BIGARD MEMORIAL SEMINARY ENUGU HOSTS THE DIRECTORS THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETY (PMS) FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

BIGARD MEMORIAL SEMINARY ENUGU HOSTS THE DIRECTORS OF THE PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETY (PMS) FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

The event began with the Holy Mass at the seminary Chapel which began at 7.30am with Msgr. Roger Landry, the National Director of Pontifical Mission Society, USA as the chief celebrant. Fr. Augustine Dada, the Vice President of Society of St. Peter the Apostle, USA, Fr. Solomon Zaku, the Nigerian PMS Director and the seminary formators were concelebrants.

In the spirit-filled homily, the chief celebrant began by giving credence to the fact that Bigard is a testament of the seed planted by the early missionaries, and that the little seed planted insignificantly in the past had grown to become one of the biggest seminaries in the world. He also highlighted some important points in the transfiguration story which was the gospel of the day. He noted that seminarians are apostles of this time, and as apostles following Jesus to the mountain, they have to leave behind all earthly goods and desires. He said that seminarians as today’s apostles should take up their crosses daily, and follow Christ.

Before the final blessings, the Dean of Student’s Affairs II, Fr. James Odoh thanked the Chief celebrant and his entourage for their presence during the Mass. The recession was followed by photo shots at the front of the seminary chapel.

The Rector alongside some of the Seminary formators led the PMS-USA Director and his entourage to inspect various projects and structures in the seminary compound. The visitors were indeed pleased at the level of development and ingenuity the seminary compound had attained.

The grand reception at Blessed Iwene Tansi Auditorium began at 11 am with an entry procession of the Rector, Seminary formators and guests led by the Igba Umuogaranya Dance group of Aguleri, Nnewi and Onitsha Archdiocesan Seminarians. The Opening prayer led by Msgr. Raphael Egwu was followed immediately by the presentation of kolanuts.

In the welcome address, the Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Albert Ikpenwa welcomed the following distinguished guests:

Msgr. Roger Landry – National Director of Pontifical Mission Society, USA

Fr. Augustine Dada – Vice President of the Society of St. Peter the Apostle, USA

Mr. Stephen Bean – Communications officer, PMS USA

Fr. Solomon Baku – PMS Director Nigeria

The Rector went on to give a brief history and highlights of Bigard as an institution for the past 100 years. He noted that as at present, Bigard has 714 seminarians, 36 resident formators, 46 visiting professors and lecturers and 75 lay staff. He also expressed the seminary’s sentiments of gratitude to POSPA and the Pontifical Mission Societies worldwide for their support all through the years.

Before he ended his address, he mentioned some of the ongoing projects in the seminary and wished the guests a wonderful stay in Nigeria and a safe trip back to the USA.

The rector’s address was followed by cultural display by the Igba Umuogaranya of Aguleri, Nnewi Dioceses and Onitsha Archdiocese. This was followed by a violin duet by Francis Uzor and Okoh Michael which was well appreciated by the audience. Then, the Ikorodo boys of Nsukka diocese thrilled the audience with their dance moves and the speed live drawing of Pope Leo XIV by Achusi Samuel was received with a standing ovation by the guests and the audience. The guests were also thrilled by the energetic Ayeta cultural dance of Abakaliki diocesan seminarians which was followed by saxophone mashup by Antonio Umeh and Ugwu Paschal.

The performances shed some light on the cultural diversity and the versatility of Bigard. This was evidently seen in the response from the guests who noted how thrilled they were by the various performances especially the speed live drawing of Pope Leo XIV by Achusi Samuel.

Opportunity was given for questions and answers after which the vote of thanks was rendered by the Vice Rector 1, Rev. Fr. Dr. Kevin Udenwagu which was followed by closing prayer by Msgr. Roger Landry.

After Sext, the USA PMS director alongside his entourage personally gave each seminarian a prayer pamphlet of Blessed Fulton J. Sheen.