ABSTRACT

The paper delves into the unique character of Catholic knighthood, explicitly focusing on the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba and contrasting it with secret societies. It discusses the knights' core values, spirituality and operations by critically examining primary and secondary literature on the subject matter. An important discovery is that the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba was established as a counterforce to the activities of secret societies, particularly among the Nigerian elites. Their operations are deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition, with a spirituality that centres on trust in God, justice, and service to others. As an ecclesial organisation, the Order operates with transparency and complete obedience to Church authority, a sharp departure from the clandestine nature of secret societies and their anti-Christian beliefs and practices. By examining the Order's mission and activities, the paper underscores its role as a beacon of the Catholic faith, inspiring respect and admiration for its steadfast commitment to challenging the influence of secret societies in today's Nigerian society.