No to Coloured Shoes for Catholic Priests during Church Celebrations in Nigeria as Archbishop Decries Liturgical Abuses

Abuja, 02 September, 2025 / 4:12 PM

Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama of Nigeria’s Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja has decried Liturgical abuses in his Metropolitan See, cautioning Priests under his care against wearing coloured shoes and trousers while celebrating Church events.

In a statement published on Facebook on Sunday, August 31 following Abuja Archdiocese’s 6th General Assembly, Archbishop Kaigama also urged the Clergy to vest appropriately during Eucharistic celebrations, highlighting some of the recommendations and resolutions, which  align with both the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and the decree made by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

“Priests should dress appropriately for liturgical functions, including wearing black shoes and trousers instead of any other coloured footwear… or coloured trousers for the celebration of the Mass,” Archbishop Kaigama said in the statement issued at the end of the assembly that was held at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria  Pro-Cathedral from August 28-30.

The footwear that Priests in Abuja Archdiocese are not allowed to wear during Liturgical functions include sneakers, canvas or palm sandals. 

“Priests should refrain from incomplete dressing with the Alb or cassocks and stole only for the celebration of Masses,” Archbishop Kaigama said.

In his statement following the three-day assembly realized under the theme, “Faithfulness to the Liturgy: A Liturgical Vision for a Hopeful Future in Abuja Archdiocese”, Archbishop Kaigama decried the rise of Liturgical abuses in Nigeria.

He said, “In recent times, there has been a growing concern on the direction our Liturgy is taking, thanks to the unnecessary improvisations and embellishments.”

“Liturgical abuses and aberrations from both the clergy and the laity tend to obscure the Liturgy, which is the central mystery of our Christian faith, and this does not only affect the celebration of the Liturgy but has a negative impact on the people and the future of the Church,” he said.

The Local Ordinary of Abuja underscored the importance of appropriate vesting during Eucharistic celebration, saying, “The Lord deserved only the best.”

He urged Priests to use the “highest quality vestments and linens” during Holy Mass. 

The Nigerian Catholic Archbishop urged the Liturgical Commission in his Metropolitan See to collaborate with the Archdiocese’s Catechetical Commission in producing the “Liturgy for the Archdiocese, so as to provide a guideline for uniform liturgical celebrations and catechetical instruction in the Archdiocese.”

Archbishop Kaigama encouraged the people of God to adhere strictly to the liturgical norms and rubrics, “fostering a spirit of reverence and awe in all our celebrations.”

“The Clergy are reminded of their responsibility as stewards of the sacred mysteries handed down through the ages, while the lay faithful are encouraged to seek more understanding about the Liturgy,” he said in the statement published August 31.

“We should commit to intensifying ongoing liturgical formation for all Clergy, Religious, and the lay faithful, through workshops, seminars, and catechesis, to deepen understanding and promote conscious, active, and full participation in the Sacred Liturgy,” he added.

He urged the Clergy, Religious, and the Faithful to observe silence during Holy Mass, and to speak and sing when necessary.

On fundraising, harvest thanksgiving, and bazaar activities, Archbishop Kaigama encouraged modesty and cautioned against interrupting the Liturgy.

Regarding church projects, he urged the Liturgical Commission to ensure it has sufficient input on the design to construct or renovate church structures.

In addition, the Catholic Archbishop discussed the Church’s commitment in restoring justice, peace, and protection of human life, calling upon Nigerian leaders to address challenges affecting the well-being of the people of God in the West African nation.

Archbishop Kaigama said that the dignity of the Liturgy could be preserved only if the people of God remain faithful to it.

The Archbishop of Abuja called on Catholics in the Archdiocese to strive to make their worship true, their faith strong, and their hope steadfast. 

He noted that the Liturgy, faithfully celebrated, “is indeed the wellspring from which we draw the courage to face the challenges of today and build a brighter tomorrow.”

“We, therefore, urge the Priests and the participants of this great General Assembly to step down the deliberations of this Assembly in their various pastoral units, pious societies and organisations,” Archbishop Kaigama said.