Legio Maria Takes Shape: Leadership and Organization of Legio Maria

When Legio Maria became an independent organization from the Roman Catholic Church, it had no official leaders, except Simeo Ondeto and Mama Maria. Soon, the church hierarchy had to be declared in order to create structures for growth and development. Simeo Ondeto was declared the founder and spiritual leader. Moreover, he was declared the eternal spiritual leader. The early Legio Maria followers did know him as God, but in the church hierarchy, he was made the eternal spiritual leader. The second person in rank was Mama Maria. Mama Maria was revered a lot and the movement was named after her, just as the parent Catholic Movement was named after Virgin Mary. In order of protocol, she was the second highest in rank.
 

At the beginning of Legio Maria, there was no pope. The movement did not declare its full independence from the Roman Catholic Church’s Pope based in Rome, Italy, as soon as it began. While they believed in Simeo Ondeto and Mama Maria, the church members still respected John Paul II and Cardinal Maurice Otunga of Kenya. The third highest rank was, therefore, given to Timotheo Atila, who became the first Legio Maria Cardinal. Below Atila were arch-bishops and bishops, priests and deacons. The highest female rank apart from Mama Maria’s was a rank below the male deacon.  

By 1965, the position of Atila Timotheo as a leader was already becoming vital for the movement as it was necessary to cut ties with Rome after the Roman Catholic Church colluded with the government to persecute Legio Maria. To distinguish his role from that of Simeo Ondeto, Atila Timotheo was named the first Legio Maria pope. 

Some of the most important leaders at the beginning of Legio Maria were:

a.       Bishop Alois Owuonda

b.      Cardinal Mumbo Carilus

c.       Pope Timotheo Atila

d.      Chiaji Lawrence

e.      Hebert Aloo

f.        Silvester Okweto

g.       Siprianus Ochieng

h.      Othuogo

i.        Johannes Muga Ondiwa

j.        Angi Clement

k.       Mercelianus Orongo

l.        Abala Rafael

m.    On’gombe Romanus

n.      Johannes Baru

Obviously from the list above, men were given the top hierarchy than women. However, there were several women who excelled into recognition. Some top women were:

a.       Maria Ombwayo

b.      Pilista On’gombe

c.       Dorina Baru

d.      Gaudencia Aoko

e.      Sr. Helena

f.        Wilfrida Magel

g.       Susana Ouma

 Legio Maria Headquarter and Other Churches

Got Okwon’g (Hill of Sacrifice/Hill of Calvary) became headquarter of Legio Maria.  There the seat of Legio Maria rested. The church was then organized into nations headed by cardinals. For instance, cardinals were named as Cardinal Uganda, Cardinal Tanzania, Cardinal Kenya, and Cardinal Burundi, among others. 

  Besides, two most powerful cardinals were also named: Cardinal Dean and Cardinal Charlemagne (Administrator). Cardinal Dean, who was in direct line to succeed pope, worked closely with the pope because he would be the next to the office as soon as the pope died. During the tenure of Atila Timotheo as pope, cardinal Dean was Chiaji Lawrence. The position has also been occupied by Rafael Adika, who served in the position of cardinal dean during the papal tenure of Chiaji Lawrence. Currently, Legio Maria has two popes because of the divisions that occurred in 2009/2010. Cardinal Administrator holds the office that manages the transfer of all ordained persons. Below cardinals are archbishops, bishops, priests, deacons and nuns (mothers), brothers, and sisters.

Legio Maria: Background of Legio Maria

Simeo Ondeto founded the Legion Maria (Maria Legio/Legio Maria Church of Africa) in the early 1960s.  While the movement did not begin solely through the work of Simeo Ondeto, he fashioned it and made it a formidable religious group that could attract followers from different tribes and nations of the earth. Legio Maria was a transformation of the Roman Catholic Church local Legion of Mary movement into a purely new experience of God.

ALSO READ:  Who is Simeo Ondeto?

Here is the background to Legion Maria:

1.     Ready Local Environment for Legio Maria

During the late 1950s to the early 1960s, the local Kenyan scene was tense with nationalism and African fight for freedom against the yoke of colonialism. The Mau Mau and other political organizations were struggling to close the horrific Chapter of black oppression. It is during this time that resentment increased in the local churches and Africans wanted to worship God in a way that did not conflict with their traditional beliefs.  In fact, there were increased breakaway movements from the local churches as Africans formed their own independent churches.

