By UJU NWAGBO
His Lordship, Most. Rev. Dr. Jonas Benson Okoye, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, has restored the ‘kiss of Peace’ otherwise called exchange or sharing of sign of peace during the Eucharistic celebration.
This resolution came after the meeting held by the Nigerian Bishops of the universal holy church at Orlu Diocese, Imo State.
Relating to Vision Newspapers Online, the personal secretary to Bishop Okoye, who also doubles as the liturgy director of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Rev. Fr. Hilary Oboh, said on behalf of the prelate that all the Catholic Churches in the diocese should now offer each other the traditional sign of peace via shaking of hands without fear or contempt. He said, “this resolution was the outcome of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria’s second plenary held in Orlu.”
Speaking further, the cleric said the church initially adjusted her liturgy to contain the spread of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic. However, the decision to relax this protocol is because the pandemic wave is no longer severe in Nigeria.
All things being equal, he advised the church and the general public to adhere strictly to the rules of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in containing the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as it concerns personal hygiene.
The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has circulated a circular in this regard.