YOUTH OF SAINT MULUMBA NIGERIA.
Official Youth Wing of Knights of Saint Mulumba.
ORIENTATION SEMINAR FOR YOUTH OF SAINT MULUMBA.
1. Brief History of Knights of Saint Mulumba Nigeria
2. Youth of Saint Mulumba Nigeria
3. Who is Saint Mulumba
4. Who is Very Rev Fr. Anslem Abraham Isidahome Ojefua
5. Cherished values of Knights of Saint Mulumba Nigeria
6. Purpose, aims and objectives of Youth of Saint Mulumba
7. Officers of YSM
8. Duties, responsibilities and functions of Youth Officers
9. Funding for YSM
10. Administration of YSM
1. Brief History of Knights of Saint Mulumba Nigeria
The Order of Knights of Saint Mulumba Nigeria was established on the 14th of June, 1953 with the name, the Order of the
Knights of Blessed Mulumba. It was founded upon the principles of Catholic Actions and modelled after the sacred Order of
Catholic Knighthood.
The Order was renamed Knights of Saint Mulumba when in 1964, the martyrs of Uganda, among whom was Saint
Mulumba were declared Saints by Pope Benedict XV.
The Order was founded as one of the ways of reacting to the negative British Colonial practices of the 1940s and early
1950s, especially the wave of antagonism against Catholics.
Unlike the Protestants who were at liberty to join the Freemasons, Rosicrucian, Ogbonis and such secret societies for
material benefits, social security, political and professional advancements of its members, Catholics were strictly forbidden
to join these secret societies because they worked surreptitiously, usually from within the Christian Church but
nevertheless, even more tenaciously, against the worship of the one true God and strict observance of His
commandments. The inability of Catholic laity to join these secret societies put them at a very distinct disadvantage.
It was in these circumstances that the founding of the Knights of Blessed Mulumba was conceived by late Rev. Fr. Abraham
Anselm Ojefua, a Monk from Illah Monastery in the old Mid-Western Nigeria. To him the Nigerian Catholic Church needed
a society of Catholic Elites that would counter balance the effect of secret societies, especially the Lodges.
He was encouraged by Bishop Joseph Whelan of Owerri who sent the Constitution of Knights of Columbus of America to
him. Rev Anselm Ojefua began to gather the Catholic elite in Owerri, Onitsha and Benin and succeeded in recruiting the
first 23 members. He secured the approval of ARCHBISHOP Heerey of Onitsha and Bishop Kelly of Benin as well as that of
the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, for his plans.
On the 14th of June, 1953, the first 23 foundation members were initiated in Owerri after the Benediction of the Blessed
Sacrament led by Bishop Whelan at the Holy Ghost College Chapel in Owerri. Onitsha and Owerri became the founding
Subordinate Councils of the Order.
2. Youth of saint Mulumba Nigeria.
The Youth of St. Mulumba is the youth wing of the Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba and was first introduced into KSM IN
2005.
-They are nurtured by a Subordinate Council that shall seek the approval of the Supreme Knight through the Metropolitan
Council Grand Knight for its establishment in the Subordinate Council;
-The Youth wing shall comprise male and female of between 15 and 30 years of age, who shall be practicing Catholics as
defined by the Catholic Church, and largely children of Knights and Ladies of Saint Mulumba;
- The Subordinate Council proposing the establishment of the Youth of Saint Mulumba shall make rules and regulations for
the said Youths of Saint Mulumba that shall come into operation upon being approved by the Supreme Knight in writing.
3. WHO IS SAINT MULUMBA
He was the seventh martyr. He was born at Kyebando in Bunya, in Busoga around 1836. His father was
Nandigobe. He was kidnapped when he was about 10 years and brought to Buganda. He was adopted by
Mr. Tomusange that made him his own son.
He was tall, with a deep voice, kind and humble. Before he died Tomusange had foretold the coming of
white messengers of true religion and asked his son to follow them.
With this on the back of his mind Kalemba changed his religion from Islam, to Protestantism until he
settled with Catholicism. Due to his faithfulness and sense of justice, he was soon promoted to various
posts. He had many wives but fought hard to remain with one as his legal wife.
Mulumba was faithful, courageous, penitent and a powerful leader. He loved the faith, lived it exemplarily,
taught it to others and defended it. He was an ascetic. He was very much devoted to the Blessed Virgin
Mary and Catholicism.
He was baptized on 28 th May 1882. He died the most brutal and lingering death at Old Kampala from May
27 to 30, 1886. His limbs were cut off first, strips of flesh cut from his back and he remained in that
condition without a complaint for three days, praying for his country and executioners. He was about 50
years of age.
He was an ideal chief and follower of Jesus Christ, meek and humble. He used to fast and make
mortifications. Mulumba is the Patron of chiefs and families.
4. WHO IS VERY REV. FR. ANSELM ABRAHAM ISIDAHOME OJEFUA
Very Rev. Fr Anselm Isidahome Abraham Ojefua:
Founder, Knights of Saint Mulumba Nigeria.
