March 27, 2020, was a milestone for the Catholic Church. The world watched Pope Francis solemnly praying in St. Peter’s Square. The picture of the solitary figure in the vast square of St.Peter’s Basilica delivering a special “Urbi et orbi” blessing to a completely empty Vatican City as the rain poured around him inspired a palpable sense of distress. Although the Urbi et orbi” is a blessing usually given at celebratory occasions, the timing and the tone this time was ominous and solemn. Indeed, the Pope’s concluding prayer reinforced this: “Lord, may you bless the world, give health to our bodies and comfort our hearts.
You ask us not to be afraid. Yet our faith is weak and we are fearful. But you, Lord, will not leave us at the mercy of the storm.” Catholic faithful around the world watched a livestream of this harrowing scene from their home, locked up in their room from the ravaging novel coronavirus disease that had killed over 26, 000 and infected 500, 000 others. Over the next six months, more than three-quarter of the world would remain in various phases of lockdown, self-isolation or quarantine. The figures of fatalities and infections would be multiplied many times over.
The world would begin to live by new safety rules that would demand frequent hand washing, social distancing which placed a restriction on social gathering and compulsory wearing of nose masks. The world, as they know it would change. The first wake-up call for the faithful in Nigeria came from the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria proactive suspension of the exchange of peace greetings (shaking of hands) during the Holy Mass as a measure to curtail the spread of the virus, at a time Nigeria had not recorded any case.
The subsequent announcement by the Lagos State Government of an index case of the novel coronavirus on February 27 was another big shock. On March 18, Lagos State government banned religious gathering of above 50 persons with immediate effect and the Archbishop issued a circular of strict adherence to the attendance of Mass by only 50 persons. Parishes immediately restructured Holy Masses to several Masses of 50 parishioners respectively. Some big Parishes arrived at over 10 Masses with two holding simultaneously at the same time in different locations.
But these were mere plans that never came to pass. Two days later, on March 20, government reviewed downward the number of people allowed in social and religious gatherings from 50 to 20. And two days later, on March 22, the Archbishop, in a display of knowledge and understanding of the need to protect the congregation from the ravaging virus and safeguard public health, suspended all public Mass. The country later spent the next five months in different phases of extended lockdown and adjusted curfews amidst soaring figures of new cases that put Lagos as the epicenter of the crisis.
Eventually, the worship centres were reopened. The reopening of the Churches was a big relief but it came with a new normal, a slew of new protocols. Catholic Churches reopened on Sunday, August 9 with strict adherence to the Archbishop’s circular entitled “Guidelines on Restoration of Churches” which articulated the health protocols to be observed by parishioners as the safety measures of the new normal in which the Church has to function.
Since the gradual and full reopening of the Churches, the magnitude of the change wrought by the pandemic is yet to be fully comprehended. Christians, especially Catholics, cannot help but ponder:Will the church ever be the same again? The Acting Editor, Neta Nwosu posed this weighty question to two Deans of the Archdiocese of Lagos – Very Rev. Fr. Julius Olaitan, Dean of Lagos Island Deanery and Parish Priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Victoria; and Very Rev. Fr Francis Ike, Dean of Satellite Deanery and Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ojo, Alaba as she also sought their views over their respective experiences, lessons and challenges. The lay faithful was not left out in this conversation. Mrs. Chizube Igboanugo, Chairperson, Lagos Archdiocesan Laity Council also shared the experiences of the Council.

In your view do you think the Church was ready to absorb the shock the COVID-19 Pandemic suddenly generated?
We must also give thanks to God for keeping us alive in spite of the threat of this pandemic. Many have lost their lives to it, may they rest in peace and may their loved one be comforted. We can’t but thank all those on the frontlines who are genuinely fighting the battle against the pandemic, the Doctors, Nurses, those in the field of medicine and scientists, including those in government. We pray for their protection and safety. Now to the question on whether the Church was ready for this pandemic and its fallout. If we want to be sincere with ourselves, no one saw this pandemic coming and no one was prepared for it. We can only look back and ask, was our response adequate and what could we have done differently? For many countries around the world, there should have been ordinarily some guidelines on how to deal with outbreaks to prevent them from getting to the level of pandemics, unfortunately, many nations were caught napping and we are still in it together. As for the Church, we are part of the same society that was not ready and that initial stage was really characterised by confusion. To some degree, we were able to get to work, to cooperate with the civil authorities and to assure our people that it is for the good of all if we all work together at bringing the pandemic to an end.
What were the major effects of the pandemic on your Deanery?
