By Nna Anulumadu
All Hallows Seminary Onitsha bubbled with joy on Saturday November 1st 2025 as the Seminary staged a spectacular event to celebrate the 2025 Feast of All Saints.
The colourful event attracted the presence of the Chief Shepherd of Onitsha Archdiocese cum proprietor of the Seminary His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke who was represented by Vicar general Onitsha Archdiocese Very Rev Fr JohBosco Okafor., dozens of priests, old boys of the college , parents and friends.
Speaking shortly at the beginning of Holy Mass, the proprietor Archbishop Okeke who spoke through the vicar general extolled the rector of the Seminary Fr Paschal Okonkwo for the on going transformation at the Seminary stating that since the period he assumed office as the rector, the Seminary has continued to witness great transformation academically, morally physically and otherwise, adding that the Seminary is getting brighter every year.
In his homily, the Chancellor of Onitsha Archdiocese Very Rev Fr Prudentius Aroh described “Church Triumphant” as Christians who died and achieved eternal glory in heaven .” It consists of believers who have overcome earthly struggles and now enjoy a perfect and eternal union with God”. He charged Christians to live a saintly life , emphasizing that every Christian should follow the foot steps of the saints , explaining that there is no magic wand behind becoming a saint. He further enjoined faithful to see the eight beatitudes as the secrets one can adopt to achieve sainthood at end of our earthly sojourn.
In an address, the Seminary expressed Joy over the occasion , extolling the Archbishop for his fatherly support and encouragement to the the Seminary. Also, other supporters of the Seminary including the old boys, Onitsha Archdiocesan Catholic Women Organization (CWO)were also appreciated.
The rector of the Seminary Rev Fr Paschal Okonkwo in his remarks eulogized the Archbishop of his usual magnanimity to the Seminary testifying that his support has been encouraging them a lot.
He thanked the Chancellor Very Rev Fr Aroh, the vice Chancellor Very Rev Fr Basil Ekwunife, the Education Secretary Very Rev Fr Paschal Onwugbenu, Onitsha Archdiocesan CWO led by Dame Ngozi Nwanosike , the Hungarian partners for their commendable support to the seminarians.
The APGA national chairman Barr Sly Ezeokenwa who fielded questions from the press said it is a nice thing to celebrate the church triumphant, urging Christians to strive to do the will of God. He praised the efforts of Seminary in producing great men of God and good leaders who are assisting in transforming our society. He advised the current students to remain committed to their studies and take Christ as their role model.
Also, an old boy of the Seminary Prof Fidelis Uzochukwu Okafor in his contribution described the event as significant in the life of Christians , stating that it is a day of get together for the old boys. He enjoined students to always obey the rules and regulations of the Seminary in order to receive quality formation the school is providing.
One of the parents Chief Ezeani Emeka Egbue commended the efforts of Seminary management in sustaining quality education and moral training the students are receiving, advising the students to always remain focused to their studies .
