The Truth About Fake Catholic Churches in Nigeria: How to Spot a Genuine Catholic Mass.

Earlier today, I made a post saying, “Not all Catholic priests are Roman Catholic priests.” Sounds confusing, right? Well, that was exactly the point—to get people thinking! I wanted to open up a conversation with my online parishioners about the beautiful diversity within the Catholic Church, especially when it comes to the different rites and traditions.

But guess what? The comment section and My Dm  turned into a mini investigation room! From what I gathered, there are already quite a number of churches in Nigeria calling themselves “Catholic”—but many of them are not in communion with Rome, and some aren’t even part of the 23 legitimate Eastern Catholic Churches. They’re independent groups started by individuals who simply attach “Catholic” to their names to sound authentic or authoritative.

Let’s be real: not everyone who wears a collar or celebrates “Mass” under the name Catholic is actually connected to the Roman Catholic Church or any of the Eastern Catholic Churches in union with the Pope.

Take, for instance, the Old Catholic Apostolic Church (OCAC). They operate in Nigeria and claim to follow the original teachings of the Church, but they’re not under the authority of the Pope. In fact, in 2024, the Diocese of Ahiara (Imo State) had to issue a statement distancing themselves from someone claiming to be a priest from the OCAC. Why? Because he's not a Roman Catholic priest, and his sacraments aren’t valid according to our faith.

Another example is from Enugu, where a group calling themselves the Old Roman Catholic Church have been holding liturgies that mimic the Roman Rite. The Catholic Diocese of Enugu came out clearly and said, “These guys are NOT us.” Despite dressing the part and using familiar prayers, they’re not in union with the Universal Church.

So here’s my gentle pastoral advice:

Be vigilant. Before attending a Mass or receiving any sacrament, 

make sure the church is truly Roman Catholic—or at least one of the 23 legitimate Catholic Churches in communion with the Pope. If you’re unsure, ask a trusted priest or check with your local diocese.

Remember, using the word "Catholic" doesn’t automatically make something Catholic in truth. Let’s stay alert, informed, and faithful.

Stay blessed and guided!

The 23 are as follows;

1. Alexandrian Tradition

1. Coptic Catholic Church

2. Eritrean Catholic Church

3. Ethiopian Catholic Church

2. Antiochian (West Syrian) Tradition

4. Maronite Church

5. Syriac Catholic Church

6. Syro-Malankara Catholic Church

3. Armenian Tradition

7. Armenian Catholic Church

4. Chaldean (East Syrian) Tradition

8. Chaldean Catholic Church

9. Syro-Malabar Catholic Church

5. Byzantine (Constantinopolitan) Tradition

10. Albanian Greek Catholic Church

11. Belarusian Greek Catholic Church

12. Bulgarian Greek Catholic Church

13. Greek Catholic Church of Croatia and Serbia

14. Greek Catholic Church of Macedonia

15. Greek Catholic Church of Hungary

16. Italo-Albanian Catholic Church

17. Melkite Greek Catholic Church

18. Romanian Greek Catholic Church

19. Russian Greek Catholic Church

20. Ruthenian Greek Catholic Church

21. Slovak Greek Catholic Church

22. Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church

23. Latin (Western) Church

©Fada Prince Chidi

The Catholic Knights – Warriors for God or Occultic Brotherhood in Disguise?

Let’s talk about something people whisper about but rarely say out loud: What’s really going on with the so-called Catholic “Knights” in our churches today?

I mean, let’s be honest. When you hear “Knight of Saint Mulumba” what comes to mind? Is it a prayerful servant of God… or a rich man in agbada with a big ring, bigger stomach, and even bigger secrets?

Let’s talk about a group in the Catholic Church that everyone knows—but few truly understand: The Knights. You’ve seen them in big robes, sitting in front during Mass, sometimes moving like VIPs. But who are they really?

A knight is traditionally a military warrior who has been granted an honorary title for service, bravery, or loyalty—often tied to religious and moral codes like chivalry.

In the Catholic Church context, a knight is typically a lay member of a religious order or brotherhood who pledges to live out Christian values through charity, service, and defense of the faith.

Historically, the idea of knights started in Europe during the Crusades (around 11th–13th century). These were not just rich men in robes—they were real warriors who protected Christians traveling to the Holy Land, fought in battles to defend the Church, and even helped the poor and sick. Think of Knights Templar, Knights of Malta, and Knights Hospitaller.

These men took vows—yes, like priests!—of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They were known for discipline, prayer, and courage but they are not priests. 

Today’s Knights: What Happened?

