BIGARD MEMORIAL SEMINARY, ENUGU HOLDS HER MISSION WEEKEND 2026: ONE IN CHRIST, UNITED IN MISSION

MISSION WEEKEND 2026: ONE IN CHRIST, UNITED IN MISSION

Evening Session: Round Table Discussions

The 24th Bigard Mission and Pastoral Weekend, marking 100 years of World Mission Sunday, began in high spirits with an interactive round-table session on the eve of the main event. On 17th October 2026, the seminary family convened at the seminary auditorium to engage in discussions on the theme. Opening prayers were said by Rev. Fr. Christian Agala, after which the master of ceremonies, Agu Collins, invited the student-discussants to the high table.

The student-discussants included:

· Okigbo Christopher

· Onyegbule Great

· Umeh Antonio

· Chukwuka Kizito

· Ezeokafor Victor

· Nwobodo Daniel (Moderator)

Their discussion, enriched with practical examples, centered on the challenges that divide Christians and how believers from different denominations can collaborate to fulfill Christ’s mission. Following a fruitful deliberation, members of the audience were invited to contribute insights or constructive critiques regarding the arguments presented.

Nworie Emmanuel noted that the discussants had not explicitly addressed Christ’s intention behind the unity prayer in John 17. Drawing from the Greek etymological roots of the expression “totally one,” Eze Virgilius argued that Christ was praying for perfect unity rather than a decentralized, harmonious structure—thereby challenging the stance of discussants who advocated for “unity in diversity.” Rev. Fr. Dr. Clement Obasi, commending the dexterity and ingenuity of the discussants, emphasized that discussions on theological subjects ought to be grounded in Church documents. Rev. Fr. Eugene Odo echoed praise for the discussants' excellent performance while explaining the factors behind the apparent coolness shown by some Catholics toward the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Finally, the moderator of the Bigard Mission Club, Rev. Fr. Dr. Ohajuobodo Oko, critically examined the recurring notion that “unity is not uniformity,” while expressing immense delight at the high level of engagement throughout the session.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Vice Rector I, Rev. Fr. Dr. Eugene Odo, who expressed appreciation to the Rector, formators, seminarians, and discussants for an intellectually enriching evening. He remarked lightheartedly that, judging by the quality of output, the seminary might soon rely entirely on its own students for scholarly paper presentations rather than external resource persons.

The closing prayer was said by the Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Johnpaul Nwachukwu, bringing the session to a successful close.

Main Event: Paper Presentations by Guests

The 18th of October 2026 was a memorable day in the life of the seminary as it hosted paper presentations to celebrate its 24th Mission and Pastoral Weekend. Opening prayers were said by Rev. Fr. Christian Agala, after which the moderator of the Bigard Mission Club delivered the keynote address, elaborating on the theme of the weekend. The special guests were subsequently ushered to the high table alongside the Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Aloysius Ezeoba, Rev. Fr. Dr. Eugene Odo, Rev. Fr. Dr. Ohajuobodo Oko, and Rev. Fr. Dr. Clement Obasi.

The first presenter, Rev. Fr. Justin Udoma, Communications Director of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo, presented a paper titled “Mission to Love: The Heart of Christian Evangelization,” highlighting love as the bedrock of authentic missionary witness. The second presenter, Prof. Mrs. Kate Azuka Omenugha, Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, delivered a presentation on “Careerism and Partnership Among Priests and Religious.” Employing relatable everyday expressions and practical life examples, she reflected on how careerist attitudes hinder genuine religious commitment and collaborative ministry.

A brief musical interlude followed, during which saxophonist Nwodo Emmanuel entertained the audience. Owing to a tight schedule, Prof. Mrs. Kate Omenugha was presented with a token of appreciation by the Rector prior to her departure. Demonstrating her deep appreciation for the institution, she generously donated five hundred thousand Naira to support the upkeep of the seminary formators.

The third paper presenter, Rev. Fr. Dr. Ferdinand Odoh, Rector of St. John’s Seminary, Nsukka, delivered a talk titled “Ecumenical Communion as Missionary Witness in 21st-Century Nigeria,” underscoring the imperative of Christian unity in proclaiming the Gospel.

In his concluding remarks, the Rector summarized key insights from the presentations and expressed sincere gratitude to the guest speakers for their thought-provoking contributions. The Vice Rector I offered closing remarks, thanking the Mission Club and the entire organizing team for ensuring the resounding success of this year’s Mission Weekend.

The closing prayer was said by Spiritual Director I, Rev. Fr. Godwin Orji.