Bura mar Conslium mar Torente

BIRO MAMA KOD BUCH POLO MAR TORENTE

1. An ne giluonga ni Maria. Ne an nyar Silita.

2. Ne an gi ndege moro; ndekani ne ringo matek ahinya.

3. Ne oringo mi okela ei kumoro e polo miluongo ni Paradiso.

4. Kane osekela Paradiso, ben mar Paradiso noywak mamit e seche mane aidho platform mar Paradiso—nikech Paradiso ne dwaro rwaka gi mor.

5. E sechego eka ndege mar Messia bende ne odonjo Paradiso, kendo oyudo ka ben mar Paradiso ywak; nikech Paradiso ne dwaro rwakowa gi mor.

6. Ndege mar Messiano, en neok obet e Paradiso—nikech en ndege ma donjo to wuok awuoka.

7. Kendo oringo matek ahinya nikech e sekend achiel en oringo mael 9,000. Ondik kor ndek Messiano ni “Jet Namba 9”.

8. To ka awachonu adieri, ndekego nitiere kodwa kae, ne wabiro kodgi e pinyka. Gin ndeke machal mag helikopta ma piyo kumoro amora.

9. Kane awuok ka abiro e piny, ne abiro kod oganda maduon’g mar jopolo. Nikech ndeka mane abiro godo ne oidhi kod jopolo kuom higni ochiko, ka ji idhe pilepile odiechien’g kod otieno.

10. Koro, e seche mane Messia wuok e Paradiso, ne okona niya: “In don’g irit kitabu, nyaka itia sei eka iwuogi.”

11. Sei ne onego aket kuom dweche ochiko kende, to ne okawa higni adek eka mondo atia sei.

12. Jodong polo mane wan godo e wuodha ne gin malaike Gabriel, Mikael, Rafael kod Latilati.

13. Latilati no en malaika ma huyo gi buombe piyopiyo; nikech e second achiel kende en ohuyo mael 10,000; buombe nikod teko moingo ndege.

14. Seche mane irwakowa Paradiso, mano ben mar Sayun pok oywak. Nikech kane awuok Silita, ne adhi Paradiso eka adhi Sayun—ma bende en kumoro e poloka.

15. To Paradiso e kuma nene adhi yale bura, kuma kweth maduon’g mar jopolo kod malaike ne oyuoro dhi neno lweny.

16. Mano emomiyo iwero wend paro lwenyno niya: “Oganda malaike ne jodhi yuoro lweny; lweny marwa mar Legion, alleluia wanalo lweny, gi teko mar Nyasaye.”

17. Eka ban’g kane atieko yalo bura, ne atin’go tawo gi remo, ma remo ne opukore kuoma.

18. Kane mano otimore, malaike ne ower niya: “Ruoth oparo an’go, koweyo tich kom duon’gne, ka odok e kit msumba, kokawo dhil kod masiche.”

19. Mano e wer mane malaike owero; kendo ema kane osewer to Latilati kane owinjo wer kower kamano, no owacho gi duol maduon’g niya: “Ooh, bura orumo!”

20. Eka Latilati ne owuok gi n’gwech kane oneno ka aseweyo kom duon’g mara mondo adog e kit msumba, ka aruako ogunia—ma en chuodho ma dhano luongo ni dende; rin’go, gi choke gi pi—kendo adhi idho ndege mondo adhi Sayun.

21. Kendo kane pok agik e ndege, kata oriti bende pok agoyo Paradiso, ne aoro wach Sayun e yor muya ka awacho niya: “An Maria nyar Silita, to abiro e bura Sayun nimar asetieko bura Paradiso.”

22. Bura ma Paradiso ne oyuare ahinya, kendo bura mane onego yal dweche ochiko ne oyal kuom higni adek; nikech chien’g bura ka chien’g bura ne ipenji mana wach achiel kendo kae to idok adoka.

23. Kane aseoro wach Sayun e kor muya, ne adonjo e ndege mondo adhi Sayun, nikech bura koro ne oserumo Paradiso.

24. Seche mane aidho ndege, polo ne okowa kod ben maywak kendo wer mamit, kendo maloso ka dhano.

25. Ne ben wer niya: “Paradiso oywe maler, Paradiso oywe maler.”

26. E sechego kane ben ywak kamano, Latilati ne ofuwo matek e kor polo kochomo Sayun; ne otelona mondo odhi oik oganda lweny man Sayun.