Lagos Island Deanery is a part of the Archdiocese of Lagos and we have been seriously affected in many ways. For over five months, there was no Church gathering at all and the usual activities of the Church— Mass, the celebration of other sacraments, Catechesis, Weddings, Funerals, Societal and Small Communities activities were all brought to a halt. It’s difficult for now to say how much impact this will have on the spiritual lives of the people. The fact that it has also crippled the source of income of many families meant that some have turned to the Church for help even at a time when the Church was also deprived of the charity of the people because of the same pandemic. We just pray for a solution to the pandemic. It’s not a good experience.
Prior to COVID-19, you have been a model of eloquence and passion in preaching through your novel audio morning sermons that has a large following on WhatsApp media. What prompted this programme branded ‘Audiocast’?
The inspiration comes from God. I started sending out bulk messages in 2007 with a short reflection on the Sunday celebration and later started publishing my homilies on Facebook because some people asked for it. The feedback was good as a number of people found it useful for reflection outside of what is preached in Church during Mass. But in 2015 when I resumed at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Victoria Island, the Director of the Lagos Resource Centre, Mrs. Bridget Itsueli wanted me to do some reflections for the Year of Mercy and had invited a TV house for the recording. Somehow, the camera man failed to show up and I decided to do a personal audio recording which I sent to her. She was very excited about it and asked if we could continue for that period. That was how the “Audiocast” was born on the 8th of December 2015 as I started sharing the daily reflections with those on my contact list and quickly they started sharing with their own contacts. The name ‘Audiocast’ was chosen to prevent it being in my name because I just wanted people to listen to God’s word and not even bother thinking about its source. It’s incredible to know how far it has gone and how it has continued to enrich the lives and faith of many. When government announced the total lockdown, I thought to myself that there are not too many channels by which people can participate at Mass and so, with those who live in the Church compound, I formed a group that can daily help with the recording of Mass to be shared. It is a great blessing that I have them here and to God be the glory, we’ve been able to do this everyday without failing. Of recent, we’ve been able to add live Mass on the Parish YouTube channel every Sunday.
Where do you find the energy to prepare these daily inspiring homilies given your tight schedules?
God is my strength. In fact my guiding words are, “Deus Nobiscum est – God is with us. With God all things are possible. He supplies the strength and the inspiration. Only God can inspire one to do something good. I am fond of listening to these reflections too and sometimes reading back my old scripts to find even more inspirations. God be praised. Owing to this unprecedented time of COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Catholics in the Archdiocese of Lagos and other dioceses were denied access to the Church but they found solace in various daily Audiocast Holy Masses that accorded them daily experiences of the Holy sacrifice of Mass and relationship with God as well as the Church. Please share the feedback. I can only simply say, it’s beyond my imagination. I didn’t plan it that way. Like I said earlier, this started simply to share reflections on the Year of Mercy; we didn’t even know there will be a lockdown that will force everyone to turn to the media as the primary avenue for worship. God knew it and has executed it his own way. I receive calls and messages and it’s amazing how a little effort has turned out to become a help to so many people, that like a mustard seed which becomes such a formidable tree that the birds of the earth can find a place to nest. I can’t even track how far it goes; only God knows. Producing the Audiocast on daily homilies and Holy Mass (during lockdown) is quite expensive.
Where do you find the resources to accomplish these initiatives daily?
It would have been very expensive if I have to go to the studio to do this daily. But I started with just using my phone. The simple gadgets of everyday put to the right use can really become a great tool in the hands of anyone. Doing something good does not always have to be expensive. I have had to buy some other types of recorders to serve better. The famous economist Karl Max earlier said that religion is the opium of the masses and the Nigerian people fervently believe that God has power to heal and has power to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Yet Government suspended religious activities for almost five months.
From the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and tackling of the pandemic, where do you think Government situated God and the Church? Please describe the current relationship between the Government and the Church as well as incorporation of the power of God in effective and efficient governance.
Right from the outset, the Church was willing to cooperate with civil authorities to bring the pandemic to a quick end. We started educating our people even before the lockdown. We started the social distancing in Church before government made it mandatory and we had sanitizers at the entrances of the Church with Communion in the hand, just like we did during the Ebola situation. Unfortunately, some of those in government didn’t look at the Church as such a place that can help fight the pandemic. They ordered total lockdown without proper preparations on how people will feed and survive and when the so called ‘One Million Boys’ saga brought insecurity they asked people to go back to work but not to the church. Yet, they started calling on the Church and religious leaders to pray for an end to the situation. We’ve seen that, the lockdown did not stop the spread of the virus. False religion is the opium of the masses but true religion is acknowledging the infinite power of God and taking our rightful place in creation.
What is the current situation of your Parish and Deanery since the reopening of worship centres? How have your Parish and Deanery fared so far since the reopening? What are the challenges?