When Simeo Ondeto appeared in the scene and was recognized immediately as a prophet and great teacher, many people traveled to listen to him. His teachings were full of inspiration and hope for Africans. He delivered the much-needed hope that the yoke of colonialism and oppression would end soon and Africans would be free again to live their own lives without being bullied around.

ALSO READ: Reasons why Simeo Ondeto is God

Simeo Ondeto also identified with and publicly supported African freedom fighters such as Dedan Kimathi, Jomo Kenyatta, Oginga Odinga, Thomas Mboya and many others. On his part, however, he insisted on religious freedom, inspiring Africans to realize that they too were created by God and were equal with other races in the eyes of God.

2. Trust in Spirits/Superstition

The environment was also ready in terms of African trust in spirits. The local communities believed in the existence of spirits (juogi) and practices such as exorcism and divination were still popular. In fact, in communities where almost all people believed in the existence of witchcraft, spiritual solutions to most of the problems and calamities were quite popular. For instance, the sick prayed to God for help, but also frequently consulted diviners, mediums and magicians for solutions. Since the locals lived in perpetual fear of witches and always looked for solutions for their fears, sickness, poverty, failure or curses from charismatics and those with spiritual power, Simeo Ondeto quickly became popular as a healer, prophet and leader of the masses by providing the spiritual solutions they sought. Indeed, through charismatic people such as Vitalis Okelo Oketa and Gaudencia Aoko, the new movement attracted streams of followers who sought for solutions to their problems.

ALSO READ: Legion Maria movement

3. Desire for Greater Inclusion in Church Service

In the local Roman Catholic Church where Simeo Ondeto was a member and auxilliary catechist, members of the congregations played marginal roles in the church services. The priests and other clergy dominated the Sunday services and interpreted the scriptures to the people, and there was minimal involvement of the lay.  On the contrary, the lay Legio Maria movement and the growing numbers of independent churches offered greater room for the lay to participate in church service, attracting more new followers than the established churches. In fact, Maria Ragot of Nyabondo in Nyakach attracted followers even from the local Roman Catholic Church because she not only offered spiritual solutions, but also allowed for greater participation of the lay in church services.

ALSO READ: Is Legion Maria a new religion?

4.      Mama Maria and the Gelling of Myths

The appearance of Maria Regina Owich (Mama Maria) in the scene in the early 1960s was an important factor in the development of Legio Maria. As soon as she appeared, she immediately took up the place of Virgin Mary and was soon adored as the mother of God. But most importantly, almost all the local myths about a wandering woman in the Luo nation were associated with her. For instance, she was said to have directly fallen from heaven in a rainbow with her spiritual son Simeo Ondeto. After coming through the rainbow, she fell on Lake Victoria and lived in the lake. The local narrative about Nyamgondho Kombare was used to explain how this woman left the lake and lived with people. So Legio Maria took it that Mama Maria was the one fished out of the water by Mai, Son of Ombare, who lived in Gwassi, by the shores of Lake Victoria according to the Nyamgondho Kombare myth.

                    The  Blessed  Mama Maria (Legion Maria's Virgin Mary)

Mama Maria was then associated with the myth of Simbi Nyaima in Karachuonyo. From the story of Simbi Nyaima in which it is said that an old woman did sink an entire village because she was insulted, beaten, and denied shelter, the Legio Maria movement got a story equivalent to the mythical story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Another story that bolstered her position was that of the wandering woman called Mother of Omolo Nyunja. This story was now popular among the luo and parents used to scare their crying children to silence by threatening them with the appearance of the wandering woman. By combining these local narratives with the Fatima mysteries, the Legio Maria followers created a fantastic and pithy narrative of Virgin Mary, which helped to legitimize and promote the new movement.

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

5.      Testimony of Mama Maria

Mama Maria said that she had visited several Roman Catholic churches before she appeared in Legio Maria. Most importantly, she said that she was the one who appeared to Lucia Santos in Fatima. This claim immediately made her to be linked with Virgin Mary. But most essentially, she stated that she had come to Africa because it was time for Africa to lead the world into the worship of God. This statement was relevant to the African perception of themselves and for their sense of identity. The statement was also relevant in the context of independence and self-rule. Furthermore, when she united with Simeo Melkio Ondeto, the two stated that they had come from heaven and were going to lead Africans into religious independence.