27. Ogendini mag lweny man Sayun ginie jogi: Jopadri, Jolevi, Jodiakon, Jonovina, kod ogendini mag Presidium.

28. Kane Latilati odonjo Sayun, ne obuogo ogendini man kuno ma okot mar Sayun majaywak dichiel e higa chien’gno ne onuoyo ywak.

29. Kendo kane okot oywak kamano, jolweny ma odak Sayun nowuok oko mar utegi ka gikirni, kendo kaok gitweyo matis, nimar okot mayuakga mana dichiel e higa ne onuoyo ywak.

30. Mi ne giwuok oko ka gipenjore niya, “En an’go? En wach manadi ma otimore?”

31. To okot ne omedo ywak, kendo ben mar Sayun ne ower niya: “Sayun oywe maler, Sayun oywe maler, malaike wer e Got.”

32. Malaika Mikael ema nodon’g koda e ndege, gin kod Gabriel kod Rafael.

33. Kendo kane ndekwa ringo e kor polo, Malaika Mikael nogoyo turbim mare mane engodo mondo onegodo Latilati e kor polo, kabende osechopo Sayun.

34. To Mikael neok oneno Latilati e kor polo, nikech ne oringo n’gwe lelo. Latilati en oringo moingo helikopta.

35. Jet mane aidho ne ringo mael 9,000 ban’g sekend achiel, to Latilati to ringo mael 10,000 e sekend achiel.

36. Malaika Latilati en jalweny mon’geyo lweny ahinya. Koro e seche mane olan’g mar Sayun ywakieno, ne oneno jachien ka bende goyo okot machielo mondo orochgo gigo mane timore Sayun.

37. Jachien ne goyo olan’g e piny machielo ma okiewo kod Sayun. Okot mar jachien ne ywak niya: “Higni gi higni, amen; higni gi higni, amen.”

38. Ka Latilati ne onene, ne oringo matek nyaka kuma ne jachien nitiere. Kendo ne omako jachien mi onyono piny gi tiende.

39. Kendo Latilati ne opado jachien kod pala mane en godo mar lweny, mi okwero jachien ni kik chak kel koko kendo.

40. Koro mano e kaka Latilati ne otelo dhi loso yora kuma ne adhi donjoe ei Sayun, ma en piny polo mokiewo kod Silita, kendo mokiewo kod Paradiso bende.

41. To an Maria ne aringo kuom dweche ochiko eka achopo Sayun, mano ka awuok Paradiso.

42. Mago duto bende ne otimore kane pok achopo kuma nene adhi goyoe oriti mogik ne jopolo eka mondo alor e pinyni.

43. Ei Sayun kuno, ogendini mag malaika ne hil kowinjo ni adhi kuno. Mi kane giromo ne Latilati, ne gipenje kuma Ruoth Manyako odon’gie, nimar ne girito mondo atia sei eka awuogi.

44. Sayun bende e kuma jopolo ne dhi goyonae oriti chuth ka alor e pinyni.

45. An Maria ne adonjo Sayun, kendo ne oromna kod oganda mag Sayun duto, kendo ben nower mamit Sayun niya: “Sayun oywe maler, Sayun oywe maler.”

46. Ban’ge, ka bura ma Sayun bende ne orumo, nikech en e bura ma ogik, koro wuoth ne ochiko pinyni mar abiriyoni.

47. Ndege mane abirogo ne oringo alanda mi nokalo piny Afrika.

48. To kane ochopo e piny machielo, eka ne awacho niya: “N’gan’g, pinyni ne asebire.” Mano ne wan e lwasi mar piny India. “Duoka mana e piny Afrika kocha.”

49. Eka ndeka ne oduoka e piny Afrika ma Ugwe, Wuok Chien’g, e dho nam Gumba (Viktoria), e piny Luo ma Milambo, ka wath Kanyamgondho.

50. Omiyo koro anyisou ni ndege moro biro ma enochok ji ka okelogi e Got Kalafare. Kendo ndegeno enochopi e kanise mag Legion Maria duto, kata mane osepodho.

