Legio Maria: Remove 6 Teeth so Jesus can Recognise You
You might have heard about Legio Maria, a Christian group, but there's a lot more to their story than what initially meets the eye.
Legio Maria is an African religious movement that gained popularity among the Luo people in western Kenya. What's intriguing is that they follow their own Messiah, Melkio Simeo (also known as Ondeto), and have their unique beliefs.
One unusual requirement for acceptance as a true believer in this religion is the removal of six lower teeth.
According to their doctrine, after Jesus died, he resurrected in Africa as Melkio Semeo Ondeto. This resurrected Jesus commanded people to extract their six lower teeth so that he could recognize his faithful servants when they reached the kingdom of heaven. Apparently, it would be hard for him to remember someone who hadn't followed this dental directive.
The Legio Maria movement began in 1961 and boasts a following of approximately 3.5 to 4 million people across East Africa.
Legio Maria: Remove 6 Teeth so Jesus can Recognise You
Interestingly, many Legio Maria members outside Kenya are unaware of the religion's origin, yet nearly all of them have dutifully removed those six teeth.
Their faith centers around Jesus Christ of Nazareth and his mother, Mary. Although they sometimes gather in Catholic churches, their headquarters differ from mainstream Christianity.
There's also a sacred tree that cannot be cut down because it's believed to hold extraordinary power—it's the very spot where Melkio first appeared after his resurrection.
Furthermore, the Legio Maria community reveres their own Gethsemane, a historic place tied to their beliefs. According to their tradition, the sacrament fell from heaven onto a specific stone they consider holy.
Interestingly, they rely on traditional medicine or herbal remedies, which their priests prepare and then spray over the faithful. The Legio Maria story is a fascinating blend of faith, history, and unique practices.
