ARCHBISHOP'S 2022 EASTER SPECIAL CIRCULAR
8th April, 2022
Dear Msgri, Very
Rev and Rev. Frs. Brothers and Sisters,
You
would recall that in October 22, 2021, a special circular on the review of
Covid-19 induced practices in Lagos Archdiocese was released in which some
adjustments were made.
Following
the recent pronouncement of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in which some
measures put in place to curtail the spread of the coronavirus such as midnight
curfew, crowd restrictions at events and the use of facemasks at outdoor
activities were lifted, the need has arisen to review again some practices put
in place concerning our Liturgical celebrations particularly in this very
important season of the Catholic Church.
Consequent on
the above, we make the following adjustments;
PALM SUNDAY
-
The usual procession with palm branches commemorating the triumphant entry of
Jesus into Jerusalem can take place in all parishes. Chrism Mass: Attendance at
Masses of Chrism this year is open to ALL Priests, Religious and Lay Faithful.
MASS OF THE
LORD’S SUPPER
-
The washing of feet, which is ordinarily optional, can now be done. - Adoration
of the Blessed Sacrament must be done beginning with benediction at the Altar
and from there, procession to the Altar of Repose set aside for veneration. -
The customary adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament can now resume, with
different groups taking turns to adore the Lord. The entire celebration should
end not later than 12 midnight.
GOOD FRIDAY
- Stations of
the Cross:
The usual practice of the Stations of the Cross can resume. In the same spirit,
the outdoor dramatization of the Stations of the Cross may be held.
- Veneration of
the Cross:
The kissing of the Crucifix shall be done by the celebrant ONLY. Others are to
do the veneration by bowing to it. At the end of the Passion Celebration, the
Priest may hold up a big Crucifix on the Sanctuary while the faithful would
make a reverent bow as they solemnly exit the Church.
THE EASTER VIGIL
-
The blessing of the new fire and lighting of the Paschal Candle is to be done
at an appropriate place outside the Church marked out for the celebration. ALL
the faithful present can be a part of this rite as usual.
EASTER MONDAY:
GALILEE DAY CELEBRATION
-
Given the lift on the ban concerning crowd restrictions, the Galilee Day
celebration this year may be held.
CONCERNING
RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION.
We
shall now return to our normal practice of receiving Holy Communion on the
tongue. Those who wish may still receive on the palm of their hands. In other
words, till we overcome the virus completely, the option of receiving Holy
Communion on our hands would be available. In all circumstances, the sacredness
of the Body and Blood of Christ must be protected and guarded.
We
thank God immensely for his blessings and graces especially as we gradually
return to normalcy in our liturgical celebrations especially with the lift on
certain practices that were put in place at the heat of the Coronavirus
pandemic. However, we must not throw caution to the wind. We must not relax on
washing our hands with soap as often as necessary, using hand sanitizers,
wearing of face mask (optional) and maintaining a high sense of hygiene .
As
indicative of God’s blessings to us, we can return to having our celebrations
at 100% capacity in attendance as well as the use of Air Conditioners.
May
the Lord continue to save us from all evil. Wishing you a fruitful and spirit[1]filled
paschal celebration.
(Signed)
+Alfred Adewale
Martins