51. Eka malaika nowuogi e ndegeno kendo enopenj niya: “Jo-Legion Maria man ka eke?” To jok ma onwan’go kanyo nokonegi niya: “Idhuru ndege.”

52. Kendo jogo duto moikore gi chik Presidium, kata man e mier oko, nowinj duond malaikano, kendo ginichop kanyo.

53. To jogo maok oikore ni Presidium, nobednigi matek, kendo ok ginichopi e ndegeno.

54. E kindego, Jo-Rasia nogo mbom ei piny, kendo giniket mbom e tunge piny duto.

55. Kendo mbom noneg ji mathoth ma e piny to gi gik moko mathoth man e piny yor Masawa kod Ugwe.

56. Kendo ji noywagre, kendo gik mangima notho.

57. Pinjego ji nothoe, kendo humbe lwenje ma Jo-Rasia kod nyithindegi nolandre e kor piny maonge kuma odon’g—to Got Kalfari ok ginigo kod mbom.

58. To e kindego, kata nibed mana n’gat molok e Legion Maria sano, kanoyudi ma maniidh ndegeno, ok initho.

59. Jo-Legion Maria nochoki duto ma noketgi ewi Kalfari, to modon’g maok ochoki, ginitho. To ndeke mag helikopta maga gi kende ema nodon’g e piny.

Jesus Christ, the Only Legion Maria Gateway to Heaven

 

Baba Simeo Melkio taught many things, but he founded a church based on the long-held Christian foundation, the Rock of Ages, Jesus Christ. Here is what His Most Peaceful, Baba Simeo Melkio Messiah taught:

Mombasa 24/10/1972:

“To an ayie mana Yesus Kristus, mane oora e nyinge, ema alando wachne.”

Translation: I believe only in Jesus Christ, in whose name I was sent, Him alone I proclaim.”

Zeituni Bardin’g 26/8/1981:

“Mago to an ok alam wadwa moro, alamo ruoth kende, Yesus.”

Translation: I do not worship any fellow human being, I worship the Lord alone, Jesus.”

Nakuru, 28/3/1966:

“An e Jesus ma Ja-Nazareth; an ema aloso koduni.”

Translation: I am Jesus of Nazareth, I who speaks with you.”

You see. In Legion Maria.  We believe in Jesus the Christ. No one else.

Except that, Jesus who was, is and ever shall be, took flesh, again. That is the only departure we have with other Christian denominations.

In taking flesh, Jesus heeded to the prayer of Mary for Africa. That while Him who is the Light of Ages had come to the world, took up flesh among the Jews, and was known throughout the world, Africa had a darkness problem, so rooted, still. And that by Him coming, in Glory, only then can the foundations of darkness, in Africa, be destroyed.

This is our basic creed.

The true creed of Legion Maria does not have Virgin Mary as God. Or as any sort of goddess. She remains the humble maidservant of God. Who says, as then in:

Luke 1:26-38: “I am the Lord's servant. Let everything you've said happen to me.”

You hear a Legion Maria teach that Mary or God or a goddess, that is damned. A lost soul. Lost in the sin of Lucifer, the liar, and the father of all lies.

A true Legion Maria repeats these words in the Catena Legionis Antiphon:

“Who is she that comes forth as the morning rising, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army set in battle array? (Makes the Sign of the Cross)

And has Mary, the maid servant of God, say these words, as she said them, humble still:

“My soul glorifies the Lord.  My spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour. He looks on His servant in her lowliness; henceforth all ages will call me blessed. The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy His name!  His mercy is from age to age, on those who fear Him.”

Mary’s soul glorifies God, and her spirit ever rejoices, for the Lord God, has looked upon the lowly, humble and poor Mary, and lifted her.  

Every presidium day, before that round table, every Legion Maria member has Mary say that God’s mercy is always on those who fear God, the Lord of Hosts.

True Legion Maria creed frowns against any attempt to drag it into the sin of Lucifer. For Lucifer, a lowly servant, bearing the light, thought of occupying the very throne of God. The sin of Lucifer, that makes him damned forever.

Anyone, anytime, who dares replace God, the Lord of Hosts, from His throne, and thereon places a creature, such a soul is damned forever.  There is no purgatory for such souls. They belong to the same place as their father, Lucifer.

Be warned, brethren. Stay away from Lucifer and his acolytes. In their attempt to replace the God of heaven with his creation.