ALSO READ: 50 quick facts about Legion Maria

6. Testimonies of Former Roman Catholics

Timothy Atila, First Pope of Legion Maria

Being initially Catholics, majority of the earliest followers of Baba Simeo Melkio and Mama Maria were Roman Catholics. These Catholics soon became the catechists and priests of Legio Maria. But more importantly, they corroborated what Mama Maria said about her journeys and revelations. The Catholics were slightly familiar with the Fatima secrets and promoted them as prophecies about Legio Maria. Furthermore, former Catholics, such as Timotheo Atila and Susana Ouma testified about their experiences with this woman when they were still Catholics. 

ALSO READ: Who is Timothy Atila?

For example, Atila Timotheo testified that the woman appeared to her several times when he was still in school and called him to join the new Legio Maria movement. Susana Ouma testified about her experiences with Baba Simeo Ondeto right from when she was a little girl, while other former Roman Catholics like Peter Oswago, Vitalis Okelo, Romanus On’gombe, Omolo Malo Malo, Abala Rafael, Gaudencia Aoko, and Juma Pesa, all said that they had either had or known of visitations and appearances of Mama Maria. Indeed, all of them trusted and supported her claim to be Virgin Mary.

7.      Roman Catholic Opposition to Charismatics

When Legio Maria movement was still part of the Roman Catholic Church lay movement called the Legion of Mary and most of its members, including Mama Maria and Baba Simeo Ondeto attended Sunday services in local Catholic churches, the Roman Catholic Church started expressing opposition towards their charismatic powers. For instance, when Simeo was paid his first salary as a catechist, he used the entire salary to buy a huge crucifix and would go to church with this crucifix, a behavior which was distasteful to the local Catholic priests. On the contrary, the lay Legion Maria movement offered so much room for charismatics and for members to express their charismatic gifts freely. In fact, charismatics such as Maria Ragot and Vitalis Okelo were also former Roman Catholics who sought for more freedom in lay movements.

ALSO READ: The Glory of God revealed in Legion Maria

The Roman Catholic opposition occurred until after 1966. The persecution of Ondeto and other Legio Maria worshippers were instigated by the local Roman Catholic Church. Ondeto was arrested severally and was detained in a number of occasions. Ondeto was also arrested and beaten by the police and his Legio Maria headquarter at Got Kwer was burnt in 1966. But through these persecutions, the position of Simeo Ondeto as the savior of Africans from spiritual tyranny of Catholic Church was cemented. He was called savior and Messiah because of his suffering.

8.       Legio Maria Pentecostal Day

Just like Christians have a Pentecostal day and like the people of Israel were gathered at Mt. Sinai to make a covenant with God, Legio Maria Pentecostal day is the most important event in the foundation and development of the movement. The day had been predicted by Simeo Ondeto and Mama Maria, and so when it came to pass, the position of the two as true people of God was confirmed.

ALSO READ:  Events of Legion Maria Pentecostal Day

During the Legio Maria Pentecostal Day, a loud chorus of voices was heard by people who were gathered at John Baru’s home, in Suna Migori. The chorus was of four different but familiar Roman Catholic songs. When the chorus or spiritual voices had sung and entered at John Baru’s home, a wind of spirit filled each person who was there. Over 1000 people at once began to speak in tongues, to jump in the compound, to sing, and to proclaim the names of Simeo Ondeto and Mama Maria.

All the over 1000 people testified that they all saw angels and saints singing and joining with them. The saints and angels were also seen worshipping Ondeto, whom they saw as sitting on a throne. When finally all the noise and cheers were silent, the spirit spoke through one person, Siprianus Ochieng. It is on this day that the spirit declared Simeo Ondeto as God’s son and Mama Maria as Virgin Mary. From that day on, Legio Maria’s progress was directed by the spirit and Simeo Ondeto was worshipped as the son of God.

ALSO READ: Answers to 20 most common questions asked of Legion Maria

SIMEO ONDETO TEACHINGS: HIS ORIGIN

Simeo Ondeto taught numerous things on several topics. Here is a look at what he said about himself.

“I was in heaven before I came. I was sent to Africa by my father, the Highest God. So, fellow Africans, turn to God because you have seen his servant and heard his message.” Simeo Ondeto, Michael Omogi’s home, 1961.

“I am a true Catholic. I preach the universal unity of humankind because that is what God sent me to preach. I did not come as a protestant because I am a true Catholic. I will not join Protestants because in the Kingdom of God there is nothing to protest about.” Simeo Ondeto, Sagegi, May 10, 1959.