Our people are gradually returning to Church maintaining the rules of hygiene and social distancing. A number of young parents are now able to come since their children have been allowed to go to Church. We are fervent in our prayers. We still have a lot more to do that are impossible—religious education outside of Sunday worship is still hampered by the partial restrictions but we will get there. Once we do not have a serious situation that will warrant another shut down more of the restrictions will be lifted.
Thus far, do you think Parishes in your Deanery are adhering to the restrictions of public celebrations of Masses?
I am in constant touch with our Priests and the Laity and I can assure you that we are doing the best possible to keep our people safe. Taking cognizance of the number of days it takes for the symptoms of the Coronavirus infection to manifest and the daily number of new cases since the reopening of worship centres, you will observe that the number of new cases has significantly dropped, what do you think is responsible? Does this have to do with strict adherence to the COVID-19 safety measures and guidelines? Is God at work? Everything is coming together for good. God is our ultimate solution to problems that are beyond human beings but the fact that we are also doing what is required based on scientific study is helpful. This is where religion and science interface.
Will the Church be the same after the Coronavirus?
I believe the pandemic has been an eye opener in some areas and we are already looking at life beyond the pandemic even though we are not out of the woods yet on this one. We will all be better for it— never the same.
“The prolonged closure of Churches was unfair” Very Rev. Fr Francis Ike, Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ojo, Alaba and Dean of Satellite Deanery
The effect of pandemic on our Deanery is obviously the same everywhere in the Archdiocese. However, it suffices to say that it was shocking and devastating. The daily routine of some Catholics attending daily Masses was affected as Churches were shut down; societies’ meetings cancelled. It created a bit of fear in some people as some felt that could be a sign of the end of the world. A usual handshake to a friend became alien as no one was sure of the other person. We must say however, that the pandemic drew more people closer to God. The famous economist Karl Max earlier said that religion is the opium of the masses and the Nigerian people fervently believe that God has power to heal and has power to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Yet Government suspended religious activities for almost five months. From the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and tackling of the pandemic, where do you think Government situated God and the Church? Please describe the current relationship between the Government and the Church as well as incorporation of the power of God in effective and efficient governance. “Religion is the opium of the people” is one of Karl Marx’s popular sayings. By this theory, he postulates that man hides under religion for hope and answers to his problem. However beyond his theory, it is a truism that God is bigger that any problem and has authority over everything in Heaven and on earth. Most Nigerians are in all things religious. It’s common to us. We attribute almost everything to religion. We believe that God has power to heal us and stop the virus – This is ‘Faith.’ However, we cannot throw away ‘reason’. Just as they say that heaven help those who help themselves. While we hope on God, we must play our own part. Those in government are not spirits. They are human beings who also have a religious inclination. They did what they ought to do as a government whose duty is protection of life and property of the citizens. Their suspension of religious activities was the same everywhere. Their action doesn’t negate the fact that they do not believe in the Power of God to heal. What they did was based on advice from the World Health Organisation (W. H.O) as one of the ways of nipping and tackling the spread of the virus. This was a common decision all over the world. Their action never suggested we stopped praying at home or communion with God privately or doing it online. Not only Churches were shut down. Schools, Markets, offices, Sports, almost all public activities were shut down until a gradual re- opening of some with strict COVID-19 guidelines. The Church exits within the State. Hence the government needs the Church. The government relies on the Church in formation of the conscience of the citizens. The government relies on the Church’s prayers as some of the government activities are started with prayers. The relationship between the Church and the State is complimentary in order to bring harmony to man who is “Homo religious” and “Homo political.”
What is the current situation of your Parish and Deanery since the reopening of worship centres? How have your Parish and Deanery fared so far since the reopening? What are the challenges?
With the gradual reopening of the of worship centres, our Parish and the Deanery have integrated the “new normal” practice or new ways of doing things bearing in mind that the tide of the virus is not yet over. The current situation is challenging but practicable; taking data of those at each Mass. Allowing only 50 percent of Church capacity initially, reception of Holy communion on the palm, keeping social distance, celebrating mass for just one hour, disinfecting our Churches , etc . This has really not been easy. Again, despite the reopening of Worship centres, some are scared to come to Church. They prefer live streaming of masses. Unfortunately, some have capitalised on the COVID experience to sit at home. They do not come to Church or participate in masses online. They have become lukewarm in their faith. Hence the Church has more work to do in the area of catechesis.
Thus far, do you think Parishes in your Deanery are adhering to the restrictions of public celebrations of Masses?
Obviously, Parishes in our Deanery are adhering to the restrictions of public celebrations of Masses. It will interest you to know that our Arch- bishop, Most Rev Alfred Adewale Martins instructed that all Deaneries must set up a COVID -19 compliance and monitoring committee. This comprises delegates from all parishes in our Deanery. They were assigned to visit all Parishes and send back report to the Dean on their findings. The reports at our disposal show a high level of compliance to the COVID-19 guidelines.
