BIGARD MEMORIAL SEMINARY ENUGU HOLDS HER COLLOQUIUM FOR THE 2026/2027 ACADEMIC AND FORMATION YEAR

Seminary Formation as a Path to Alter Christus

At the beginning of every academic and formation year, it has been a tradition in Bigard to hold a colloquium for the entire seminary family on a theme selected and reflected upon by the Rector. Such deliberations and discussions on the theme serve as guide all through the academic and formation year.

This year, on the 7th of October, the colloquium was held on the theme: Seminary Formation as a Path to Alter Christus. The rector, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Aloysius Ezeoba in the paper, reflected on the seminary formation as a path toward the original foundation of the Catholic priesthood – “alter Christus”. The paper examined what it meant to be an alter Christus, it gave a proper insight into the vocation to the priesthood, the stages of seminary formation, the aspects of formation, and finally concluded with the challenges against seminary formation today. It is pertinent to note that the rector in the paper, encouraged the seminarians to deliberate on what they think should be abolished in the everyday running of the seminary, what they think should be retained and, new things they think should be introduced in the seminary formation.

The morning session of the colloquium was organized according to classes, some split into two groups. This was to enhance proper assimilation of the colloquium paper and active participation amongst students. In various groups, the paper was read by the students, and the paper was discussed with father formators assigned to each group, moderating such deliberations.

In the evening, at 4 pm, all assembled at the seminary auditorium for the second part of the colloquium. The opening prayers said by Rev. Fr. Christian Agala, kicked off the evening activities. Every class, represented by the secretaries, took turns in airing the deliberations of their group during the evening session. Some of the suggestions raised by the seminarians included:

1. The introduction of new courses on emotional intelligence.

2. The adoption of “Auto-Formation” to enhance personal conviction.

3. Talent shows to encourage seminarians to learn skills.

4. Publication of results (containing average, C.P.G.A, and class position) every semester to help seminarians in their intellectual formation.

5. Increased time for games.

6. Provision of professional psychologists for students.

7. Time for penitential service be reveiwed.

8. Suggestion boxes be provided for seminarians to anonymously suggest ideas.

9. Occasional departmental rector’s conferences. etc.

Room was given after the presentations, for seminarians and formators to give their personal remarks. The Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. JohnPaul Nwachukwu, on spiritual formation, emphatically reminded the seminarians of the need for spiritual direction, assuring them that one is free to meet any spiritual director of his choice. The 2nd Dean of student affairs, Rev. Fr. James Odo expressed his delight on the interactive nature of the colloquium. He, however, emphasized on the need for student functionaries to avoid the use of threats in addressing their fellow seminarians. He then concluded by requesting formators who are house moderators to develop a close relationship with the members of their house, reminiscing the former practice of house excursions and field trips. Finally, a seminarian, Vitalis Obayi emphasized on the need for seminarians in both departments to be given access to their scripts and results at end of each semester to help the seminarians to properly access themselves.

The Rector, during his remarks, expressed his satisfaction with the way the seminarians responded to the colloquium paper. He emphasized the need for self-conviction. He however pointed-out that an aspect of the seminary formation that would need some attention was the human formation of the seminarian. The formation of the seminarian to be a compassionate pastor, having empathy for his brothers. Finally, he assured the seminary family that the suggestions laid out will be put into consideration. And to show his commitment, he immediately requested the Deans of student affairs and the student’s council president to compile the suggestions and send to his office.

In the closing remarks, Rev. Fr. Eugene Odo thanked the Rector for a beautifully drafted colloquium paper. He also thanked the seminarians for their active participation which was evident in their responses and suggestions. He however pleaded with the formators that suggestions and comments made by seminarians in forums such as these should not be used against the seminarians. The closing prayers which brought the 2026 colloquium to an end was said by the Spiritual Director I, Rev. Fr. Dr. Godwin Orji at 5.25pm.