Catholic bishops warn priests, worshippers on Ebola virus

Members of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province of the Catholic Church, comprising Ibadan Archdiocese, Ondo, Ekiti, Ilorin, Oyo and Osogbo Diocese, have been urged to desist from the common self-signing with water at the entrance of the church and other occasions.
President of the Province, Most Revd. Gabriel Abegunrin, and the Secretary, Most Revd. Felix Ajakaye, gave the directive in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting by the bishops at the Pope John Paul II Pastoral Centre, Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State.
The bishops also suspended shaking of hands at Mass in all their churches in the province because of the risk of members contracting the Ebola virus disease, adding that all Nigerians must be careful in a bid to stop the international scourge.
“We, as church in Ibadan Province, pending the end of the alert on the Ebola epidemic, hereby direct that priests, religious and pastoral workers, collaborate with doctors and other medical personnel to sensitise and educate our people on the dangers, symptoms and management of the Ebola disease.
“This should take into consideration, the native language of the people for maximum effect and for minimising superstition and rumours which can do more damage than the disease itself,” the communiqué stated.
The province also directed its priests to exercise caution at sick calls, hospital visitation and occasions that could necessitate physical contact in the administration of sacrament, adding that the priests must ensure regular washing of hands after such occasions.
The priests, altar servers, other pastoral assistants and those who count offering in the church have also been advised to ensure hygienic precautions by washing of hands and use of gloves and hand sanitisers.

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