The Catholic Church in Lagos has suspended handshakes and
use of holy water fonts indefinitely over the spread of coronavirus.
Nigeria recorded its first case of the disease on Friday,
following the arrival of an Italian businessman from Milan, which has the
highest rate of the infection in Europe.
The patient, who tested positive to the virus on Friday, has
been in Nigeria since Monday.
In a statement, Alfred Martins, Catholic archbishop of
Lagos, said the decision to indefinitely suspend some of the church practices
is “in the light of this present circumstance.”
He announced that stations of the cross which is usually
done in public, will now be done privately to reduce the number of gatherings
in churches.
The archbishop encouraged church members to have handy
sanitisers, adding that communion will now be received on the palm.
“The shaking of hands during the time for the Sign of Peace
during Mass is suspended for the time being,” he said.
“During this season of Lent, in order to reduce the number
of gatherings in Church to the barest necessary, we encourage people to do
Stations of the Cross privately on Wednesdays while public celebrations will
take place only Fridays especially as it is often followed by Mass.
“Communion, for the time being, shall be received on the
palms. People are encouraged to have Hand Sanitizers handy to be used as and
when needed.
“The use of Holy Water fonts in churches and public places
should be suspended till further notice. May the Lord deliver us from this
plague and all evils.”
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