Canadian-Iraqi musician Ali Gatie’s hit song What If I Told You I Love You has inspired countless TikTok creations, including one by Rev. Fr. James Nwachukwu Anyaegbu, a Nigerian Catholic priest living in Scotland. In his version, Fr. Anyaegbu combines dance with education: as he grooves to the tune, his vestments change colors, each representing a liturgical season. Brief captions explain their significance—white for Christmas and Easter, purple for Lent, green for Ordinary Time, and red for Pentecost.
This creative and engaging approach has made the video go viral, drawing comments from both Catholics and non-Catholics who appreciated the knowledge and entertainment.
Fr. Anyaegbu, originally from Anambra, Nigeria, knew from the age of six that he wanted to be a priest. At 11, he entered a seminary in Abia State, and after 12 years of preparation, he was ordained in 2013. In 2015, he moved to Scotland with another Nigerian priest, Fr. Max Nwosu, to address the country’s priest shortage. Their work was even highlighted in a BBC documentary, Our Fathers.
Fr. Anyaegbu discovered TikTok during the pandemic lockdown in April 2020. Amid the platform’s endless comedic skits and dance routines, he noticed a lack of church-related content. Determined to fill this gap, he began creating videos that explain Catholic teachings, attracting a follower base of nearly 26,000.
Producing TikTok videos is not without challenges. Fr. Nwosu often helps with filming, while tools like InShot and Canva streamline the editing process. Despite the effort, some videos require multiple takes, especially when experimenting with new concepts or settings.
The priest sees social media as a crucial avenue for reaching young people, particularly in regions like Europe, where secularism is on the rise. His innovative approach aligns with his mission to make religious teachings accessible and engaging.
However, his online efforts have not been without backlash. Streaming masses on TikTok initially attracted criticism and trolling, with some viewers questioning the platform’s appropriateness for religious content. Other trolls have attacked his race or misunderstood Catholic practices like genuflection, which he attributes to ignorance.
Despite these challenges, Fr. Anyaegbu remains committed to leveraging digital platforms for evangelism. As Pope John Paul II once said, the internet is both a space for great potential and a medium for misunderstanding. Fr. Anyaegbu’s work underscores the Church’s ongoing efforts to adapt to modern communication methods, ensuring the faithful can connect with their beliefs in innovative ways.
To further this mission, Fr. Anyaegbu has established an online community where young Catholics can discuss their challenges, share doubts, and find encouragement in their faith journey.
