BIGARD MEMORIAL SEMINARY ENUGU CELEBRATES HER 2025 NACATHS WEEKEND

NACATHS WEEKEND 2025: “HOPE THAT TRANSFORMS – ENCOUNTERING CHRIST IN THE SACRAMENTS AND PRAYER”

From 28–30 November 2025, the Bigard Memorial Seminary family joyfully hosted the 2025 NACATHS Weekend under the inspiring theme: “Hope That Transforms: Encountering Christ in the Sacraments and Prayer.” The program began on the evening of Friday, 28th November, with a lively and deeply enriching Round-Table Discussion. Seminarians from sister theological institutions across the region came together in fraternal dialogue, offering profound insights that left everyone spiritually nourished and intellectually stimulated.

Saturday, 29th November – The Main Event

The program of the day opened with a solemn prayer led by Rev. Fr. Eugene Odo, setting a contemplative tone for all that followed. In his welcome address, the Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Albert Ikpenwa, spoke movingly about the challenges facing our nation that often threaten to extinguish hope. He reminded us that the Sacraments remain privileged channels of grace – true encounters with the Risen Christ – and powerful sources of authentic, transformative hope. Mr. Bologi John-Val, National Vice-President of NACATHS, delivered the opening address, expressing profound gratitude to the entire formation team for their tireless dedication in forming future priests. The highlight of his speech was the joyful induction of the Year One Theology students into the NACATHS family – a moment met with thunderous applause!

The Keynote Address was masterfully delivered by Rev. Fr. Clement Obasi, who drew richly from papal encyclicals and presented Our Lady, Mater Spei (Mother of Hope), as the perfect model for every Christian. He challenged everyone present to live as living witnesses to the truth: “Spes non confundit” – Hope does not disappoint! Rev. Fr. Kenneth Odibu’s scholarly paper presentation explored how the Sacraments consolidate Christian hope in our daily lives. He beautifully distinguished between liturgy and private prayer while lamenting how the word “hope” has sadly been weaponized by some politicians. Yet, he concluded with a powerful call: true and lasting hope is found only in faithful celebration and reception of the Sacraments.

A breathtaking saxophone interlude by Mr. Uchenna Paschal and a vibrant cultural display by the renowned Igba Umuogaranya Dance Troupe added colour, joy and Igbo pride to the occasion. Rev. Fr. Kingsley Anagolu, as respondent, offered a brilliant appraisal and further deepened the reflections with additional theological insights. The program climaxed with the presentation of well-deserved awards to outstanding individuals and groups, followed by closing remarks and a prayer. Indeed, the 2025 NACATHS Weekend was far more than an event – it was a profound spiritual renewal, a strengthening of fraternal bonds, and a powerful reminder that, even in troubled times, Christ encountered in the Sacraments and in prayer remains our unshakable anchor of hope.