The Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria has issued a strong condemnation of what it described as a desecration of the Eucharist by some actors and performing artists in the country.

In a statement signed by its National President, Comdr. Steve Adehi, SAN, and National Secretary, Rosemary Azimi, the group expressed outrage over a social media clip showing individuals disguised as masquerades, wearing the vestments of Catholic bishops and priests, and allegedly desecrating the Eucharist?the Sacred Body of Christ?in a disrespectful manner.

The statement read: ?We, the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria, are compelled to address a pressing sacrilegious and scandalous matter that has attracted concern and condemnation by the Catholic faithful in Nigeria and beyond.

Our attention has been drawn to a clip in circulation on social media where certain actors were shown disguised as masquerades wearing vestments of Catholic Bishops and Priests desecrating the Eucharist, the Sacred Body of Christ in a demeaning manner. Of particular interest is the case of a certain non-Christian performing artist who was engaged in similar act in his video (which action would have attracted the death penalty in his own religion). We condemn this reprehensible behaviour in the strongest terms possible.

As Catholics, we believe that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, and that it demands our utmost reverence and respect. The desecration of the Eucharist is not only a grave offense against God, but also a scandalous affront to the sensibilities of the Catholic faithful.

We remind those responsible for these actions that God cannot be mocked (Galatians 6:7). We urge them to reflect on the gravity of their actions and to seek forgiveness from God and apologise to the Catholic Church.

We also call on all Catholics in Nigeria to remain vigilant and to defend the integrity of our faith against any form of mockery or desecration. We must always remember that our faith is a precious gift from God, and that we have a sacred duty to defend it.

Finally, we pray that God will forgive those who have desecrated the Eucharist and that He will grant them the gift of repentance and conversion.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, intercede for us and protect our faith from any form of harm.? (Blueprint, but headline rejigged)

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