And the True Legion prays like this in the Catena Legionis:

(a)    Mary, show us you son Jesus.

“Turn then, O most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy towards us, and after this our exile, show us the blessed fruit of your womb.”

(b)    Pray for us, O holy Mother of God

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

(c)    That we obtain promises through Jesus Christ

       “That meditating upon these mysteries in the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.”

(d)    That Mary is appointed a Mediatrix, but only by Christ Jesus

“O Lord Jesus Christ, our mediator with the Father, Who has been Pleased to appoint the Most Blessed Virgin, Your mother, to be our mother also, and our mediatrix with You, mercifully grant that whoever comes to You seeking Your favours may rejoice to receive all of them through her. Amen.”

Now, this is what, Jesus the Messiah, said about eternal life:

'Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:53-56

And in John 6:56: 

"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.”

 

Let me restate the four promises made here to whoever eats the flesh and drinks the blood of Christ:

1.      Christ himself is in them.

2.      He remains in Christ, and Christ remains in Him.

3.      He has eternal life

4.      He will be raised up at the last day.

Legion Maria of African Church Mission is a Christian Church.  The church draws its licensure to exist as an entity from its registration under the Laws of Kenya, recognised to operate according to its constitution.

Article three (3) of the Legion Maria Constitution outlines the objects of the Church. At Article 3, sub article (a), it states:

“To foster Christianity through the spiritual guidance of Legion Maria and to invoke the Christian World faith of Legion Maria in the heart of the African people through the Holy Ghost and OLD and NEW Testaments.”

This sub-article 3(a)speaks to:

(i)                  Legion Maria being a Christian denomination.

(ii)                Legion Maria following the universally accepted Legion of Mary principles and faith, though with the heart of the African people as the primary target.

(iii)               Legion Maria believing in the living and enduring reality, work, and efficacy of the Holy Spirit.

(iv)               Legion Maria adhering to Bible teachings, with the Old and New Testaments being source of spiritual teaching and nourishment.

But it is article (3) clause (b) that is more explicit on Legion Maria remaining true to Christianity. It states:

“To establish and uphold the rights of Christian faith in the Catholic form of worship in order to maintain a sound and correct worship of God through Jesus Christ.”

From Article 3 (b), we can conclude that:

(i)                  Legion Maria shall be a Christian Faith.

(ii)                Legion Maria form of worship shall be Catholic.

(iii)               Legion Maria worship shall be Sound and Correct worship of God.

(iv)               Legion Maria worship shall be to GOD through JESUS CHRIST.

Underline the words, sound and correct worship of God through Jesus Christ.

The Bible dictionary meaning of sound and correct is healthy, free from error, and in accordance with fact or truth.

Are you as a cleric, brother, sister, or any member of the Legion Maria faith seeking to teach sound and correct doctrines, to direct others to sound and correct worship, and to pointing to all that may seek to know that Jesus is the only way to God?

At the foundation of Legion Maria, there was the catechism. Baba Messiah Himself taught catechism. And he also taught the Bible, in an antiphon format, that we call “olo chikruok machon”. He stayed the course. Like Him, we must never deviate.

But let’s get things straight. The foundation rock of Christianity is this. That human beings were created by God. They disobeyed God. And were lost. Damned eternally. Then, out of God’s abundant mercy, He sought to redeem humankind. At the cursing in Eden, He promised a seed that would redeem mankind.

He called out Abraham, had a covenant with him, and made a people for Himself. Then through this household of Abraham, with David as a descendant, he promised a King, and a priest in the Order of Melchizedek.

This King, as we now know, is Jesus the Messiah. Who gave up his life on the cross, died and paid the debts of our sins, so that through Him, we may have life eternal.

This Jesus resurrected from the dead, as the first fruit, so that because Jesus was risen, we too now, who believe Him and in Him, shall rise again after this life, adorned in immortality.

On the way to the Father, Jesus was clearest:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.

Jesus is very succinct. You can’t go to the Father, if not through Him. Period.

No one ever goes to the Father; no one ever finds eternal life, except through Jesus Christ.

No angel. No Saint. No Virgin Mary. No one gives you entry to heaven. It must be Jesus Christ.

This truth, always, must never depart from your heart.  This truth, always, must be taught by true teachers of our faith.

