In spite of the partial reopening of churches by the Delta State Government, the Catholic Diocese of Warri has directed the Catholic faithful to continue to worship with their families from home or follow online daily streaming of masses over the rising cases of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
A circular issued by the Diocese on Saturday, copy of which was obtained by our correspondent read, “No mass with congregation till further notice.”
The circular signed by the Diocesan Chancellor/Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo, explained that despite the partial reopening of churches by the Delta State Government, catholic parishes in the diocese, would remain shut to public masses until further notice.
It said that the directive was from the Bishop of the Warri Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. John Oke’Oghene Afareha on Friday.
The circular urged catholic faithful to continue to adhere to all guidelines and as well as pray for God intervention in ending the pandemic.
The circular read in part: “Yesterday (Thursday 30th April 2020) the state government granted permission for the partial re-opening of places of worship with some conditions that are close to impossible to meet without compromising the very reason for which the lockdown was put in place.
“Also, the prevailing circumstances as indicated by the figures show a constant rise in the number of persons being infected by the virus.
“Consequently, the bishop has directed that we continue to adhere strictly to the status quo as earlier announced: no mass with congregation till further notice.
“Pleases continue to pray for God’s intervention in your private prayers and masses.”
When, contacted for clarification on Saturday, Diocesan Director, Directorate of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Dr Benedict Ukutegbe confirmed the authenticity of the circular saying masses will only be reopened when COVID-19 pandemic have drastically reduced for the safety of faithful.
It will be recalled that Delta State has recorded 17 confirmed cases of the virus with most of the cases recorded in Warri South, Uvwie, Udu and Ughelli South Local Government Areas which are under the Warri Catholic Diocese.
However, Delta State government has ordered the conditional resumption of church activities in the state with effect from this Sunday, 3rd May 2020. following a meeting between Governor Okowa and the State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Thursday.
The CAN secretary, Reverend Madukwe, had shed light on the government directives at the meeting which he said came with strict restrictions, particularly the implementation of social distancing procedures.
The CAN scribe, in a statement made available to church leaders across the state wrote:
“I am directed to inform you that at the end of our meeting with the Governor on 30/04/2020 opening of church worship was granted as follows:
“Effective: 3rd May, 2020.
“Duration of service: 2 hrs.
“Days of service per week: one each on Sundays & Wednesdays.
“No. of Worshippers per Service: 100 man capacity hall = 20 worshippers; 200 Capacity hall = 50 worshippers; 500 capacity & above =100 worshippers (Maximum).
“Hand washing, use of Sanitizers & Social distance of 6ft between seats, use of nose mask by all worshippers must be observed.
“No handshakes, no hugging.
“Heads of Blocs and Local Government Co-ordinators to disseminate this information to every Pastor within their Jurisdiction.”
