By Paschal Norbert
ENUGU, NOVEMBER 22, 2024 (CISA) – The Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu, Nigeria, marked a monumental milestone on November 21, 2024, as it celebrated its centenary. This institution, renowned for shaping the spiritual and intellectual lives of Nigerian priests, was founded 100 years ago under the inspiration of Jeanne Bigard, co-founder of the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle. It has since grown into a cornerstone of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, producing an illustrious lineage of clergy, including four cardinals, 14 archbishops, and 37 bishops.
Among its distinguished alumni is Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization. Returning to his alma mater for the occasion, he presided over the landmark event: the ordination of 40 deacons and the centenary celebration of the foundation of the seminary.
The centenary festivities transformed the seminary grounds into a vibrant hub of spiritual and cultural activity. Thousands of clergy, alumni, and faithful filled the church and surrounding avenues to participate in the grand finale of the celebrations. The atmosphere was imbued with nostalgia and unity, as old classmates reconnected, iconic structures were revisited, and cherished memories were relived.
During the solemn Mass, Archbishop Nwachukwu delivered a stirring homily, emphasizing the profound responsibilities of the diaconate.
Reflecting on the scriptural roots of their calling, he said, “The service of the altar traces back to the children of Levi in the Old Testament and to the deacons like Stephen in the New Testament, who were chosen not by human genealogy but by divine election. You, too, have been called by God to serve in a world still grappling with challenges like discrimination and division.”
He urged the deacons to adopt “God’s style of closeness, compassion, and tender love,” echoing Pope Francis’ counsel to Nigerian clergy earlier this year.
“Your ordination elevates you beyond ethnic or genealogical identity. You are defined by God’s election and will serve as beacons of faith in a divided world,” he added.
For the 40 newly ordained deacons, the day marked the realization of dreams nurtured over years of rigorous formation. Archbishop Nwachukwu reminded them of the transformative nature of their calling: “An ordained deacon becomes, as it were, uprooted from the soil and carried by the wind of the Spirit. Christ is your model. Live a life worthy of the vocation you have received, with humility, gentleness, and patience.”
The Bigard Memorial Seminary’s roots trace back to the vision of Rt Rev Joseph Shanahan, an Irish-born Spiritan missionary prelate, fondly known as the Apostle of Nigeria, whose dream of nurturing the local clergy took shape in 1924. Over the years, the seminary has grown both in number and influence, with 780 seminarians currently in formation, including theologians, philosophers, and religious candidates.
Through the decades, the seminary has not only sustained its mission but also celebrated its milestones with grandeur. The centenary celebrations were the culmination of a series of commemorative events, including a Festival of Art and Culture, a singing competition, and a Bible quiz symposium held in the previous years since 2019.
As the festivities concluded, Fr Dr Albert Okey Ikpenwa, the seminary’s rector declared, “This centenary is a testament to God’s faithfulness. As we look to the future, we remain committed to forming priests who will serve the Church and the world with zeal and compassion.”
In the words of Archbishop Nwachukwu: “Bigard at 100 is not just a celebration of the past; it is a call to continue the mission of Christ in a world in need of hope and healing.”