Born 15 th January, 1912 at Igueben.
Primary School at St. Joseph’s Igueben
Junior Seminary at Asaba (1930-37)
Major Seminary at Benin (1938-42)
Ordained Priest – 20 th December, 1942.
Founded the following Colleges :
Annunciation College, Irua
Mater Dei College, Ashaka
St. John College, Fugar.
Founded the Knights of Saint Mulumba in 1953
Became a Trappist Monk in Gethsemane Abbey, USA IN 1966
Founded Awhum Monastery in 1968
Founded Illah Monastery in 1982
Wrote several books on religion and catechesis
Died on Thursday, 28 th July, 1988 at the age of 76 years at the Holy Cross Monastery, Illah.
Buried at the Holy Cross Monastery Illah on 20 th August, 1988.
5.THE CHEERISHED VALUES OF THE ORDER OF KNIGHTS OF SAINT MULUMBA NIGERIA
-Working towards the welfare and spiritual development of members;
- Working towards a high sense of order and discipline within the society;
- Cooperating with other Christian denominations and persons of goodwill without compromising Catholic
doctrines and principles;
-Being sensitive to the needs of the poor and giving succour to the destitute, the disadvantaged and the
oppressed in the society;
-Trusting in God always rather than in man or material possessions;
-Working for justice always and everywhere for the benefit of mankind;
-Living an exemplary Catholic life, defending the Catholic faith and loving one’s neighbour as oneself.
6.0. PURPOSE OF YOUTHS OF SAINT MULUMBA
The YSM vision is about Knights in this generation and projecting into the nearest future, making
significant milestone contributions in laying a solid foundation for the Catholic Church in Nigeria to look
towards a vibrant future;
The need to invest time and treasure in our Youths of today as a panacea for a strong leadership of the
future;
To assist Catholic Youths with spiritual formation, growth and empowerment especially during their critical
stage of adolescence;
To train members to become all round leaders who understand their religion and
To train youths and encourage them to become future Knights of Saint Mulumba upon reaching the
required age of adult membership.
YSM will provide the opportunities for Youth group, a social hub, a cultural and Civic improvement
association, management training option and a spiritual awareness platform within a religious atmosphere.
6.1MAJOR AIMS OF YSM
6.1.1Empowerment-
The first goal of youth ministry is “to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world
today.” Young people are “searching for a noble adventure”, a compelling and challenging vision of life, and a
cause worth their commitment. They hunger to hear the Good News that finds response in discipleship. As their
companions on this spiritual journey, some of the ways the Church fulfils this first goal of youth ministry is by
proclaiming the Good News of Jesus through witness and word to young people.
Enabling young people to live as disciples through their involvement in service, ministry, and leadership
opportunities.
Providing young people the faith skills for discipleship
6.1.2PARTICIPATION
The second goal is “to draw young people to responsible participation in the life,mission and work of the Catholic
faith community.” Young people have a hunger for connection, to be in relationship, and to belong. Family, peers,
school, youth serving organizations, and church are primary connections for young people. Some of the ways the
church fulfils this second goal of youth ministry is by …
Being a ‘youth friendly’ community that welcomes young people, values their participation, and calls forth their
gifts.
Integrating young people into the liturgical, pastoral, and ministerial life of the parish community.
Creating opportunities for young people to enter into healthy relationships of trust and respect with their peers
and with adults.
Promoting Catholic identity and religious literacy through programs of adolescent catechesis
6.1.3 GROWTH
The third goal of youth wing is “to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.”
adolescence is an important time for mental, spiritual, social, and physical growth. Their experiences and
relationships greatly influence their healthy and positive development. The Church strives to surround young
people with the best possible external scaffolds - networks of caring relationships of family, school, peers, and
other adults - while young people are developing their internal psychological and spiritual backbone—their
values, life skills, commitments, and moral compass. The church fulfils this third goal of youth ministry by :
- Enabling young people to develop a personal relationship with Jesus.
- Actively supporting positive youth development and fostering healthy values and life skills.
- Supporting families of young people by providing resources, programs, and services.
- Providing young people the opportunities to excel.
7.0 OFFICERS OF YSM
7.1 Youth President
7.2 Deputy Youth President
7.3 Youth Secretary
7.4 Youth Treasurer
7.5 Youth Chancellor
7.6. Youth Provost
7.7 Youth Membership Officer.
8.0 DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS OF YOUTH LEADERS
8.1 Youth President
To preside over all meetings
Select members to chair Spiritual, Service and membership roles
He or she must be a role model for the other youths
He or she must gather all information; seek the opinion of other officers before making final decisions;
He or she must inspire enthusiasm, encourage active participation of all officers and members and build a
strong executive staff to serve the youth wing.
8.2 Deputy Youth President
To take charge of proceedings when the Youth President is unavailable; He or she shall assume all duties
and responsibilities of the office of the Youth President;
He or she should be familiar with procedures for meetings
As a second in command, he or she must keep current with all facets of works and schedules;
He or she must be the Youth President most valuable advisor.
