Ebola crisis: Catholics respond favourably to internal directive

Recently, the Nigerian Catholic Bishops gave a directive to catholic priests all over the federation, to suspend  the ‘rite of peace’ also known as ‘sign of peace’, in order to prevent the spread of the virus through bodily contact. This is to remain like this in Catholic churches in Nigeria, until a cure for the virus is found.

This rite or sign of peace which is done during the mass, requires the congregation to greet each other by showing signs of affection either with handshake or hugs.

The directive was given early this week by the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Adewale Martins in a statement release titled: The outbreak of Ebola Virus – a pastoral approach. According to martins, the rite was optional and does not reduce the value of the celebration of the mass in which Catholics believe every part of the mass is vital. 

He said, “Taking into consideration the fact that this rite is optional, we shall henceforth omit it i.e. not invite people to offer the sign of peace. When you get to this rite, skip it”!

It read further, “Note also, that the recent Circular from the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments acknowledged this when it stated: ‘It is completely legitimate to affirm that it is not necessary to invite ‘mechanistically’ to exchange the sign of peace.’

The Archbishop told priests to maintain the traditional hand to mouth method of giving Holy Communion until a decision is reached on the issue next week when the bishops of the province meet.

Catholic churches in Lagos have adhered to the church’s effort to checkmate the spread of the Ebola virus as the “sign of peace” ritual, was skipped in virtually all catholic churches from last Sunday during masses.

Meanwhile, Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, Archbishop Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, has called for caution and prayers with the hope that the spread of the disease will be curtailed.

Similarly, Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has called for precautionary steps to avoid spread of the disease.

Catholics in Lagos state commented on the directives of the Bishop as LEGAL BUSINESScaught up with some Priests and parishioners.

Reverend Father Patrick EfeAgbodi (SMA) said, “The bishop stated that the rite of peace is optional, it’s not like some vital aspect of the mass was stopped, no. People are scared and suspicious; we need to ensure the safety the people.

“The Bishop was considerate in giving that directive, suspending the rite of peace for the time being. I firmly believe that by the grace of God, it’s going to be alright”, He affirmed.

Eric Achinla, a medical practitioner said, “If that is the way the church wants to protect the faithful, then I’m not worried. I believe the God we serve is greater than the Ebola virus. I feel more secure in the church than anywhere else, there’s no other place we can get our confidence except in God but notwithstanding, we need to take precautionary measures and leave the rest to God. I cannot be careless and then say to myself, God is in control. I have to help myself first so that God can help me. We’re praying for Nigeria, we know it will soon be over.”

For Nina Matthias, an event planner, the directive by the Catholic Bishop is a huge relief.  “I felt so at ease after the communiqué was posted by the Bishop. Prior to that, a lot of questions had been running through my mind and those around me kept asking the same questions too. How were we going to contain the virus since we had an aspect of our worship that required bodily contact,” she enquired. 

She continued, “Some catholic churches have even started giving communion on the palms, which is a very welcomed development because there’s every possibility of the priest touching the saliva of such a person in the course of administering the Holy Communion, so I say it is best for everyone that some of those rites that would require direct contacts with people be suspended until a cure is found.”