Fr. Anthony Adetayo

In the wake of serious liturgical aberrations happening across the length and breath of Nigeria in the name of ‘improvisation’ and ‘initiatives’, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria CBCN has released a statement on Thursday 15th August 2024, calling liturgical ministers to order and reemphasizing the role of the Bishops in maintaining liturgical decorum.

This statement signed by the CBCN President; Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, was also signed by the Secretary of the CBCN; Most Rev. Donatus Aihmiosion Ogun, OSA and the Episcopal Chairman on Liturgy Most Rev. Augustine Ndubueze Echema.

According to the Bishops, Eucharistic celebration and other Sacraments must be conducted appropriately. The Bishops condemn walking down the isles with Monstrance during exposition with the Blessed Sacrament, importation of secular music into liturgy, indecorous dance, too many collections at Mass, invention of Child dedication rite by placing the child on the altar. etc.

Quoting copiously the Second Vatican Council constitution on Liturgy, they insist that any priest who deviates betrays his sacred duty and leads the people astray. They therefore call on the Bishops to take decisive actions against such ugly incidents.

I personally hope with this statement, dances like ‘gwo gwo gwo nwgo’ will not be brought into our liturgy again.

Below is the full statement by the CBCN.