While Mary may pray for you. And assist you, as a mediatrix, to find her son Jesus. Even possible win over Jesus for you. She is not the way, Jesus is. And Mary shows you only Jesus.

While the saints may pray for you. That is all. They can show you Mary, who in turn

 Brethren, only Jesus gives you access to eternal life, at the bosom of the Father.

A reason why some of our brethren no longer look up to the Holy Mass, is that they think there is another route to heaven. That as a janabi, you can work hard in the bushes, hills, and valleys, in shrines. And through your hard work gain heaven.

Or as a mother you can pray your way to heaven, minus Jesus. Unfortunately, no.

Heaven, and eternal life, belongs to God. And he gives it to whoever he likes. And he has given it through his only begotten son.   No one comes to the Father except through Jesus.

The Missing Oil, Got Kalafare 2024

Now the climax had come. The day to bury the Lord. His Most Peaceful, Baba Simeo Melkio Messiah. The Prince of Peace. The Lord of Lords.

 It was on the 14th day of September 2024. The 33rd Year since his flesh was buried at Got Kalafare, by Saint Timotheo Blasio Atila.

It was also the only other year since 1991 when all the dates matched the days of the week as they were when he abandoned his flesh and ascended, into glory.

 Like we all know, he is now our chief mediator, our chief advocate, before the throne room of Jehovah, the Lord of all Hosts.

On the morning of the 14th, a procession left as is custom. To the Sheep Field, called Paw Rombe. Then by some minutes past 10 a.m. it would leave to the Home of the Holy Spirit, John Baru’s homestead.

At Paw Rombe came the usual spirit. That harambee spirit. The spirit that calls the faithful to give some money, then, unfortunately divides it to the clergy. It may be God’s spirit. I don’t know. I am not sure, these days. 

Why do I say so?  There are no toilets at Got Kalafare. Most cardinals have some funny things they have erected near their poor dusty houses, which they call toilets—the right term would perhaps be latrines.

Like there is this pit latrine near Saint Timotheo Atila’s shrine, and next to a cardinal’s wretched house, where there is no door. A torn and worn-out sack is placed at the doorway, without reinforcement. So it moves to and from with the wind. During the day, you can only squat in there for a long call if you have no shame. But, well, that is our Legion Maria. Those are our riches. Perhaps, it is God, oh!

Back to the spirit, and why sometimes, doubt may hit your mind.

Now here is a congregation of Legion Maria members. They have come in their numbers. Majority seem, at least, honest and right thinking. Or imaginably, brainwashed. They are called by this harambee spirit, almost everywhere they gather, to spread a piece of cloth, abola to be precise. Then pay some money as they receive blessings. Well, who doesn’t want to be blessed.

So, great. But wait a minute. As soon as the money is given and counted, it is distributed, all of it, with the spirit, usually the “voice of Baba Messiah”, using the money to thank his “children” who have done an excellent job during the entire solemnity.

At Paw Rombe, what struck me is that some bishops and arch-bishops were left infuriated. The money shared to them out of the total given did not please them. Likewise, the share to the priests was too small to mention.  

Of course, the debate is not whether Baba Messiah has authority to do his will or to thank those he desires. It is just that the question marks are increasing. And a big chunk of the clergy, quietly dissatisfied. Asking why all the monies cannot be collected into a bigger, singular cake to do the many things missing in the church.

Like on this day, for some, neema iliisha, the grace to continue the solemnity with singular resolve was lost. As the train of prayer, bogi, left Paw Rombe, they stayed back a little, disappointed.

So why would this spirit, Baba or otherwise, not do worthwhile projects. Why would He seek to collect up to 50,000 here, 30,000 there, and another 6,000 there, then divide it. Send it literally to people’s bellies when Got Kalafare today still looks like a deserted traditional African shrine.

There is no house where Cardinals, archbishops and bishops who have travelled to come witness the memorial can rest, let alone keep their baggage. The priests must contend with sheds under trees.

And in the cold of this year, no wonder several of the faithful who left had to go straight to hospital, sick. The numbers of the sick post the memorial are there to tell the story of a church that is 60 years old but still does things like a toddler, born the other day.

