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

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. 

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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. 

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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.

Sabrine Amboka is a Kenyan journalist with a passion for Catholic church communication. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from St. Paul's University in Kenya.