In modern times, we still have knight groups like:

• Knights of Columbus (worldwide)

• Knights of Saint Mulumba (common in Nigeria)

These are laymen (not priests) who vow to defend the Church, support charitable works, and live good Catholic lives.

But let’s be honest—many people don’t trust them anymore. Why?

From Knights to Night Men – What Nigerian Movies like "The Mighty Men, Occult Knights, and The Order" depict supposed Catholic knights as wealthy men masking occultic activities behind a cross and title. While dramatized, these stories reflect real societal fears: that some “knights” use their positions for influence, not faith.

In many Nigerian movies, knights are portrayed as rich men hiding behind the cross, using their title to cover up occult practices. Some may say, “Father, is this not true?” And I say: in some cases, yes. Some have used their titles for manipulation, politics, and control, not for Christ.

But there are still many genuine Catholic knights:

• Men who sponsor poor children through school.

• Knights who help build churches in villages.

• Knights who pray the Rosary daily and lead their families in faith.

• Knights who give generously—not to show off, but to serve God.

So, Are Knights Still Important?

Yes—but only when they are true to Christ.

The Church needs men of courage, faith, and love—not just title holders who disappear when there’s work, but show up when there’s praise.

We need knights who:

• Defend the weak

• Speak truth in corrupt systems

• Serve the poor without expecting applause

• Live holy, humble lives

If you're already a knight, ask yourself:

• Am I representing Jesus or just chasing status?

• Do people see light in me—or darkness?

And if you're not a knight, remember: Every Christian is called to be a spiritual knight—a warrior for truth, justice, and love.

Don’t just wear the robe. Wear the armor of God. 

Rev Fr Prince Chidi Philip

Not All Catholic Priests Are Roman Catholic Priests!

Wait—Did You Know? Not All Catholic Priests Are Roman Catholic Priests!

Sounds wild, right? But it’s true!

Most of the time when people hear “Catholic priest,” they think of a man in black with a Roman collar, probably under the Pope’s leadership in Rome. That’s the Roman Catholic priest. But here’s the catch:

There are Catholic priests who aren’t Roman Catholic. And they’re just as Catholic!

So, who are these “other” Catholic priests?

They belong to what's called the Eastern Catholic Churches—these are Catholic Churches with different traditions, different styles of Mass, and even… wait for it… some married priests!

These churches include:

• Maronite Catholic

• Byzantine Catholic

• Chaldean Catholic

• Melkite Catholic, and more!

They are fully united with the Pope in Rome, believe in the same core teachings, and receive the same Eucharist—but they don’t always follow the Roman (Latin) way of doing things.

How Did This Happen?

It goes all the way back to a church breakup in 1054 AD, called the Great Schism. The Church in the West (Rome) and the Church in the East (Constantinople) had some major disagreements:

• Who’s in charge? (Rome or Constantinople?)

• Can priests marry?

• What’s the correct wording in the Creed?

• And how much authority should the Pope really have?

So, the Church split—some went the Roman way, and others the Eastern way. Over time, some Eastern groups came back into unity with Rome, but they kept their unique styles, including their own Catholic priests who are not Roman Catholic.

So, What Should We Remember?

• All Roman Catholic priests are Catholic.

• But not all Catholic priests are Roman Catholic.

• And that’s okay! The Church is one big family with many rooms—same faith, different expressions!

Now you can impress your friends at Bible study or catechism class:

“Hey, did you know Catholic priests aren’t all Roman?”

©Rev Fr Prince Chidi Philip

Holy Thursday: A Sacred First for MePriestly vows/promises Renewal Day

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Today isn’t just another day in Holy Week—it’s Holy Thursday, a day rich in meaning, tradition, and grace. But for me, it carries a special, once-in-a-lifetime significance: it’s my first time participating in the Chrism Mass and renewing my priestly vows as a newly ordained priest.

So, what exactly is the Chrism Mass?

Held in cathedrals around the world, the Chrism Mass is a beautiful liturgy where the bishop gathers with all the priests of the diocese. During this Mass, three sacred oils are blessed:

• The Oil of Catechumens (used in baptism),

• The Oil of the Sick (for anointing the sick), and

• The Sacred Chrism (used in baptism, confirmation, and ordination).

These oils will be used throughout the year in parishes—so in a way, today's Mass is a spiritual supply day for the entire Church!

But there's more.

The Chrism Mass is also when priests renew their priestly promises. Standing shoulder to shoulder with brother priests, we respond to the bishop's invitation to renew our commitment to serve God’s people with love, integrity, and joy. It's like a spiritual anniversary reminder—a chance to go back to the "why" of our vocation and rekindle the fire that led us here.

And for me—this year—it’s my first.

