COVID-19: Rivers Bishop directs Catholics not to congregate on Sunday despite Wike relaxing lockdown

Amid rising cases of the novel Coronavirus in the country, the Catholic Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese Rev Camillus Etokudo has instructed that no Mass should be conducted on Easter Sunday.

The instruction is coming contrary to Gov Nyesom Wike’s state-wide broadcast relaxing the lockdown to enable Christians celebrate Easter.

Bishop Etokudo said the Church will not risk the lives of its members by worshipping on Sunday.

In a letter addressed to priests, religious and the laity, the Bishop said:’ ‘However in the face of the threats of COVID-19 and having prayerfully considered the implications of the risks to our expected crowded congregation on normal Easter celebrations.

”We hereby request you our priests and lay faithful to continue to keep to the CBCN and our Diocesan Pastoral directives for the celebrations of Holy Week including Easter Sunday till further notice.”