Now, after the train of prayer left Paw Rombe, some of us remained behind. Why? Because we heard word that Pontiff Lawrence was coming there ostensibly to bless us. Unfortunately, after the money had been collected and shared, the train had to leave soon, this time, without His Peaceful, Lawrence Ochieng Kalul blessing the faithful there.

Maybe he was late. Perhaps in the view of the procession in-charges, the time to leave had come.  Maybe he wasn’t supposed to be there, you never know. Or maybe, just like everywhere, we are a church of the Holy Spirit, run by the spirit, we don’t care about seniority, protocol, plans, or programmes—just the voice of the spirit.

As we were still at Paw Rombe, the entourage of the Pontiff arrived. Weee! Legion Maria has changed, by a lot. Whereas 10 years ago we were arguing about the use of Akala, chappals or even tire-made sandals in the hot, sunny and dusty processions, this time round, shoes got straight into the holiest of places. Shoes, yes. You heard that right.

A group of young men, calling themselves the security of the pope, were the shoe bearers. You see, nobody has problems with shoes. Don’t get this wrong. But this security team wore boots, the kind of boots you see with these security companies. And to mimic security elsewhere, they came in outriders—some bodabodas, a senselessly over speeding car, and hooting.  Rome and Vatican, here we come to learn how you guard your Popes!

Let’s give it to them. Congratulations for guarding the man of God with valour.

But to our utter shock and disgust, they did not remove their boots throughout. They never wore Kanzus. They were in heathen uniforms. And of course, some of them, at least the ones that were recognizable, were deacons, acolytes and brethren of our church.  

So when His Peaceful, Baba Mtakatifu Lawrence Kalul alighted from his car, the security guards surrounded him. As he wore his ecclesiastical garments, they stood guard, macho!

As he prayed, squirted Holy Water upon the few faithful left at Paw Rombe, they stood, walked, and assisted him, in their boots. As he blessed the faithful, who were kneeling, there were these non-mortals, these angels from heaven, guarding him, standing, and keenly monitoring the situation—protecting him, and in their official shoes, the boots.

This is the new Legion Maria. We need no Jomikael to guard no one. We need no guards in Kanzus. Our guards must be worldly in every sense, and wear shoes around the Supreme Pontiff.

After the blessing, we went to the Home of the Spirit, Ka-Baru. Along the way, we caught up with the procession that had left us behind. In there, we did our usual greetings of the various shrines or huts, then went for Mass. Once Mass was done and the procession left for Got Kalafare, me and some priests went ahead, to shower and prepare for the august event, the burial of Baba Messiah.

You see, those are not bathrooms. But you just have to do with them. Men and women, clergy and lay, brothers and sisters must survive. When in a hurry, as we were, water was placed for us in the wrecked toilets, and we showered. It doesn’t matter, so long as you are bathed.

By 3:00 p.m. the priests were gathering at the house of the Father in-charge St. Mary’s Basilica, Got Kalafare, to vest and prepare for the solemn burial. The choir too, in their smart, well-ironed cassocks were warming up. The deacons, wow, the deacons of Legion Maria! Those brethren know how to look clean and smart for solemn masses. They were splendid. Of course, everybody else did their best—no mention is no reason to the contrary.

The burial procession left to Timotheo Atila’s house, next to his shrine, where His Peaceful, Lawrence Ochieng would be picked, together with his cardinals, bishops and archbishops. But of course, the priests had to be priests. They did a procession towards the arena, singing Un Jo-Puglikan gi, un ema usando Messiah Ruodha. The song and procession stirred the entire Got Kalafare.

The priests’ procession then moved to the location of Baba Mtakatifu, Lawrence Ochieng Kalul, then with everyone ready, it moved to the location of the symbolic body of His Most Peaceful, Baba Simeo Melkio Messiah.

We processed stealthily, in song and concentration. Then once inside, His Peaceful Lawrence Ochieng blessed the body and did a short prayer, flanked by priests, bishops, archbishops and cardinals. There were mothers in there too, with flowers and florals. But something, on this day, was missing. The oil.

Just as Jesus’s body was prepared with precious, aromatic oils for burial, so is Baba Messiah’s body. The symbolic body is made of several cloths. The clothes that He, the Messiah, wore or used while in his earthly tabernacle. Those cloths are packaged into layers, from the lowest to the topmost. Together, they form a continuous whole, a singular body, called for the purposes of Kaburi and the memorial of Baba Messiah as His Real Body.

