Catholic Bishops have implemented a ban on the use of phones, social media, and other distractions during mass to encourage reverence and focus on worship.
Mobile phones will no longer be used by Catholic priests and their congregation during mass.
Following the restriction imposed by the Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Facebook and other social media platforms are now prohibited for use.
The CBCN has prohibited the unsuitable importation of secular music during liturgical ceremonies, exploitation of the pulpit for personal purposes, seeking revenge against congregants, inappropriate dancing (even when using a monstrance that contains Eucharist), and improper attire worn by both priests and laypeople.
A circular dated August 15, 2024 addressed certain misdeeds and deviations.
During his sermon at St. Theresa’s Parish in Wumba, titled “Taste And See That The Lord Is Good!”, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese announced that he had conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on 200 parishioners.
According to him, the Catholic Bishops in Nigeria released a circular on August 15, 2024 highlighting several deviant acts like priests using phones while conducting Mass and members of the congregation taking calls or browsing Facebook during worship.
The liturgy’s arbitrary distortion stems from a frantic pursuit of inculturation, leading to the disrespectful handling of the Eucharist.
Changing the format of religious ceremonies through excessive fundraising during liturgical celebrations and creating new rituals, such as placing children on the altar for dedication despite Church doctrine stating that baptism already serves this purpose.
Kaigama and the CBCN have identified additional deviations, such as bringing secular music into worship services, engaging in inappropriate dancing – even with the Eucharist present in a monstrance -, dressing improperly for liturgical celebrations amongst both priests and laypeople alike, misusing sermons to seek personal benefits or settle disagreements with parishioners.
As Catholics, we view the Eucharist as a potent tool for catalyzing societal change. It has the ability to curb moral decay, combat criminal activity and acts of cruelty against others, expose corruption at all levels – among both those in positions of power and individuals from impoverished backgrounds alike -,and hold accountable businesspeople who engage in price gouging or peddle counterfeit goods.
Peoplesmind
