Exuberance and Sobriety: Dominican Priest Calls for Balance in African Liturgy at Osogbo Diocesan Seminar

The Catholic Diocese of Osogbo recently hosted its 2026 Diocesan Presbyterial Pastoral Seminar, where priests, religious, and lay faithful gathered for theological reflection and pastoral renewal. One of the highlights of the seminar was a thought-provoking presentation titled “Exuberance and Sobriety” delivered by Rev. Fr. Anthony Akinwale, O.P., who called for a deeper understanding of the balance between African cultural expression and reverent worship within Catholic liturgy.

Akahi News gathered that the presentation centred on the need to harmonise African exuberance with the sobriety traditionally associated with liturgical worship, stressing that both elements are essential to authentic Christian celebration.

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The Historical Journey of the Faith in Africa

Fr. Akinwale reflected on the historical arrival of Christianity in Africa through missionary efforts from Europe and North America. According to him, the faith inevitably arrived clothed in the culture and temperament of its transmitters, particularly evident in the structure and tone of the liturgy.

He noted that early liturgical expressions often reflected restraint and solemnity, sometimes appearing distant from the expressive nature of African spirituality. Yet, he emphasised that despite cultural limitations, African Christians genuinely encountered God through these forms of worship.

Akahi News learnt that the priest cautioned against dismissing earlier liturgical forms, explaining that God continues to reveal Himself even through imperfect human expressions. However, he stressed that this does not remove the responsibility of African Christians to shape liturgies that speak authentically to their cultural identity while preserving sacred reverence.

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Encounter with God: The Root of Sobriety and Joy

Drawing from biblical narratives such as the call of Isaiah and Simon Peter, Fr. Akinwale explained that liturgy is fundamentally an encounter with God. Such encounters, he said, naturally produce sobriety — a sense of awe, humility, and reflection before the divine presence.

This sobriety, however, does not suppress joy. Rather, it gives birth to authentic celebration. In African contexts, this joy finds expression through singing, clapping, drumming, and dancing.

According to the Dominican priest, sobriety and exuberance are not opposing forces but complementary realities. The contemplation of divine mysteries leads to joyful action, just as deep prayer leads to love of neighbour. In this sense, liturgy becomes both contemplative and active, reflecting the fullness of Christian life.

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The Need for Balance in African Liturgical Practice

Fr. Akinwale warned that imbalance in either direction could weaken worship. Excessive restraint may suffocate cultural expression, while uncontrolled exuberance risks shifting attention away from God.

Akahi News gathered that he urged worshippers and liturgical planners to consciously ensure that music, dance, and artistic expressions remain means of prayer rather than performances that distract from divine encounter.

He noted that when singing and dancing dominate to the extent that contemplation becomes impossible, the liturgy risks losing its sacred character. At such moments, the focus may shift from worship of God to admiration of performers, blurring the distinction between Eucharistic celebration and entertainment.

The priest therefore advocated moderation, simplicity, and intentionality in liturgical celebrations, arguing that brevity and clarity often deepen prayer rather than diminish it.

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Liturgy as Art and Communion with God

In his concluding reflections, Fr. Akinwale described liturgy as an art that reveals the depths of the human spirit. True liturgical art, he explained, facilitates communion with God and leads worshippers into deeper awareness of divine presence.

When artistic expression supports prayer, it becomes sacred; when it distracts from prayer, it loses its liturgical value. The challenge for African Christianity, he said, is not to abandon exuberance but to refine it so that worship remains prayerful, meaningful, and centred on God.

Observers at the seminar noted that the presentation sparked thoughtful conversations among participants on the future of liturgical practice in African dioceses, particularly in balancing cultural identity with universal Catholic tradition.

As the Church in Africa continues to grow, reflections such as these underscore the ongoing effort to ensure that worship remains both authentically African and deeply rooted in the spiritual heritage of the universal Church.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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