Now, the mothers of our church, just like those women who were there at the burial of Christ or after the Sabbath went to anoint his body, have the privilege of preparing Baba Messiah’s Body for this burial.

Of course, this role is played by very senior mothers of the church. They peel off layer after layer of these cloths and apply expensive, strong smelling, perfumed or aromatic oil.  (Read Luke 7:36-39, a broken, sobbing, unnamed woman anoints Jesus with oil and tears. Or Mark 16:1, when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint him.)

But on the 14th September 2024, it seems the arrangement wasn’t made properly. And after Baba Mtakatifu Lawrence Kalul had done his part and it was the turn of the women to apply expensive anointing oil, the oil was nowhere.

It was sent for, and for some minutes, the oil was not arriving. At such moments, quick thinking helps. Even Deepak, the Indian Lotion for Hair, can do a good job.

As you might know, the spirit likes Deepak and uses it but hates the other hair lotions and oils. Well, the spirit is sovereign, we can’t question what He likes or doesn’t like, we just obey.

And so, on this day, somehow, the oil that was intended was missed. And makeshift oil was applied, to the Glorious Body of the Lord.

Ikechwa Ruodhwa. Forgive us, O Lord.

Tension over Teeth Removal Got Kalafare 2024

 

It was 13th September 2024. The eve of the big memorial. The following day, we, the priesthood of Legion Maria of African Church Mission, would be burying the symbolic remains of His Most Peaceful, Baba Simeo Melkio Messiah, Our Lord and Our God.

By tradition, the eve of the Holy Festival is a Vigil. But generally marked by rosary prayers at the Got Kalafare Arena. So, on this evening, a huge congregation of the faithful were gathered at the Main Arena, praying ceaselessly.  Messiah Himself also came by the power of the Holy Spirit and spoke to the faithful. In fact, on this night, Simeo spoke to the faithful for at least 2 hours non-stop and deep into the night.

Now the meeting of the priesthood was called in the house of the Priest In-charge of St Mary Basilica, Got Kalafare, Father Moses Opija. He too being the Superior General of the entire Priesthood of the church, a post he has held for several years now.

Priests began to arrive at the venue at around 8:30 p.m. And as soon as quorum was achieved, an estimated 23 priests already present and seated, the meeting was called to order by the rector, Father Orao and then by the Superior General, Father Opija. A brief prayer was offered, then followed introductions.

Every attending priest said his name, the diocese, and the parish, also loosely called mission.

Following the brief introductions. The agenda of the meeting was stated. But quickly, the Superior Father dismissed any possibility of discussing the pertinent issues of the priesthood, saying that another meeting is set for the 14th of September 2024, where as soon as the priesthood is done with the burial rites of the symbolic body of the Messiah, then all priests would march straight to the same venue, take their lunch and proceed to meet.

Now, seated, the agenda would be burial of Simeo’s body, in particular, selection of the 12 priests who would carry the body and process with it to the graveyard, or the mausoleum. Father Orao stated the requirements that every priest should meet to be selected. Not much really, just the dressing code.  Then the selection began.

Each diocese was to be allocated at least a slot among the twelve. But a maximum of two priests per diocese, for any diocese that would be participating. Those who participated the previous year were of course to relinquish their slots so that new faces are allowed the privilege.  For the next 30 minutes or so, the selection went on smoothly.

 Then something came up. The ugly customary elephant. Teeth removal. A luo tradition now given prominence by some members of the flock.  

One of the priests, who had been chosen, raised his hand and demanded to know why some priests were already chosen who had not removed their six lower teeth.

“Rector, there is a requirement that I think will cause chaos tomorrow,” he said, somewhat apprehensively. “I see you are ignoring teeth removal, yet it will prevent some priests from accessing Baba’s mausoleum,” he added.

The rector reacted dismissively.

“Let us first choose, then we can discuss other issues later,” he replied.

But the pandora’s box was already open. The priests picked queue from the Rector and jumped on the topic, immediately. And for the next 25 minutes, a heated debate would ensue.

“Priests must be free to do their work without restrictions,” said one priest angrily. “We who are here do not ordain priests, they are ordained by bishops, so if there is a requirement to remove their teeth before they can fully perform their role, pass that message to the bishops who ordain them, not us. Here, all are rightly ordained priests, without exception, and must be allowed to officiate the burial, as only priests must,” he opined.

