“If we unite as one people under God, and our leaders do the right thing, Nigeria will be a safer and better place to live in,” he said.
Speaking to ACI Africa at the event, the National Chaplain of M.O.D, Fr. Victor Ogunyemi, noted that members’ work in maintaining order during liturgical celebrations does not hinder them from attending Holy Mass.
“We ensure that their spirituality is not lacking by having spiritual programs like retreats and all-night vigils. Standing out there, you are connected to the Mass. It’s not about being far away from prayers, “Fr. Ogunyemi said.
He emphasized that the demanding nature of MOD duties requires members to be physically alert and mentally stable.
“The work of MOD is not just about standing at the church gates or maintaining order during Mass. It involves dealing with people in different states of mind, sometimes under tense situations. Without proper mental health awareness and training, it becomes easy for fatigue, stress, and emotional strain to affect performance,” the Catholic Priest said.
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He noted that mental health preparedness would equip members to respond calmly to unexpected incidents, reduce the risk of conflicts, and promote a more welcoming atmosphere for worshippers.
According to him, “When our members are mentally fit, they can handle pressure better, resolve issues peacefully, and ensure that the church remains a place of safety and reverence.”
Fr. Ogunyemi also appealed to Catholic Dioceses across Nigeria to integrate mental health modules into M.O.D formation programmes.
He emphasized that such training should be ongoing and complemented by spiritual formation.
“We train in liturgical order and physical security, but mental health is just as important. A healthy mind makes for a more effective ministry,” he said.
On his part, the National President of M.O.D Nigeria, Ambassador Matthew Nwaeze, described the organization as an important arm of the Church’s evangelization and moral formation, particularly for young people.
“You must be a Catholic and a communicant to join,” he said, and further explained, “We take young ones who are not yet communicants, guide them through Catechism, and help parents instill discipline in their children.”
He explained that the group operates both inside and outside Parish premises, maintaining order, protecting the Blessed Sacrament, and safeguarding Parishioners’ vehicles.
To ensure members stay on the right path, M.O.D assigns patrons and patronesses who mentor them.
“Many of our members have gone on to become Priests,” Mr. Nwaeze noted.
Addressing the inclusion of women, the president clarified that although the name “Men of Order” originated from male-only seminaries, the organization now welcomes female members, who receive guidance from female patronesses and religious sisters.
Citing some of the challenges that the organization grapples with, Nwaeze spoke mainly about inadequate funding, training, and security tools, saying, “We need scanners, communication radios, and more training opportunities.”
Appreciating Catholic Bishops in Nigeria for adopting and giving recognition to the M.O.D, he said, “This movement has been in existence for over 42 years, and we have hoped to continue to do our job despite the challenges.”
Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Catholic journalist with passion for Church communication and media apostolate. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Benue State University, Makurdi in Benue State Nigeria. He has a background in print, electronic and multi-media production.