8.3.Youth Secretary
The Secretary will keep records of proceedings of the youth meetings and is responsible for keeping the
group informed on proceedings, and events;
The Secretary will handle correspondence with youth members, other youth members in other Sub-
Councils, other Metros etc
He or she is required to keep attendance record of all meeting s and to mark absent members not
attending meetings;
He or she must maintain inventory of youth activities, properties and assets;
He or she must submit reports of activities to their parent Sub-councils.
8.4.Youth Treasurer
He or she will be the youth treasurer and should have finance /accounting background;
Collects and deposits all monies and incomes to the appropriate accounts;
Pays all bills for expenses incurred by the youth wing;
Prepare a current record of youth finances on monthly basis;
Prepares regular financial reports for the youth wing;
He or she will be responsible for all financial transactions of the wing.
8.5. YOUTH Chancellor
- He or she will be the head of Youth religious Committee
- The Youth Chancellor makes the difference between a Youth Wing of YSM and any other organization.
- He or she organises/coordinates all spiritual events of the Youth wing;
- He or she liaises with the Chancellors of Parent Sub-councils for events of KSM for which YSM will
require participation;
- engages the Church to examine its priorities and practices to determine how well young people are integrated
into the life, mission, and work of the Catholic community” and within society. This includes protecting the sanctity
of human life, speaking with and on behalf of young people, empowering the voice of young people, and
developing partnerships in building a healthy community.
- most effectively promotes the faith development of young and older adolescents when the curriculum is focused
on important faith themes of the Church and on the developmental needs and life experiences of adolescents.”
- help young people enrich and expand their understanding of the Scriptures and the sacred tradition. It provides
a healthy future by encouraging youth to live faithfully in providing real life applications so that they may grow as
disciples of Jesus Christ in their daily lives
- shares the good news of the reign of God and invites young people to hear about the Word Made Flesh.
Drawing from Jesus’ example, evangelization involves the community’s pronouncements and living witnesses of
adults and young people that the reign of God is realized in and through Jesus. The ministry of evangelization
incorporates several essential elements: witness, outreach, proclamation, invitation, conversion, and discipleship.
Should evolve promoting positive adolescent and family development through a variety of positive (preventive)
strategies, caring for adolescents and families in crisis through supports, counselling, and referral to appropriate
community agencies; providing guidance as young people face life decisions and make moral choices, and
challenging systems that are obstacles to positive development.
- celebrates and deepens young people’s relationship with Jesus Christ through the bestowal of grace,
communal prayer, and liturgical experiences; it awakens their awareness of the Spirit at work in their lives, it
incorporates young people more fully in the sacramental life of the Church, especially Eucharist; it nurtures the
personal prayer life of young people, and it fosters family rituals and prayer.
8.6. YOUTH Provost
- He or she will be the head of Community Services Committee.
- Arranges and selects community service programs of the wing and consults with the Sub-Council’s
WDGK for directions and guidance;
- He or she identifies and put forward for adoptions projects of community nature which the wing may
undertake for communal benefits;
- He or she would need to encourage the wing to undertake activities that should foster feelings of loyalty
to the Church, the Order, the nation and the Community of its jurisdiction.
- build an environment of love, support, appreciation for diversity, and judicious acceptance that models Catholic
principles; develops meaningful relationships; and nurtures Catholic faith. This includes relationships between
youth and caring adults, but not exclusively.
nurtures in young people a social consciousness and a commitment to a life of justice and service rooted in their
faith in Jesus Christ, in the Scriptures, and in Catholic social teaching; empowers young people to work for justice
by concrete efforts to address the causes of human suffering; and infuses the concepts of justice, peace, and
human dignity into all ministry efforts.
Help to organise events that affirms, and empowers the diverse gifts, talents, and abilities of adults and young
people in our faith communities.
8.7. YOUTH MEMBERSHIP Officer
- He or she will be the head of membership Committee
- A Youth Wing recruitment exercise is crucial for the growth and vibrancy of the wing and a Membership
committee will be set up by the Youth wing for which the membership chairman will be the head.
- The Chairman of membership committee must ensure that there is constant recruitment of new members
to keep the wing alive and strong;
- Endeavour to draw membership from youth related Societies in the Church.
9.0 FUNDING FOR YSM
The funding for Youth of Saint Mulumba would principally consist of:
i. Grants from Parent Sub-Councils on annual basis – (#250,000 - #500,000) is being proposed;
ii. Annual dues of members ( A stipend of #1,000 to #2500 per annum is being proposed)
iii. Donations and gifts from members of the Order etc.
10.0 ADMINISTRATION OF YSM WING
Without prejudice to the already stated officers of the Youth Wing and their various functions, it is
expected that the Youth Wing will liaise with the Deputy Grand Knights of the parent Sub-Councils for
direction, guidance and necessary liaison with the Sub-Council from time to time.
**Next line of action will be to draw a template for a regular meeting of YSM.
NOSA EHIGIATOR
DMGK