“In order to demonstrate that I was a true Catholic, I followed all the requirements. I was baptized in Catholic Church. I was taught catechism. I took the catechism tests as all other learners and failed four times just as other learners failed many times. I became a catechist and an obedient learner. I did this not to justify the ceremonialism of Catholic but to share in the pain of ceremonialism on the spiritual growth of humans.” Simeo Ondeto, Johannes Baru’s home, Suna, January 14, 1962.

“I am Simeo Ondeto, son of Joseph Obimbo. Our home is in Angoro Awasi and my clan is Watombori. I am a man just like you all, born of a woman.” Simeo Ondeto, Johannes Baru’s Home, Suna, January 14, 1962.

“Finally, the time has come for me and my mother to unite. Maria Regina Owitch is my mother. Not my blood parent but my spiritual mother. She was with me in heaven before we came in flesh as blacks. She loved Africa and felt sad when Africa remained in terrible darkness. Her mission is complete and the hour of union has come.” Simeo Ondeto, Johannes Baru’s home, April 4, 1962.

“Some people call me liar because I say God sent me. I say what I know is true and God the father and the Holy Spirit are my witnesses. Yes, I am a man as they call me, but I am also he whom God sent to you.” Simeo Ondeto, Amoyo, August 13, 1962.

“The glory of God is upon me. He has made me judge of the living and the dead. He has raised my throne above the thrones of created beings. He lives in me and I live in him. I am he who was to come and who has come. Truly, there is none else to come.” Simeo Ondeto, Amoyo, August 13, 1962.

“My children, I have come. I have come again as a fellow human. As someone you can eat and drink with. Why don’t you discover this truth? Your eyes seem blind; immensely blind.” Simeo Ondeto, Amoyo, August 13, 1962.

“Who is the son of God? He is the revelation of God to creations in their own form. God revealed as a human being becomes the foremost human being. God is also experienced by Angels, saints, powers and principalities, and all the hosts of heaven in their form, as the Son of God. Humans can experience God as spirit because they have spirits, but they can also experience him as human being because they are humans. This is why I am a human being.” Simeo Ondeto, November 23, 1962, Johannes Baru’s home, Suna.

“I went to Obimbo’s home in a huge cloud and whirlwind. Like a spirit they could not see me, but I could see them. Becoming a human being was a huge sacrifice. It is the most terrible sacrifice that God can make for humanity.” Simeo Ondeto Got Kwer, February 5, 1964.

“What I teach is what Maurice Otunga and John Paul teaches. We preach one God. The only difference is: they preach what they do not know but I preach what I know.” Simeo Ondeto Got Kwer, August 17, 1964.

“True religion is not shouting about how good your God is but doing the good things that make up your good God. The world is lost in hatred and wars because humanity is lost in praising its gods and not doing what their gods say. Hear me, Legio Maria! Your salvation hangs on the thread of your good works.” Simeo Ondeto, Ephesus Nzoia, December 23, 1969.

 “The son of God comes not as a sacrifice for sins but as a shining example to sinners. Sacrifices leave humans guilty of their sins, but examples inspire humans to holiness. I was not sent from heaven to be a savior through sacrifice but a savior by example.” Simeo Ondeto, Sori, June 8, 1976.

“Jesus and Ondeto are only names. Humans waste time quarreling about these names. The true path to sainthood is doing good works. The good are saved while the bad are lost regardless of the names they are proud of.” Simeo Ondeto, Mawego Kobuya, January 7, 1980.

“Soon, I will return to my father and your father. As a man, I will leave the world just as I found it. But as the son of God, I will leave behind a movement for the salvation of souls.” Simeo Ondeto, Jerusalem Amoyo, July 8, 1981.

“They say I am not observing the bible and its teachings, but do they get the salvation of their souls through that book? No! They are merely bewildered by the traditions written in that book. As for me, I know the truth that doctrines and books carry only part-truth part-untruth. But the man or woman who lives an upright life will not be lost.” Simeo Ondeto, Jerusalem Amoyo, July 8, 1981.

“I went back to heaven. You people thought I was dead for all the three days, but I was simply in Armos and conversing with my father about my earthly mission. Now, I have three years left and I will return.” Simeo Ondeto, upon his resurrection, Jerusalem Amoyo, 1988.

“I am almost departing. I feel deep pity for daughters and sons of Africa because of their hard-heartedness. May the glory of God abide with Legio Maria for generations to come?” Simeo Ondeto, Barding, September 2, 1991.