The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has issued a ban on the use of mobile phones and social media platforms like Facebook during Mass.
This decision, contained in a circular dated August 15, 2024, addresses various abuses and aberrations within the church.
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The circular also prohibits the importation of secular music into the liturgy, misuse of the pulpit for personal gain, settling of scores with parishioners, and indecorous dances, even when the monstrance containing the Eucharist is present. Additionally, the CBCN has emphasized the importance of appropriate dressing for both priests and laity during liturgical celebrations.
These directives were highlighted by the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, during a teaching at St. Theresa’s Parish in Wumba. In his message titled “Taste And See That The Lord Is Good!” where he conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on 200 parishioners, Kaigama reiterated the importance of reverence in all church activities.
Kaigama expressed concern over the arbitrary distortion of liturgy, including the excessive use of fundraising and collections during services and the invention of new rites, such as placing a child on the altar during dedication, which contradicts traditional church teachings.
“The Eucharist should be a very effective means to help us transform our society,” Kaigama said. He called for a renewal of moral values and an end to corruption and inhumane treatment, stressing that even the poor and businesspeople are not exempt from ethical behavior.
