliss (light) or eternal suffering (darkness). So, in Legio theology, there are no people resting or sleeping in their graves and awaiting the return of Jesus. In fact, Legios typically pray for their dead on the third and the seventh day after burial to help them find favor with God. Similarly, Legio Maria faithful do not believe in another return of the Son of God. They do not believe in physical hell burning the world, but in spiritual suffering for the sinful.

7.               The clergy and the Laity: Legio Maria has a robust and active clergy, but it also has an active laity. Lay people pray using the rosary and Catena when they are on their own, but attend mass every time a priest is around. A sacrificial meal is offered to God for blessing by the priest in a form similar to the Christian Eucharist (especially the Catholic Mass) and then given to the faithful. The communion has not changed much in terms of how it is offered in Legio Maria and Catholic, but the insistence on spiritual worship over ceremonialism is greater.

Historical Sites of Legio Maria

                                                                       

1.       Got Kalafare

Legio Maria has numerous historical sites. The most important one is Got Kalafare, which also doubles as the movement’s headquarters. Initially, the hill was a shrine for traditional Luo sacrifices and was known as Got Okwon’g located 15 km west of the south-western Kenyan town of Migori. When the relationship between the lay movement that followed the teachings and charismatic appeals of Simeo Ondeto and the local Catholic Church got strained, the police officers involved advised that Ondeto get a piece of land and build his own independent church.

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Soon, Mama Maria gave Silvester Okweto a vision directing him to survey the nearby hill, which was Okwon’g. Okweto found the woman at the site that is now Kalafare as he walked through the thickets in what was a rapturous moment for the Legio prophet. The site was built and completed in 1963 and Legio Maria adherents had moved into the headquarters by December 1963. Got Kalafare is also the site where Ondeto’s passionate persecutions occurred. Simeo was arrested one December night in 1963 at around 2.00 a.m. and frog-matched to the nearest Migori prison remand.  He was later charged in Homabay law courts with holding illegal meetings and refusing to allow faithful Legios to be vaccinated against small-pox, among other charges. Later on in 1966, the huts in the church were brought down by local police in one of the bloodiest of Legio Maria persecutions. Simeo never returned to live in Got Kalafare while physically alive and insisted he would only be buried there. Today, Kalafare is the burial site of Ondeto’s remains and is a site visited by many local and international tourists.

2.       Jerusalem Amoyo

Legio Maria’s St Mary Basilica in Amoyo played the role of the leading church for almost 4 decades, since 1966. After Kalafare was brought down by the persecutions, Simeo Ondeto moved from Suna Migori to the nearby Kadem location, but still lived in Migori. He always traveled across Kenya and beyond, preaching to people but returned to Amoyo at the end of every tour. Indeed, many Legio converts would have thought of Jerusalem as the leading Legio church, even going by its name. When Simeo died, the local Kadem clan refused to allow Simeo’s remains to be taken to the neighboring Suna location. Indeed, they demonstrated their resolve by burying Simeo’s body. The body was only exhumed in the presence of local police officers and taken to Calvary under police guard. Moreover, recently in 2010, when differences emerged between leading Legio Maria leaders, Romanus On’gombe and Rafael Adika, the Jerusalem church sided with Adika while the Kalafare Church sided with On’gombe. Jerusalem church is also home to the second Legio Maria pope Lawrence Chiaji Adera and will remain a pillar of Legio Maria for many years to come.

3.       Efeso Nzoia                                                        

The first two sites already mentioned fall in the Southern region of former Nyanza province, Kenya. However, the third most important church for Legio, the Ephesus church is located in former Central Nyanza, in the present Siaya County.  The church is engrained in Legio Maria tradition because of the persecutions of 1964, which included two arrests of Simeo Ondeto and his followers.

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First, Simeo was arrested with some followers and taken to the nearest Ukwala police station after the local Catholic Church reported to the police that Legios wanted to burn their church, Sega Catholic Parish. The release was soon followed by a second bloody arrest in which some Legios like Petro Otieno lost their lives. In the second arrest Ondeto and around 37 Legio followers were taken to Kodiaga prison in Kisumu and charged with holding illegal meetings, forcing children to drop out of school, causing havocs in families, and promoting religious extremism. Efeso church is also the burial site of Mama Maria, who died at the church in December 1966.

4.       St Peter Manyatta

Located at the heart of Kisumu City, the church is historical because it was the place where Simeo Ondeto died in September 5th 1991. There are claims that Ondeto was first poisoned while in Legio’s Bardin’g Church in Alego, Siaya County, and was poisoned again two times by his maidens in Manyatta church.

5.       Other Historic Churches

Kodero, Awasi Church (called Bethlehem because it was the birthplace of Simeo Ondeto), Nazareth Church, St Helena Kariobangi, and Makindani Church Mombasa.

The Link between Legio Maria and Christianity

Legio Maria has borrowed a lot from the Roman Catholic Church and was registered in 1966 as a Christian Church. However, while it has benefited from its origin in the Catholic Legion of Mary lay movement, the new movement has beliefs that are completely foreign to Orthodox Christianity and should, therefore, be considered a new religious movement.

 For instance, while Christians believe in salvation through the sacrifice (ransom) of Jesus, Legios go a step further to believe in salvation and grace through the coming and sacrifice of Simeo Ondeto.  Legio Maria has a parallel of Virgin Mary the mother of Jesus in the African woman called Mama Maria. Besides, Legio Maria has a new Pentecostal day attributed to the coming of the Holy Spirit at the home of John Baru.

Moreover, while Christians await the second coming of Jesus, Legio Maria talks of Ondeto as the returned Lord and looks forward to meeting him in paradise after their death. And instead of a physical resurrection at the end of time, Legio Maria has immediate “resurrection” after death. Furthermore, with Simeo Ondeto taking the place of Jesus Christ, Legio Maria is completely a new religious movement which is just yet to make a permanent break with Christianity just as Christianity broke away from Judaism.

Nonetheless, the mainstream Legio Maria church is yet to break away from Christianity. And while attempted breaks are already existent, such as the Yie Kuom Chier (Believers in Simeo Ondeto’s Bodily Resurrection) movement that is fostering total worship and praise of Simeo in services instead of Jesus Christ, mainstream Legios still unify Jesus and Ondeto in their worship without giving too much emphasis on either.

But from a far, one can sense the break coming. And even though total break with Christianity will take quite awhile because Legio Maria theologians are still confronting the challenges of such a complete break, the clamor for independence from Christianity is building and the gradual break from Christianity is gaining momentum. According to Samwel of Gwassi, a respected Legio Maria preacher and theologian, the issues that Legio must still confront are numerous and it cannot still make independent theological pronouncements on certain issues because of few talented people at work in those areas. However, Samwel is optimistic that 100 years coming (by year 2115) will find when Legio has made massive strides towards its independence as a world religion.

“Lord Simeo Melkio, you founded this Legion Maria movement as an ark for the glorification of men. Grant that we trust in your promises and work towards the glorification of our souls in eternal life. May we live lives worthy of your believers until we come before your throne in heaven. Amen.”

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