Nigerian Archdiocese Issues Guidelines for Eucharistic Adoration after Theft of Monstrance with Blessed Sacrament

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).

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Closing

The 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.