“Grievous misstep”: Nigerian Diocese Condemns Aberration after Nun Spotted Carrying Monstrance in Eucharistic Procession

 “Expectedly, the relevant photos with accompanying news went viral as the social media was awash with it,” the Catholic Priest said, and added, “The Diocese regrets the occurrence, as appropriate corrective measures would be put in place.”

The Priest made reference to ecclesiastical provisions that the minister of the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and of the Eucharistic blessing is a Priest or Deacon.

He said that only under special circumstances the minister of the exposition and deposition alone, but without the blessing, is an acolyte, an extraordinary minister of holy communion, or another person deputed by the Local Ordinary, in accordance with the regulations of the Diocesan Bishop.

 “Wherever in the judgment of the Diocesan Bishop it can be done, a procession through the streets is to be held, especially on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, as a public witness of veneration of the blessed Eucharist,” Fr. Ezeogu said, and added, “It is for the diocesan Bishop to establish such regulations about processions as will provide for participation in them and for their being carried out in a dignified manner.”

Fr. Ezeogu  noted that in simpler terms, “It is left to the Bishop to empower the extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, for example, during communion of the sick, or bringing the Eucharist from the tabernacle or even while distributing Holy Communion.”

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“Blessing with the Eucharist, however, is always reserved to the power of ordination,” the Nigerian Catholic Priest emphasized.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.