The Catholic community in Aba joined millions of faithful worldwide on Sunday, November 24, 2024, to mark the annual “Christ the King” procession, a celebration that proclaims Jesus Christ as the King of the world.
The event, which began with a Holy Mass celebrated by the Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, Bishop Dr. Augustine Ndubueze Echema, saw a massive turnout of worshippers. In his homily, Bishop Echema urged Christians to maintain the sanctity of their body and soul, emphasizing their roles as symbols of Christ on earth.
CATHOLIC BISHOP OF ABA DIOCESE BISHOP NDUBUEZE AUGUSTINE ECHEMA
At St. Ambrose Catholic Parish, Ogbor-Hill Aba, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Jacob Ugboaja, reminded the congregation of the importance of living lives that reflect Christ’s kingship in their homes, workplaces, schools, and all facets of life.
Sir Chinedu Amaku, a member of the Knights of St. John International, echoed these sentiments, urging Christians to let Christ be seen through their actions, describing this as the duty of every believer and “soldier of the cross.”
The vibrant procession featured flower girls, choristers, Eucharistic ministers, Knights and Ladies, Catholic Women Organization (CWO), Catholic Men Organization (CMO), and members of various pious societies adorned in their colorful regalia. The streets of Aba were filled with songs of praise and proclamations of Christ’s kingship, creating an atmosphere of devotion and celebration.
However, the event was not without tragedy. Amid the jubilant crowd, two women, aged between 65 and 70, collapsed during the procession and were rushed to Mendel Hospital on Market Road, Aba. Others affected by exhaustion and difficulty breathing were treated by a medical team accompanying the procession or taken to Victory Hospital, Aba.
While some individuals were successfully resuscitated, the two elderly women were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Their identities had not been confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
The tragic incident cast a somber note on an otherwise joyous event. Nevertheless, the Catholic community has been urged to take precautions during such gatherings, especially to ensure the safety of elderly and vulnerable participants.
The annual Christ the King procession remains a significant event for Catholics worldwide, serving as a public proclamation of faith and a reminder to Christians to reflect Christ’s love and kingship in their daily lives.
