What will happen to the episcopal chair Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu used at Mass in his retirement home now that he is dead? “Sancta Sanctis Tractanda Sunt” is a Latin phrase that translates to “Holy things are to be handled in a holy manner” or “Sacred things are to be treated sacredly.” This expression emphasises the importance of reverence, respect, and care when dealing with sacred objects, rituals, and responsibilities within the Church.
In the context of the Catholic Church, this phrase highlights the need for clergy and faithful to approach liturgical artifacts, sacraments, and sacred duties with dignity, humility, and devotion. It serves as a reminder that handling holy things requires a corresponding level of spiritual preparedness, moral integrity, and reverence. As an introduction to the piece discussing the Episcopal chair used by Archbishop Patrick Ekpu, this phrase sets the tone for a thoughtful and respectful exploration of the chair’s significance, handling, and future. It acknowledges the chair’s sacred nature, having been used in liturgical celebrations, and underscores the importance of treating it with the reverence and care worthy of its sacred character.
The Episcopal chair used by Archbishop Patrick Ekpu during Mass in his retirement home holds significant symbolic value. It was a Sedalia and not a Cathedral. At his passing, the question arises regarding its future. In the Catholic Church, the treatment of such artifacts varies, reflecting local customs and traditions. In many dioceses, the Episcopal chair is considered an ecclesiastical possession of the bishop, passed down through generations or retained by the diocese as a historical artifact. For instance, in some European dioceses, the chair is preserved in a museum or archive, serving as a testament to the bishop’s legacy. Conversely, in other regions, the chair might be transferred to a new bishop or reused in another context, symbolising continuity and unity. Church documents offer guidance on the handling of liturgical artifacts and relics.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal emphasizes the importance of respecting sacred objects, ensuring their proper care and storage. Similarly, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments provides guidelines for the disposal of sacred items, advocating for reverence and sensitivity. In the case of Archbishop Ekpu’s Episcopal chair, consideration will be given to its historical significance and emotional value. One possibility is to preserve the chair in a designated area within the retirement home, creating a memorial or shrine honouring his memory.
This approach allows the chair to remain in its original context, serving as a reminder of the Archbishop’s dedication and service. Alternatively, the chair could be transferred to the diocesan cathedral or a relevant Ecclesia museum, ensuring its safekeeping and accessibility for future generations. This option would enable the chair to become a tangible connection to the Archbishop’s legacy, inspiring devotion and reflection. Ultimately, the decision regarding the Episcopal chair rests with the incumbent Archbishop of the See of Benin City or the will of the transited Archbishop.
• Rev. Fr. Okhueleigbe Osemhantie is a priest of the Archdiocese of Benin-City.
