By Sr. Grace Akunna John-Emezi, HHCJ
During the Christ the King celebration, from one city to another, across many African countries, major roads were completely blocked with innumerable Catholics dancing to both local and liturgical rhythms. The feast draws together people of all faiths: some jubilant, some kneeling, and others standing in awe at the enthusiasm of Catholics of every age on this great day.
To understand the creative power of a Catholic community, all one needs is to watch the artistic imagination that emerges to make this day memorable. For some priests, it becomes the moment to remind their community that they are sons of the soil—waiting until the end of the procession to join the dancing floor and challenge the troupe with their own steps.
In my years of existence, I have seen different styles and modalities of celebrating the solemnity of Christ the King. Yet beyond all the exuberance that accompanies this feast, it invites us to contemplate how Catholic liturgy can be deeply integrated into our African culture of love, celebration, and service. The firing of local cannons as the priest carrying the Blessed Sacrament passes through clans and villages—especially in eastern Nigeria and across many African countries—remains an image that returns to me each year.
What I witnessed this year, and in many years before, makes me appreciate the beauty of allowing culture to embellish our belief system. The enthusiasm of our people—young and old—before the Real Presence of Christ the High Priest, Christ the King of Kings, fills me with awe. This solemnity helps me encounter Christ in a uniquely African way: through community, compassion, hospitality, resilience, and shared joy. His kingship resonates deeply in a society where leadership is exercised through communal belonging and service.
The enthusiasm of our people before the Real Presence is itself a catechesis—an embodied proclamation that Christ reigns in the joy and dignity of every community.
Pope Francis recently emphasized that Christ rules through humility and closeness to the poor. In his message for the World Day of the Poor (2019), he described Christ as the King who identifies with the least, calling believers to “make His kingdom present through mercy and compassion.” This spirit is alive across Africa: in religious communities, parishes, small Christian communities, and the many lay faithful serving among the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. In this way, the Church becomes what Lumen Gentium 44 calls it: a visible sign of what God’s Kingdom will look like.
Unfortunately, Africa also bears many examples of leadership that do not reflect the servant-leadership Christ calls for. Too many leaders neglect the poor, ignore the sick, and disregard justice and peace. Their leadership is often marked by intimidation, privilege, and self-interest. Through the annual celebration of Christ the King, the Church offers a challenge—both spiritual and moral—to African leaders, religious and political alike.
The liturgy of Christ the King is a mirror. It reminds Africa that true authority is service, and true power is compassion.
Christ the King in Africa is more than a solemnity; it is a prophetic reminder that the reign of God grows wherever people choose mercy over dominance, service over status, and community over control. It is an invitation for Africa to shape its leadership—political, ecclesial, and cultural—after the One who rules from a Cross, not a throne, with open arms, not clenched fists.
