By Akuma Ebere
The management, staff and students of St Paul’s Seminary , Igbariam, Anambra State, have celebrated the seminary’s Patronal Feast in a colourful ceremony that attracted the Catholic Bishop of Aguleri Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Denis Chidi Isizoh, alongside parents, guardians and prominent personalities from the host community.
The event, which took place at the seminary premises, featured a solemn Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Isizoh and was attended by the President General of Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Ogbuefi Vitalis Nwakobi Ozo Ugosinachi, Prof. Chukwuemeka Nweke, community leaders and other invited guests.
In his homily, Bishop Isizoh commended the Rector and staff for their dedication to the formation of future priests. He urged the seminarians to be focused and hardworking, stressing that excellence in academics and character was essential to achieving their priestly vocation.
The Bishop reminded them to emulate their patron saint, St Paul, in faith, discipline and service to humanity, for the benefit of their parents, guardians and society at large.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Rector, Rev. Fr. Hilary Obidiegwu Nweke, expressed gratitude to God for His “magnanimity and unfathomable love” towards the seminary community. He noted that although the institution is barely three years old, its growth and development remain a source of gratitude to God.
The Rector paid glowing tribute to Bishop Isizoh, describing his love and commitment to the seminary as “palpable,” adding that the Bishop personally intervenes in the affairs of the institution, including the welfare and feeding of the seminarians. He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the Bishop with good health of mind and body.
He also appreciated priests of the Aguleri Diocese, parents and guardians for their unwavering support, noting that their contributions have included a seminary band, sound system, sewing machines, clippers and generous cash donations at various times.
However, the Rector used the occasion to appeal for further assistance, revealing the urgent need for a truck estimated at about N8 million and an 18-seater bus estimated at N18 million to support the seminary’s operations.
The chairman of the occasion, Nze Ifechukwudelu (Nwajiukwu), thanked the Bishop, Rector, staff and students for their commitment to quality formation. He urged the seminarians to remain diligent and encouraged the teachers to continue moulding the students into responsible citizens and future leaders.
In separate goodwill messages, Prof. Chukwuemeka Nweke, Mr. Ikechukwu, Mr. Paul Michael, Urukanachukwu and others commended the school management for surpassing expectations in developing the institution. They prayed for the success of the seminarians in achieving their vocations.
Highlights of the celebration included the Holy Mass, homage to the Bishop, donations, cultural displays and entertainment.
