Emmanuel Nigel: ‎"Quite Awful as Two Young Ladies were Enjoying Watching TikTok in the Church During the Celebration of the Holy Mass on the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord."

By Emmanuel Nigel

Piemonte House

Date: Sunday, May 17th, 2026

‎Today, Sunday, May 17th, 2026, I attended the Second Mass for the Celebration of the Holy Mass on the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord at Christ the King Parish Kitgum, which was celebrated by Fr. Paul Ronald Obwoya. The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord is a Great Feast celebrating Jesus' Ascension into Heaven. The day Jesus ascended into the Glory of His Father, our God. But "Quite Awful as Two Young Ladies were Enjoying Watching TikTok in the Church During the Celebration of the Holy Mass on the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord." I was so disappointed with two (2) Young Women who sat with me in the same pew as they were enjoying watching TikTok as the Celebration of the Holy Mass continued. I really don't know if they were taught their Catechesis or if they are not Catholic Christians and they just came to Church to perhaps have some relaxation. I talked to the one who sat near me and I asked her "Why are you on TikTok?" She looked at me, kept quiet, and closed the App for TikTok and for a few moments as we approached the Liturgy of the Eucharist her friend told her to open the App for TikTok and they continued watching TikTok. I wonder if they knew how important this day is (Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord). It was so shameful. It was an awful experience.

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‎The Holy Mass is not a social gathering, it's not a place for entertainment, and it's not a moment for distraction, but it's the Sacred Celebration of the Eucharist where Christians encounter Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer truly present at the Altar. Watching TikTok during Holy Mass weakens Concentration, reduces Participation in Prayer, and shows a lack of Respect for the Sacredness of the Church. Social Media may be useful for communication and evangelisation, but there is a proper time and place for it. During the Celebration of the Holy Mass, attention should be directed to listening to the Word of God, praying with the Community, singing Hymns, and receiving Spiritual Nourishment.

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‎I would think Young Christians are called to inspire others through Modesty, Prayerfulness, and Active Participation in the Liturgy. Their presence in the Church should reflect commitment to Christ and Good Christian Values. The Digital World should never replace the Sacred encounter with God during worship, most especially in the Solemn Celebration of the Holy Mass.

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‎"The Church can invite Youth and Young People to use Technology wisely and responsibly. Cell Phones need to be used well during the Celebration of the Holy Mass so that Hearts and Minds remain focused on the Lord God. I think True Beauty and Holiness are seen in a Young Christian who respects the Eucharist, values Prayer, and honours the Presence of God in the Church. The Liturgy Committee of the Parish needs to inform the Christians to conduct themselves very well and maturely whenever they are in the Church and to show reverence to the Lord and the Holy Eucharist."

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