When Catholics and Christians think of religious orders, some of the first names that come to mind might be “Jesuit”, “Franciscan”, or “Dominican”. Some other names might be “Missionaries of Charity”, “Holy Cross”, or “Benedictines”. As a subscriber to the HEAL newsletter, you have been fed a steady diet about an unknown quantity as far as religious orders go. I’m speaking of the curiously named Messengers of Justice (MOJ) order, founded by Deacon Leo Okonkwo.
The very name “Messengers of Justice” might raise questions as it implies more of a concern with simple justice than with Christian charity. However, the name does reflect the comprehensive work of the order, namely, to bring both material aid and legal recourse to abandoned and oppressed widows. In this way, the MOJ’s literally fulfil the passage, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (Jas 1:27 RSV-CE).
More importantly, what isn’t directly expressed in the MOJ name is the spiritual motivation behind their mission as a community. Combined with the apostolate of serving orphans and widows, the MOJ’s pattern their lives after the Spirit of Christ, who emptied himself and took the form of a slave (cf. Phil 2: 6-11). And so, “discipleship” for the MOJ’s involves the lowering of one’s own status or the divestment of one’s own “glory” in order to authentically serve and uplift the least of Jesus’ brothers and sisters (cf. Mt. 25:40).
But, why should YOU support an unknown religious order like the MOJ’s? I would say there are three reasons. First, while the MOJ’s are not yet canonically recognized as an order, they do have “ad experimentum” status from their principal Bishop in Bafang, Cameroon. Secondly, I have seen the MOJ’s in action and lived with them during my recent stay. I can personally vouch for their incredible devotion and dedication to God, both individually and as a community. And, finally, because I have known the MOJ Founder, Deacon Leo for 16 years. He has his faults like anyone, but I believe his mission, as he lives it and carries it out, is from God.
The MOJ’s are truly a community of pioneers, not officially recognized yet, and, thus, not as respected as more established orders. This partly explains to me why they are so devoted and dedicated to Christ, to prayer, and to their mission work. The MOJ’s invite you to join them in their pioneer mission of self-emptying love and service for the orphans and widows whom they call their “masters”.