CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ILORIN


Dear Rev. Fathers,

Peace be with you.


I have been directed by the Bishop, His Excellency, +Paul Olawoore to inform us of some statutory disposition at Liturgy, considering the sacredness of these celebrations.


In the light of the above, kindly note the following,


In our diocese of Ilorin, communion shall be given in the mouth. Not by hand. Priests are however, encouraged to be careful while carrying out this sacred duty. The response "Amen" can be said a little distance off, after which the communicant approaches the priest and receives the body of Christ in his/her mouth.


We are reminded that Altar Servers are lay ministers who serves as an assistant to the Priest during the liturgy. The proper vestment for these ministers are; a cassock and surplice. In our diocese of Ilorin, it is not permissible to allow the use of mofty for service during the liturgy and the celebration of sacraments.


As the Vatican Fathers teaches, The liturgy is not what man does, but it is a divine work. So, the faithful need to be helped to perceived that our act of worship in the liturgy is not the fruit of varying activities, but the expression of a mystery.


Furthermore, any kind of change in the liturgy is reserved for the Holy Father, the Council of Bishops or the Local Bishop. Therefore, "no other person, even if he be a Priest, may add, remove or change anything in the liturgy on his own authority"- Sacrosanctum Concilium (22:1,3). To this effect, we are hereby reminded that whatever changes we are making or adapting must be done ONLY with the express permission of the Bishop


With Prayerful Best wishes,
Fr. Daniel Iletogbe
Chancellor