Archbishop Martins directs return to communion on the tongue

Padre Michael Nsikak Umoh, CSN

Catholics in Lagos Archdiocese seem to have breathed an air of freedom as new regulations from the Chancery allow a return to full attendance at liturgical celebrations, as well as the use of Air Conditioners. This is in response to a recent circular by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FG), lifting some measures hitherto put in place to curtail the spread of the coronavirus in the country.

Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, in compliance with the new FG directives, has relaxed some COVID-19 regulations earlier put in place by the Archdiocese. “Following the recent pronouncement of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in which some measures put in place to curtail the spread of coronavirus, like 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 concerning our Liturgical celebrations particularly in this very important season of the Catholic Church.”

Of great significance, the review allowed a return to the normal practice of receiving Holy Communion on the tongue. “Concerning reception of Holy Communion, we shall now return to our normal practice of receiving Holy Communion on the tongue.” However, conscious that the virus is yet to be totally eradicated, the regulation still gave room for those who may wish to still receive communion 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.” The Archbishop did not fail to sound a note of caution to the faithful that, “In all circumstances, the sacredness of the Body and Blood of Christ must be protected and guarded.”

Other areas touched by the reviewed regulations include: allowing procession with palm branches on Palm Sunday; attendance at Chrism Mass now open to all those interested, unlike last year where it was only by representation; washing of feet during Mass of the Last Supper, followed by procession to the Altar of Repose and Eucharistic Adoration after the Mass. Furthermore, for Good Friday, the new regulation also allowed the outdoor dramatization of the Stations of the Cross and full celebration of Good Friday passion narrative, service of the Cross and the communion service, except that worshippers are not allowed to kiss the cross. On this, the regulation says “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.”

Moreover, the regulation allows a full celebration of the Easter Vigil Mass and the now popular Galilee Day Celebration among parishes in Lagos on Easter Monday.
Archbishop Martins expressed gratitude to God “for his blessings and graces especially as we gradually return to normalcy in our liturgical celebrations … with the lift on certain practices that were put in place at the heat of the Coronavirus pandemic,” yet he cautions everyone not to “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 masks (optional) and maintaining a high sense of hygiene.”