My first Chrism Mass.

My first renewal of vows.

My first Holy Thursday as a priest.

As the oils are lifted, and the promises echoed, I silently pray:

"He who calls me is faithful, and He will do it." (1 Thess 5:24)

May this Holy Thursday pour out fresh oil on every priest, every faithful heart, and may the spirit of service and joy be renewed in us all.

© Fada Prince Chidi Philip

Why Nigeria Catholic Church Doesn’t Have Permanent Deacons (Yet) – And Why That Might Change.

One day you might be calling your neighbor not just “Mr. Okonkwo,” but “Deacon Okonkwo”—and that wouldn’t be a bad thing at all. Let's scoop deeper..

In the Catholic Church, when you hear "deacon," most people think of someone on their way to becoming a priest. You know, the transitional deacon—the pit stop before the altar. But lo and behold, there's another type that doesn’t always get the spotlight: the Permanent Deacon.

Think of the permanent deacon as the Church’s version of a Swiss Army knife. He's ordained, wears the clerical collar, preaches at Mass, baptizes, officiates weddings, conducts funerals, and sometimes even pulls double duty as your favorite uncle at family events. But here’s the twist—he doesn’t become a priest, and he might even have a wife and kids at home!

So, who is he? 

A permanent deacon is a man (often married) who feels called to serve the Church not just for a season but for a lifetime—permanently, hence the name. He lives among the people, works like the people, and yet serves like Christ the Servant. He’s a bridge between the sanctuary and the street, the pulpit and the people.

Why is this awesome? 

Because the Church gets more workers in the vineyard! With priests often stretched thin, the permanent deacon can take some pressure off, allowing the priest to focus more on the sacraments and pastoral care. It’s teamwork, really—divine teamwork.

Now, let’s talk Nigeria… You might ask, “If this is so good, why don’t we see more of them in countries like Nigeria?” Good question.

Here’s the scoop: In many African countries—Nigeria included—the idea of the permanent diaconate hasn’t fully taken root. Not because the people aren’t worthy, or the Church doesn’t care, but because of a mix of cultural, pastoral, and practical reasons.

Cultural Perception: In Nigeria, many still see the hierarchy as priest-or-nothing. If you’re wearing a collar, people assume you’re on your way to priesthood. A deacon who stays a deacon? It’s unfamiliar territory. People might start whispering, "Did he fail seminary?" 

Clerical Identity: Some bishops are cautious. They fear that introducing married clergy (even in the form of deacons) could confuse the faithful or blur the lines in a country where clerical respect is deeply tied to celibacy.

Vocations Abundance: Ironically, Nigeria has been blessed with a high number of priestly vocations. So some bishops may feel there’s no urgent need to “supplement” with permanent deacons.

Formation and Structure: Establishing a permanent diaconate program isn’t just about saying “yes.” It requires proper formation, support systems, ongoing training, and clear roles. Some dioceses are still building this infrastructure.

But times are changing… As parish populations grow, priests become fewer in some regions, and communities need more outreach—some bishops are starting to reconsider. The idea of a married man who knows village life, local culture, and Church doctrine is sounding more like a blessing and less like a theological headache.

Permanent deacons may not yet be a common sight in Nigeria, but their time might be coming. They are the Church’s servant-leaders, ready to preach, baptize, and even help set up the church tent when the choir gets too loud. They are proof that the Church has room for more than one path to holiness and service.

Rev. Brothers vs. Permanent Deacons:

Rev. Brothers vs. Permanent Deacons: Who Can get married,  Raise a Family and Who Can’t Even Date?

Rev. Brother

A Rev. Brother is like that super-dedicated guy who said to Jesus,

"I’m all in. No wife, no wealth, just You and Your mission."

He lives in a religious community (like the Franciscans, Salesians, etc.).

He takes vows—usually poverty, chastity, and obedience.

He doesn’t get married. Nope. Not even maybe.

No wife, no dating, no “future Mrs. Just a rev Brother.”

He’s not a priest. That means:

No Mass, no Confession, no Anointing.

But he does a LOT of other amazing things: teaching, helping the poor, youth ministry, you name it!

Now, Meet Permanent Deacon

And yes—he’s a clergy member too!

A Permanent Deacon is ordained through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. He’s the real deal. Clergy with a capital “C.”

He can preach homilies, baptize babies, marry couples, bless stuff, etc

But he can’t say Mass, can’t consecrate the Eucharist, and can’t hear confessions.

That’s the priest’s lane.

Permanent Deacons can be married—but only if they were married before being ordained.

Once ordained, if they’re single, they stay single. If they’re married and their wife dies… sorry, no remarriage.