The Catholic Church worldwide celebrated the Solemnity of Christ as King of the Universe on Sunday, November 24, 2024. In Nigeria, on same day, the Church also commemorated the feast of Corpus Christi, which was rescheduled from June to November, owing to the rainy season. During the Holy Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Tedi-Muwo, Lagos, Rev. Fr. Calistus Onyeanusi, the officiating priest in his homily, emphasised that Jesus, though a King, ruled with merciful love, humility, compassion, and died a sacrificial death. “Jesus’ Kingship is not of this world. Encounter Him to live a good Christian life. Be optimistic in your needs, for nothing is impossible before God”, he said.
Fr. Onyeanusi noted that the Solemnity of Christ the King of the universe is the last Sunday in ordinary time and marks the end of the Catholic calendar year for 2024, adding that it also gives way to a new cycle that commences with Advent. The highlight of the celebration was the administering of first Holy Communion on 85 candidates, a significant milestone in the spiritual journey of the receivers. The Parish later celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi with a grand procession on major roads in Tedi Town, dancing, praising God and proclaiming Jesus as King of the Universe. The atmosphere was filled with devotion and joy, as the congregation celebrated the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Rev. Fr. Anthony Thompson, the Parish Priest and Rev. Fr. Luke Okwaraudu, Associate Priest, and Rev. Fr. Onyeanusi, a visiting priest, took turns in carrying the Monstrance containing the consecrated host, representing the body and blood of Jesus Christ, during the procession.
The Solemnity was concluded with Eucharistic adoration. The Corpus Christi procession is an annual tradition in the Catholic Church, commemorating the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. It is a time for Catholics to reflect on the significance of the sacrament and express gratitude for the gift of Jesus’ body and blood.
