Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

Sunday 23rd November marks the last Sunday of the Church’s Liturgical Year, Circle C. The Sunday is also earmarked for the celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe. At St. Anne Parish, Ogbere, Ibadan, the Clergy and parishioners from the Mother parish and Outstations gathered together at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan for the celebration.  

The Chief Celebrant was Rev. Fr. Arnaud Aniou, CSJ while the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun and Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ikechukwu, CSJ concelebrated with Fr. Aniou. Introducing the Mass, Fr Aniou said: “ Dear Brothers and Sisters, today is the 34th Sunday we have this ordinary time, year C. we celebrate the solemnity of Christ the King, our Lord, Jesus Christ and indeed it is in His Kingship that we have come together to praise His name and to adorn our Lord and God.”

In his homily, the parish priest, Fr. Balogun affirmed that Christ wants to reign forever in our lives, if only we are not like those in the Gospel reading of the day (Luke 23:35-43), who abused, mocked and laughed at Him; even the thief. The priest however commended the other thief that stole heaven at the last moment and asked the congregation whether they are also standing firm in faith or joining the groups in the Gospel in mocking Christ, even as he added that some of the Christians today are worse than those that mocked Christ in the Gospel.

Giving the theme of his reflection: "The King of Love and the Lord of Life!" Fr Balogun described the kingship of Christ as that of love for all and admonished all to emulate Christ’s love by relating with people around them with love. He described Catholic Church as a Church that is after the salvation of souls, going by the various sacraments that the faithful received and not about what individual pays to receive those sacraments.

He enjoined the faithful as they all proclaim Christ in the course of the celebration to let people see that same Christ in them through their love for those around them. “Jesus is a King like no other! The sound of joy fills our hearts today as we celebrate the great feast of Christ the King. The Kingdom we proclaim today is a Kingdom of truth and life, holiness and grace, justice and peace. A Kingdom of true hope and salvation!!!” He urged all not to be discouraged for happiness lies in Christ and that only Him does what others cannot do. “The feast of today is a powerful reminder that Jesus is not just a teacher, healer, or prophet—He is Lord of all creation. The Lord of love and life. His kingship is unlike the authority of earthly rulers. Christ’s throne is the Cross, His crown is made of thorns, and His rule is one of mercy, truth, and sacrificial love.” The priest stated.

The cleric further disclosed that “authority of this earth will come and go and what remains is you”. He therefore warned those that are becoming masters or dictators over God to turn a new leaf and humble themselves. He prayed that God helps all to follow Him in sincerity of heart. “May we follow Him with trust, serve Him with joy, and allow His kingdom to shine through our words and actions. May this feast renew in us the desire to make Christ the center of our lives.”

The celebration witnessed thanksgiving by St. Cecilia Choir of the parish for their patron saint feast day celebration that took place a day earlier and that of the family of Ogunlusi, who just had their son, Vincent Ogunlusi baptized the day before.

The parishioners after the Mass had an adoration before embarking on a procession from the parish along the major roads in the area and concluded same at the Congregation of St. Joseph’s Community, Aba-Onde amidst singing and dancing.

The parish priest, Fr. Stephen Balogun appreciated the Josephite’s priests and seminarians, Sisters of Jesus the Saviour, Ogbere Community, the flower girls, choir and the entire parishioners from the mother parish and the outstations for their active participation in the celebration.