x

COVID-19: Pray at home, Catholic Archbishop urges faithful

Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Anambra, has enjoined Catholic faithful to pray in their homes for God’s intervention against the Corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Okeke, who gave the charge in a statement on Friday in Onitsha, said the directive followed restrictions and policies from federal and state governments, following outbreak of the global pandemic.

The Archbishop therefore, announced the suspension of all public celebration of Holy Mass from March 30, till April 19, including all weekday Masses at all parish Churches, oratories and chapels.

He urged the priests to use March 29, to explain to the people the necessity of this difficult decision and other important liturgical guidelines they might need to know at this critical moment.

“I request that priests still celebrate Private Holy Mass in their parishes without the people. Priests are hereby requested to pray for the people in these private Masses.

“Public celebration of the Stations of the Cross (including Good Friday), is suspended with immediate effect. The faithful are encouraged to celebrate them privately in their homes.

“The Onitsha Archdiocese Secretariat is also temporarily closed from today till further notice,” Okeke stated.

“This is indeed a very challenging time but it is also a time of growth and spiritual maturity. We hereby urge the faithful to pray at home.

“Read and meditate on the word of God, pray the Rosary and pray God to intervene, especially at this trying time.

“Always unite yourselves spiritually in the Eucharistic Celebration and receive spiritual Communion,” the cleric further admonished the faithful.

Meanwhile, the state government has directed the closure of all markets for 14 days with effect from March 30 in the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, said in a statement that the directive was part of ongoing measures by the state to contain spread of the disease.

However, Chukwulobelu said only businesses selling food items and medicines were authorised to stay open during the closure.

“Such businesses should however, observe social distance protocols and other Corona virus health advisory already in place in the state.

“’During the 14-day period, traders should stay at home and not move about. This directive will be reviewed at the end of the 14-day period and further directives will be communicated,” he added.

The SSG said members of the state Covid-19 Task Force, the police and other security agencies would strictly enforce this directive.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Abuja Road construction: Guzape, Kpaduma Residents Will Be Fully Compensated – Wike

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The FCT Minister Barr Nysome Wike has...

mass Defection Hits Sokoto Pdp as Business Wing Joins Apc

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto  A significant blow to the Peoples...

world Bank Team Hails Sokoto L-pres Execution

The World Bank’s Third-Party Monitoring Team has commended the...

Youths Protest  Over Land Grabbing In Delta Community

By Anne Azuka  Youths from Ogbe-Akwu community in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom...

Gov. Ododo Flags Off the Construction of  7.2 Idah Township Road

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman...

Plateau Gives 72-Hour Ultimatum to Jos Motorcyclists

By Israel Adamu, Jos   Plateau State Government has raised alarm...

mutfwang’s Envoy Seeks Bank Partnership

By Israel Adamu, Jos   Special Envoy on Peace and Security...

Youths Protest  Over Land Grabbing In Delta Community

By Anne Azuka  In a powerful show of unity and...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img