Michael OKEOLA

 

The Catholic Diocese of Oyo on Sunday joined the universal Church in celebrating the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, drawing a large assembly of the faithful in a vibrant display of worship, devotion and public witness. The celebration, which marks the end of the liturgical year, featured a solemn Mass and a spirited procession through the streets, proclaiming the eternal Kingship of Jesus Christ.

 

In his homily, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, reflected on the deep meaning of the feast, describing it as the very heart of Christian faith. He noted that despite the hatred, persecution and trials faced by Christians across the world—from Northern Nigeria to Gaza and Yemen—the faith continues to flourish. “From twelve disciples to more than two billion believers today, Christianity continues to stand strong. This is proof of the sovereignty of Christ the King,” he said.

 

Drawing from Colossians 1:12–20, the Bishop explained that Christ is the image of the unseen God and the One through whom all things were created. The cross, he said, once a symbol of suffering, has become the mark of victory and the identity of Christian discipleship. He reminded the faithful that they do not follow Christ for material gain or the disappearance of life’s problems, but because God has delivered them from darkness and brought them into the Kingdom of His Son, where true freedom and forgiveness of sins are found.

 

Addressing the harsh realities facing the nation, the Bishop acknowledged the killings, kidnappings and widespread insecurity affecting many Nigerians. Quoting Revelation 2:5 and Revelation 5:12, he urged the faithful to return to their first love and continue proclaiming that Jesus is Lord in every circumstance. He affirmed that though the country is troubled, “God always has a plan,” and His people must remain steadfast in faith.

 

He also clarified recent misconceptions about a so-called “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, recalling Pope Leo XIV’ teaching that every human life is precious. “If there is a genocide, it is a genocide against Nigerians,” the Bishop said, stressing that Christians, Muslims and all people share the same human dignity. He called on leaders entrusted with authority and national resources to act responsibly, while expressing gratitude for the relative peace enjoyed in the western region and the efforts of government in maintaining security.

 

Members of the laity also expressed their reflections on the celebration. Sir Julius Kadri Idowu of the Knight of St. John International described the Christ the King solemnity as one of the greatest feasts in the Catholic Church, reminding believers of the triumph and universal reign of Jesus Christ. He added that anyone who participates wholeheartedly in the celebration receives God’s abundant blessings.

 

Sir Oyekunle Michael Oyelayo highlighted the significance of the celebration as the close of the liturgical year and the gateway into Advent. He explained that the procession is an act of evangelization, giving Catholics the opportunity to bear witness to Christ publicly. According to him, many people have received miracles and blessings during processions, with testimonies often shared in the following year.

 

Mr. John Idowu Oladiipo of the Christ the King Society noted that the solemnity is being celebrated simultaneously in their sister parishes—Christ the King Catholic Church Isokun, St. Francis Catholic Church Awe and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Agunpopo—who join in thanksgiving for God’s blessings. He prayed for continued protection over the Diocese and for God’s guidance over the bishop.

 

As the celebration drew to a close, the faithful offered intense prayers for the release of all kidnapped, oppressed, and persecuted Nigerians, entrusting the nation to the Kingship of Christ who came “that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” The liturgy ended with a renewed proclamation that, in every circumstance—from joy to suffering—Jesus Christ is Lord, yesterday, today, and forever. The Christ the King solemnity once again renewed hope, strengthened unity among the faithful, and reminded all that no matter the trials faced, the Kingdom and the power and the glory belong to Christ forever.