“No priest will be stopped by any one from accessing the holy grave,” affirmed another priest. “In fact, those members of the order of St. Michael who dare to stop some priests along the way have gone too far and formed a foolish habit. They must be stopped before they believe it is normal to stop priests going to Baba’s grave,” he added.

More priests joined the queue in raising the alarm.

“Last year I had three priests who were not Luos, and two mothers, from Kericho and Transmara,” stated another. “It was their first time coming to Got Kalafare and they were picked to be part of the procession. Then by the doorway, as they were entering the grave, they were stopped by some members of the order of St Michael. We had to push those “jomikael” out and force our way in.  It was sad,” he asserted.

“Teeth removal is a luo rite, turned Legion Maria practice, let those who have the grace to do it, do so,” said another. “But anyone forcing others or denying other Legion Maria members the rite to officiate or access the grave of Baba because of that must be stopped and condemned,” he added.

“Yes, I have seen a member of this church stopped from joining the army, and another from joining the police because of lack of their teeth,” said another. “They are no longer members of this church because they believe the church cost them the opportunity to pursue their dreams in the forces. That is why I detest anyone pushing others, especially young, school-going Legion Maria members to remove their teeth. It can hurt their chances at a career, and destroy them for good,” he added.

As the consensus moved towards rejection of teeth removal as a prerequisite for priests to officiate the burial of Baba’s body, those in support of the criterion raised their voices.

“No, it is a requirement,” stated the priest who had brought up the issue. “We can’t go against Baba Messiah’s decree. It is him who insists that those who haven’t removed their teeth should not enter the grave,” he pushed, forcefully.

But he could not be given any breathing space.

“Where did Baba say that?” one of the priests asked, deridingly.

“Baba always say that through the holy spirit. Haven’t you heard,” he replied.

“No, you can’t push us to adopt that position. In any case, we know there are three things with the Holy Spirit in our church today: true spirit, fake spirit, and evil spirit. Baba never rejected anyone with his teeth intact when he was here with his flesh. His real flesh. Now, how can he now reject the same people and stop them from going to his grave. That position, I believe is a creation of either fake or evil spirit, who wants to deny Baba’s children the chance of going to him,” added another priest.

“My position is that teeth removal is a Luo custom adopted by our church as Africanization of Christianity,” stated another.  “The faithful need grace to accept it, not be forced to adopt it. In any case, this church belongs to all Africa, and it was brought for all African tribes. The fact that it occurred first among the Luos and some Luo practices found their way into the church does not in any way make Luo tradition superior to other African customs. That is why grace is the only way on this matter. Let no one impose on others a custom, but let them, including priests, accept it by grace,” he added.

It was now clear that the priesthood had rejected teeth removal as a barrier, as a deterrent to anyone of them officiating the solemn interment of Baba’s body the following day. In fact, those opposed to this consensus, feeling overwhelmed, yet believing they hold the right position, sought to withdraw their names from the list of officiators.

“If it is so, then I can’t be party to the twelve, I withdraw,” said the priest who raised the issue in the first place. “I can’t participate in profanity,” he pontificated.

“Well and good, we just replace you and move on,” stated a priest holding the opposite view.

In the next few minutes, the tension had reached its climax. Those opposing fully teethed priests were allowed to withdraw their names if they so wished.

Meanwhile, attention shifted to dealing with any “jonabi” or “jomikael” who would attempt to stop the procession because of teeth removal.

“So how do we deal with any members of the order of St. Michael who may seek to stop one or two priests tomorrow because they have not removed their teeth?” asked one of the priests opposed to having fully teethed priests on the list.

“We will stop them,” stated one priest with authority. “No person will joke with us tomorrow. The joke has been allowed too far.”

The solution, it was agreed, was to pick six other priests, whose role would be to guard the priests who will be carrying Messiah’s symbolic body. The guardian priests would be stationed in front. Just ahead of the twelve.  They would use any means, fair or dirty, to stop any person trying to stop the officiating priests from performing their priestly duties.  This position was unanimously endorsed and became the decision of the body of the priesthood.

With the issue resolved, and the list complete, the meeting was soon adjourned.