As part of measures to curtail the spread of Coronavirus , the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos has banned all elderly parishioners of 65 years and above, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children below 18 years of age from attending Mass {church service) for the next four weeks.
Also included in the restriction are those with serious health conditions believed to be more susceptible to infection and all those who consider themselves vulnerable, believing their health may be jeopardized by attending public fathering, including Masses.
The Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins who made this known in Lagos Friday said the restrictions were part of efforts to help protect public health, values of the Catholic faith and in cooperation with Lagos State Government.
He directed that attendance at celebration of Public Masses on Sundays should not be more than 50 persons as advised by the Lagos State Government. The Lagos State Government had on Wednesday suspended all religious gatherings above 50 persons in the state for the next four weeks.
To ensure that less than 50 persons gathered at Mass, the Archbishop advised all Parishes to make use of other spaces within the Church premises and to increase the number of Masses to be celebrated on Sundays.
He advised parishioners to observe Stations of the Cross as private devotions while also suspended public procession with palm fronds during the holy week of Palm Sunday.
To forestall any spiritual gap during this period, the Archbishop advised all Catholic faithfuls to participate in the Mass on television which would be streamed live and on Lumen Christi Television Network during the period of this emergency.
“We can make a Spiritual Communion at the appropriate time during the Mass. It is a part of our spiritual heritage that when circumstances such as the present one happens and we are not able to go to Mass, we can make a Spiritual Communion. Our faith teaches us that the Spiritual Communion is as effective as when we physically receive the sacred species, the Body and Blood of Christ. This is necessary so as to ensure that Sunday Masses are not crowded beyond the number”, he said
“Finally, my dear brothers and sisters, we want everyone to understand that these are extreme circumstances with safety of life and public health at stake. We expect all Catholics to comply with these directives. We strongly encourage all our people to intensify their prayers, both as individuals or families that the Lord will deliver us from this evil and bring an end to this Pandemic, bring healing to those affected and repose to the souls of those who have died. Be glad in hope, constant in tribulation, persevering in prayer (Romans 12:12), the Archbishop concluded.