By Nna Anulumadu
The Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev Valerian Okeke on Sunday invested 27 new Senior Seminarians who are currently undergoing their one mandatory spiritual year formation at St Pius Spiritual year Seminary Akwu- Ukwu.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries from far and near to witness the Seminary feast and investiture.
In a Homily during a Mass that commenced the event, Archbishop Okeke charged the new Senior Seminarians not to have double intention as they embark on their journey to priesthood. Let your intention be purified. “Remember that your moral object is to become a holy priest and if you mistakenly deviate from being a Holy priest, you have wasted your time.In essence, aspire for a Holy priesthood that should be a blessing to yourself, to your family and to the society. Always be humble and obedient and do whatever you are asked to do”, he advised. Nna Anulumadu
The Chief Shepherd of Onitsha Archdiocese His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke on Sunday May 5th, 2024 invested 27 new Senior Seminarians who are currently undergoing their one year mandatory spiritual year formation at St Pius Spiritual year Seminary Akwu- Ukwu.
The spectacular ceremony attracted dignitaries from far and near who came to witness the Seminary feast and investiture.
In his Homily during a Mass that commenced the event, Archbishop Okeke charged the new Senior Seminarians not to have double intention as they embark on their journey to priesthood. ” Let your intention be purified. Remember that your moral object is to become a holy priest and if you mistakenly deviated from being a Holy priest, you have wasted your time. In essence, aspire for a Holy priesthood that should be a blessing to yourself, to your family and to the society. Always be humble and obedient and do whatever you are asked to do”, he advised
In a welcome address shortly after the investiture, the rector of the Seminary Rev. Fr. Celestine Umeh rained accolades on the Archbishop for splendid accomplishment and for giving them undaunted impetus to forge ahead in all situations. He also thanked the Seminary Friend Club, the Onitsha Archdiocesan CWO led by Dame Ngozi Nwanosike for their usual magnanimity to the Seminary. The rector further disclosed that apart from spiritual and human formation the Seminarians are receiving, the Seminary trains them in other skills such as fish farming, poultry, piggery, apiary, electrical repair, plumbing works etc.
The rector who later spoke to Trinitas Newspaper charged the new Senior Seminarians to persevere and avoid being distracted by the noise of the world. “Look up to Christ and follow him without looking back “, he advised.
The director Holy Souls Laboratory Awada Chikadibia Jude Okwudili who also spoke to Trinitas Newspaper at the event congratulated the new major seminarians, charging them to live a life worthy of the new elevation the mother church bestowed on them and remain focused till the target which is priesthood is achieved. He thanked the Archbishop for his tireless efforts In training the youth including seminarians, priests and others.
Also, Ebere Ezeokputu in his contribution expressed happiness over the investiture, enjoining the new Senior Seminarians to hold tenaciously to God in order to succeed at the end.
The president General Akwukwu town Sir Udoha Ejiakor( KSM) who fielded questions from the press said he was highly elated because the dream of his forefathers who wished to see their land become a place where seminarians are trained to become priests is now a reality. He advised the Seminarians to keep their eyes on the ball which is the priesthood. He commended the Archbishop for his great achievements in the Archdioceses.
Meanwhile out of the 27 new major seminarians, 21 of them are from the Archdiocese of Onitsha while 6 senior seminarians are from Aguleri Diocese.
