Catholic Church Suspends Handshakes And Hugs At Mass

To combat the spread of Ebola in the country, catholic churches have been asked to stop handshakes and hugs during the traditional rite of peace at mass.

At the celebration of the Eucharist, the “sign of peace” is when faithful offer handshakes, hugs or kisses to those seated close and around them.

But during mass on Sunday at the Lagos State metropolis, parishioners skipped the tradition and simply waved at those who sat beside them and continued with the rest of the rites.

In a statement released by the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Adewale Martins, “titled: The Outbreak of Ebola Virus – a pastoral approach, Mr. Martins said the rite is optional.

“Taking into consideration the fact that this rite is optional, we shall henceforth omit it i.e. not invite people to offer the sign of peace. When you get to this rite, skip it. Note also, that the recent Circular from the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments acknowledged this when it stated: “It is completely legitimate to affirm that it is not necessary to invite ‘mechanistically’ to exchange the sign of peace,” he said.

The archbishop directed the priests to continue the traditional hand to mouth method of given Holy Communion until a decision is reached on the issue next week when the bishops of the province meet.

He however, advised the priests to be very careful and not allow their hands touch the mouths of the communicants.

Archbishop Martins also instructed that there should be a discontinued use of holy water bowls placed at the churches’ entrance to contain the spread of the virus till further notice.

He cautioned priests to maintain extra caution when making sick calls at home and hospitals   and ensure they wash and sanitize their hands after performing the rites of Anointing of the sick, and wardens responsible for counting offerings should wear protective gloves.