A letter that the Chancellor of Abuja Archdiocese issued on behalf of the Local Ordinary, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, expresses concern over the theft that occurred at the Police Chaplaincy Nyanya Abuja, during the 14h00 - 15h00 adoration hour, and emphasizes “the need for vigilance”.
“This incident highlights the need for vigilance and proper guidelines to ensure the safekeeping of the Blessed Sacrament during adoration throughout the Archdiocese of Abuja,” Fr. Sam Tumba says in the Wednesday, August 21 letter shared with ACI Africa.
Following the incident, Archbishop Kaigama declared August 22 as a day of reparation with participation from all parishioners of the Police Chaplaincy Nyanya in his Metropolitan See.
In the letter, Fr. Tumba says that the Local Ordinary has outlined specific measures in accordance with the Code of Canon Law and other relevant Church documents aimed at preventing such incidents.
Permission
Permission must be sought before “establishing any Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel in accordance with Canon 934 §1”, the Chancellor directs in the two-page letter addressed to the Clergy, women and men Religious, and Laity.
“Obtain prior permission from the Archbishop or his delegate before establishing Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapels in your parish, chaplaincy, or institution,” Fr. Tumba says.
Safekeeping
The Blessed Sacrament must be safeguarded, the Nigerian Chancellor says, and further directs referring to Canon 934, "Ensure the Blessed Sacrament is kept in a secure location, such as a tabernacle or a locked monstrance."
Ministerial Presence
This guideline mandates the presence of a Clergy or designated minister during adoration.
“A priest, deacon, or designated minister as well as parishioners through their Pious groups must be present in turns during exposition,” the letter directs, citing Canon 935, which states, “No one is permitted to keep the Eucharist on one’s person or to carry it around, unless pastoral necessity urges it and the prescripts of the diocesan bishop are observed.”
Exposition
"Use a sturdy, lockable monstrance that can be securely fastened to the altar or a fixed object," the Chancellor says, referring to Redemptionis Sacramentum (2004, n. 129).
This guideline also requires that during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, at least two people be present, he says, and emphasizes, “At no time should the Blessed Sacrament be exposed without anyone present.”
Security
Another measure in the letter focuses on security. The leadership of the Nigerian Archdiocese directs, “Install security cameras and alarms in the adoration chapel or area.”
Reverence
In the letter, the Chancellor underscores the need for reverence during adoration, including the use of gestures such as "genuflections, kneeling, and silence" as explained in Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963, n. 7).
ClosingThe ending of Eucharistic Adoration should be conducted with a “suitable ceremony”, the Chancellor says. “Close exposition with a suitable ceremony, including prayer and benediction,” the letter states, citing Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass (1973, n. 24).
In the letter, Fr. Tumba says the Local Ordinary of Abuja Archdiocese has directed the Clergy to implement the guidelines in their respective Parishes, Chaplaincies, and other institutions.
There is need for “strict compliance”, he says, adding that the Clergy must “work together to ensure the safekeeping and reverence of the Blessed Sacrament.”
The Nigerian Archdiocese also calls for cooperation from the entire community to recover the stolen monstrance and the Blessed Sacrament.