Catholic Bishops Ban Use of Phones, Social Media, Others During Mass

In a recent move to uphold the sanctity of liturgical practices, the Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has issued a sweeping ban on the use of mobile phones, social media, and other electronic devices during Mass. This decision is outlined in a circular dated August 15, 2024, which also addresses several other liturgical abuses.

The new directives prohibit the use of phones by priests and congregants, including activities such as taking calls or engaging with social media platforms like Facebook during services. Additionally, the CBCN has banned the incorporation of secular music into liturgical practices, as well as any form of inappropriate dance or behavior, even with the Eucharist.

The circular also addresses concerns over the misuse of the pulpit for personal gain, such as settling disputes with parishioners or making financial appeals during Mass. It criticizes the arbitrary alteration of liturgical practices, including excessive fundraising during services and inappropriate rites for child dedication.

Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, emphasized these points in his recent homily at St. Theresa’s Parish in Wumba. During the service, he conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on 200 parishioners and highlighted the CBCN’s concerns about the sanctity of the Eucharist and the need for proper liturgical decorum.

Archbishop Kaigama underscored that the Eucharist should be a powerful means of societal transformation, addressing moral decay, corruption, and unethical practices in all sectors of society.