Circular

As the number of those infected with Covid-19 continues to escalate worldwide and in Nigeria, Abia State government plans a total lockdown on movement within the State as well as in and out of the State as from 1 April 2020 as a measure of protecting lives and public health. It is strongly believed by medical experts that to break the transmission chain of this virus requires such an extreme measure and demands the collaborative efforts of one and all. Accordingly, we need to support government and our medical professionals who are putting their lives on the line to curb the spread of this virus. 

1. In compliance with government’s guidelines on restricted movement for the interest of the common good, we are compelled to take the painful decision of suspending every public celebration of Holy Masses and the administration of other Sacraments anywhere in the diocese beginning from 1 April 2020 till further notice. 

2. The faithful are encouraged to pray, meditate on the word of God and receive spiritual communion daily in their families and religious communities. They can also follow the daily celebration of Holy Mass in different Television channels such as EWTN, Lumen Christi, etc.

3. Priests are encouraged to offer private Masses without the congregation for the intentions of their flock and for divine intervention to end the pandemic.

4. Priests are to perform the liturgical cerebrations during the Holy Week without any congregation.

5. Sick calls and viaticum are restricted to the danger of death.

6. Chrism Mass is temporarily suspended.

7. For the Cathedraticum: the outstanding deaneries/parishes, institutions, statutory bodies, pious societies and sodalities are to bring their gifts to the Diocesan Secretariat on 30 and 31 March 2020.

8. The difficult times call for solidarity and charity towards the less privileged as never before. 

9. The need for a high level personal hygiene as well as physical and social distancing cannot be overemphasised.

10. Be fervent in prayer. Enjoy good music. Stay safe and keep healthy.

28 March 2020                                                                                    Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji