By Charles Igwe
On Monday, November 18, 2024, delegates from the Pontifical Mission Society (PMS), led by its Secretary-General, Fr. Guy Bognon, visited the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, as part of their tour of seminaries within the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province. This visit was tied to the ongoing centenary celebrations of Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu.
The delegation included Fr. Alexandro Bransdi, Assistant Secretary-General of PMS, and Fr. Solomon Zaku, National Director of PMS in Nigeria. They were warmly received at the Basilica by the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, along with priests, religious, and staff of the Holy Trinity Basilica.
Sr. M. Bennet Azuka Ezeokoli, IHM, the Archdiocesan PMS Director, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the pivotal role of the Pontifical Mission Society in supporting seminaries and novitiates annually. She expressed the Archdiocese’s commitment to advancing the work of PMS and fostering its mission across Onitsha.
In her words, Sr. Bennet said, “The contributions of PMS have been instrumental in sustaining our seminaries and novitiates. The Archdiocese of Onitsha remains committed to promoting and strengthening these efforts for the growth of the Church.”
The delegation extended their gratitude for the warm hospitality they received, commending the Archdiocese’s dedication to the mission.
The event, anchored by the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prudentius Aroh, featured a brief get-together. Gifts, including pastoral letters of the Archdiocese, were presented to the visitors. The evening concluded with an address by Archbishop Valerian Okeke, who expressed his appreciation for their visit and offered the concluding prayers.
