By Juliana Uzoka

For the first time in over two decades, Catholic faithful in the city of Jos processed through the streets to mark the Solemnity of Christ the King. The event, held on Sunday, November 24, signified the lifting of a 20-year ban on public processions by the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Jos, which had been imposed due to conflicts that engulfed the state.

The procession commenced at 3:00 PM, the Hour of Divine Mercy, from St. Theresa’s Catholic Church. It was led by the Archbishop of Jos, Most Revd. Matthew Ishaya Audu, alongside three deaneries—Fatima, St. Theresa, and CIC. The faithful moved through West of Mines to Standard Junction before arriving at St. Louis Catholic Church, the final destination. The solemn journey was marked by fervent worship, with Mass Servers ringing bells – a call for Adoration; participants chanting hymns, and kneeling in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

At St. Louis Catholic Church, Archbishop Audu during the homily, emphasized the unique nature of Christ’s kingship. “Jesus’ Kingship is not to be served but to serve,” he said, referencing Matthew 20:28: He contrasted Christ’s model of leadership with earthly rulers, who “dominate their subjects and exercise undue power.”

“Jesus Christ leads his people with love, not oppression,” the Archbishop stated. “His kingship is about guiding, protecting, and saving people, ultimately leading them into God’s presence.” He reminded the congregation that Christ’s teachings call for practical acts of love, citing Matthew 25:35-36: “When I was hungry, you gave me food; when I was thirsty, you gave me drink…”

The Archbishop also reflected on the Feast’s broader significance, which concludes the Catholic liturgical calendar. He noted that Pope Pius XI instituted the Feast of Christ the King in 1925 to combat secularism and honor Christ’s sovereignty over all creation. The celebration calls Christians to acknowledge Jesus as the King of Kings and invites them to live out his values of truth, justice, and love.

Simultaneously, other deaneries in the Archdiocese held processions. Kuru deanery began at St. Mathias Gasen and ended at Martyrs of Uganda, Gor, while Bukuru deanery processed from St. Peter Gyel to St. Jarlath Bukuru. Each procession culminated in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and reflections on Christ’s kingship.

Archbishop Audu’s homily highlighted biblical foundations of Jesus’ kingship, drawing from Daniel 7:13-14, which speaks of the Messiah receiving everlasting dominion, and Isaiah 9:6-7, which describes a ruler who establishes justice and peace. The Archbishop also referenced the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary in Luke 1:32-33: “The Lord will give him the throne of his father David, and of his kingdom, there will be no end.”

He shared a story about a knight named Sir Erasmus, who, in his zeal, created enemies for his king. “As soldiers of Christ, we must learn to fight with the weapons of truth and love,” the Archbishop urged, adding, “The sword of God’s word, wielded with meekness, is enough to spread Christ’s kingdom on earth.”

As the Feast of Christ the King invites reflection on the nature of Jesus’ reign, Archbishop Audu challenged the faithful to cultivate humility and love in their dealings with others. “Today, let us ask ourselves: how far have we responded to Christ’s invitation to cultivate his mind in our lives?” he asked. He concluded with a prayer: “Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto yours.”

Also, the Parish Priest of St. Louis Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Anthony Fom, highlighted the centrality of love and service in leadership during his homily for the feast of Christ the King.

Fr. Fom reminded the faithful that Christ’s ultimate act of love was giving His life for humanity. “Our hearts should be set on fire in remembering Jesus’ love for us,” he said, urging believers to spread the good news of His Kingdom. He emphasized that the transformative power of Christ’s love should inspire others to encounter Him through their actions.

Reflecting on the call to truth, Fr. Fom noted, “As Christ bore witness to the truth, lived by it, and died for it, we too are called to speak only the truth.” He called on the faithful to under the truth received at Baptism, not only to speak it but to embody it in their daily lives.

The parish priest said the feast of Christ the King reminds all to align their lives with Christ’s example of sacrificial love and unwavering truth.

Speaking to TWE News, Sir Joseph Ari, KSS, President Papal Awardee in the Jos Archdiocese, reflected on the spiritual significance of the day. “Jesus’ Kingship reminds us that we should not bother about the kingship of this world. We have a permanent Master, whom we look up to and whom we want to reunite with during our resurrection,” he said. He further explained that the Solemnity is a reminder that Christians will one day reunite with Christ in His heavenly Kingdom.

Commenting on the reopening of the Christ the King street procession, Sir Ari highlighted its importance as a public declaration of faith and hope. “It indicates the Kingship and presence of God in Jos. It goes to show the world that permanent peace is on the way,” he noted, adding that peace is the foundation for sustainable development in Plateau State. He urged the people of the state to continue to live in peace and harmony.

Similarly, Rev. Sr. Florence Abang, of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus and Matron of Ganaka School, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the supremacy of Christ’s reign. “Whatever is of the world terminates here on earth, while Jesus’ Kingship reigns forever,” she stated. Expressing her excitement at the procession’s return, she remarked, “It is not stressful.”

Lady Rose Agur, Education Secretary of the Archdiocese, shared her spiritual fulfillment from the celebration. Despite mourning the loss of a family member, she prioritized attending the feast, affirming her unwavering faith. “Jesus protects, guides, and leads us, so we need to give Him due respect,” she said.

The celebration concluded with prayers for peace and blessings upon the city of Jos and Plateau State, as the faithful expressed gratitude for the renewed opportunity to publicly affirm their devotion to Christ the King.