As Catholics nationwide join their counterparts all over the world to celebrate the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Church leaders take a look at the meaning of the annual liturgical event also popularly known as the ‘Feast of Christ the King.”
‘His Humility: I should strive to be humble as my King was humble’
Solemnity of Christ the King is special and should be a very significant feast for every Christian and especially Catholics. It showed that although Christ was King of the Universe, He was humble. Even in His humility the world showed that His kingship was not ordinary by worshiping him. This then means that I should strive to be humble as my King was humble.
• Mrs. Chizube Igboanugo, Chairperson, Lagos Archdiocesan Laity Council
‘Is Christ more King of my life than a year ago?’
The final Sunday of the Church year, the feast of Christ the King, is the day we are invited to commemorate His sovereignty over all men, women and children. Jesus Christ has come, Jesus Christ is coming, Jesus Christ will come again. Jesus Christ is the Lord of All! The liturgical year begins on the first Sunday of Advent, and ends with the Feast of Christ the King. During the Liturgical year, we will re-live the life of Christ and try and enmesh ourselves in the kingdom He came to establish. It is right therefore to ask ourselves at the end of the year. “Is Christ more King of my life than a year ago?”
• Barr. Vincent Otiono, President, Lagos Archdiocesan Catholic Men Organisation (LACMON)
‘The Church celebrates the full authority of Christ as king and Lord of the Universe’
Christ the King Celebration is usually celebrated on the last Sunday in October but was moved to the last Sunday before Advent. At this time the Church celebrates the full authority of Christ as king and Lord of the Universe. Personally the feast of Christ the King means public proclamation of Christ as King –(EVANGELISATION). It’s a time we go a fishing for souls, reaching out to the incapacitated, giving them the opportunity of a one-on-one contact with the King of Kings. It is a time of establishing a new threshold for Christ while destroying the strongholds of gods and goddesses as he passes through the nooks and crannies of communities. The beauty of this Celebration is the transformation of lives and the extraordinary strength of believers as they pray, praise, sing and evangelise. May we continue to remain rejuvenated and happy as we celebrate Christ as our king in this new normal. May Christ the King our Solution answer our prayers Amen.
• Barr. (Chief ) Mrs. Philomena Omorodion , President, Catholic Women Organisation, Nigeria, Lagos Archdiocese (CWONLA)
‘It reminds me of Christ’s humility, simplicity in service and compassion for straying souls’
The Feast of Christ The King means for me a Joyful celebration of Jesus as King of the Universe. It reminds me that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us in a humble manner, but for an extraordinary task of reclaiming mankind back to God. The Feast offers us God’s undying Love and Presence in the person of His Son our Redeemer (Emmanuel, meaning “God-With-Us), with whom He renewed humanity in His Immortal image. It is also symbolic to me as a leader, because it reminds me of Christ’s Humility and simplicity in service and Compassion for straying souls.
Mr. Chijioke Ezugwu, President , Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON), Lagos Archdiocese