Taking cognizance of the number of days it takes for the symptoms of the Coronavirus infection to manifest and the daily number of new cases since the reopening of worship centres, you will observe that the number of new cases has significantly dropped, what do you think is responsible? Does this have to do with strict adherence to the COVID-19 safety measures and guidelines? Is God at work?
No doubt, God is at work and has a l – ways been at work. Permit me to say that we are lucky here in Nigeria; very lucky indeed. It is true that the numbers dropped significantly. I cannot say categorically what was responsible for the sudden drop after markets and other activities had been opened so long ago before Worship centres were considered. It is sad to note that many Nigerians were not tested. How do we reconcile the drop? If we had a commendable and effective testing of Nigerians, perhaps one could make some categorical statements. Be that as it may, we cannot rule out “the finger of God in our matter.” We are really loved by God.
Will the Church be the same after the Coronavirus?
The Church will always be the same Church, but her “liturgical practice” may be slightly affected in the post COVID era. There is already a new normal (new ways of doing things ). But with strong and effective catechesis normalcy may return but not so soon. Is the prolonged closure of the Church justified? This question is very controversial. However, I feel that the Church was poorly treated. If markets where people in their thousands gather, and rub themselves shoulder to shoulder for hours without strict adherence to the COVID 19 rules are allowed to operate, how much more an organised institution like the Church . If the market is essential, the Church is also essential. The prolonged closure of Churches was unfair.
‘The Church will get back to normal, but ’ Mrs. Chizube Igboanugo, Chairperson, Lagos Archdiocesan Laity Council
What were the major effects of the pandemic on you, your family and the Lagos Archdiocesan laity Council?
It was a time of being together through the social media and physically. We had time to talk more and pray more. For me it was a time to rest from the rigours of Lagos traffic and more time for meditation and prayer. The Archdiocesan Laity Council also had time to look at its programmes and review its relationships with Organisations and Societies in the Church. It was really a time for stock taking both spiritual and temporal.
The famous economist Karl Max earlier said that religion is the opium of the masses and the Nigerian people fervently believe that God has power to heal and has power to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Yet Government suspended religious activities for almost five months.From the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and tackling of the pandemic, where do you think Government situated God and the Church? Please describe the current relationship between the Government and the Church as well as incorporation of the power of God in effective and efficient governance.
Government will always tell you that they base their decisions on scientific report so that nobody will blame them. They know that God is supreme and can do or undo but because of the fear of the unseen they tend to forget that God can confound the learned. They should have had faith that with God all things are possible and work with the Church to seek God’s intervention in making this pandemic leave our land. Of course, if you look at the works of Karl Marx, it seems government really showed a bit of atheism in their decisions. When people lift their voices to call on the Lord, they feel His presence and as in the Bible, He may because of a few just men and women show us mercy. I think the government forgot that and based their decisions on science alone. So the government should as much as possible recognize the power of prayer without discarding scientific findings.
What is the current situation of the Lagos Archdiocesan Laity Council since the reopening of worship centres? How has the lay faithful fared so far since the reopening? What are the challenges?
The Council has tried to keep in touch with the Councilors and have also ensured that the Lay faithful work with their Parish Priests, participate fully in ensuring that things work well and that instructions are adhered to. It has not been easy with some of them in their day to day businesses and places of employment and some have been retrenched. The economic impact is enormous but gradually people are adjusting to what we now call the new normal.
Thus far, do you think the lay faithful are adhering to the restrictions of public celebrations of Masses?
I have been to so many Parishes since the partial opening of Church activities and have noticed the preparedness of our Lay Faithful. No one wants us to go back to the era of no physical gathering for Mass, so they are willing to even help to direct others to do the right thing. The majority wear face masks, wash their hands or use hand sanitizers, write their names and phone numbers, stand to have their temperature taken and maintain the marked distance while waiting to receive communion. A lot of people are really making efforts not to allow another closure.
Taking cognizance of the number of days it takes for the symptoms of the Coronavirus infection to manifest and the daily number of new cases since the reopening of worship centres, you will observe that the number of new cases has significantly dropped, what do you think is responsible? Does this have to do with strict adherence to the COVID-19 safety measures and guidelines? Is God at work?
I will attribute it to both. As the saying goes ‘God helps those who help themselves’. When we were told to stay indoors, people ran in and took precautions and somehow God intervened in His usual mysterious way. The number of infections recorded did not conform to what the developed world expected. So we worked to ensure safety believing that God will as usual help us and indeed, He is still doing that to this moment.
Will the Church be the same after the coronavirus?
The Church will get back to normal, but it will take time. Pandemics are not new, and people tend to adjust over time. So with time this will also die down, maybe not completely but enough to allow less fear of the unknown as we worship God in our various Parishes.