By Njideka Eze
The third day of the Bigard Memorial Seminary Centenary celebration was marked with inspiration, reflection, and youthful inclusion as Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, Bishop of Enugu, joined Rev. Fr. Dr. Albert Ikpenwa, the seminary’s rector, in welcoming hundreds of young Nigerians to the celebration. This day was intentionally set aside for young people, underscoring their role as the future of both the church and the nation.
In his address, Bishop Onaga praised the vision behind this choice, applauding the rector’s foresight in allowing students to be part of the centennial celebration, an event that many today may not witness again in their lifetime. “It is these young ones who will carry the faith into the next hundred years,” said the Bishop, commending the seminary’s embrace of the youth.
Reflecting on the sanctity of the day, Bishop Onaga marveled at the chapel’s heavenly atmosphere, noting his deep connection to Bigard, the formation house where he once served as an auxiliary. “Today is a privilege,” he told the young seminarians, “and an opportunity for the older generation to look back at our history, grounding ourselves in the present while envisioning the future.”
The day coincided with the feast of St. Josaphat, a revered saint who sought unity between Western and Orthodox Christianity. Drawing from this example, Bishop Onaga called on the youth to emulate St. Josaphat’s humility and selflessness. He also denounced the alarming rate of assassinations in the country, linking it to intolerance and conflicting ideologies. “Our nation suffers because we fail to see beyond our differences,” he said, urging the young to work diligently, resist jealousy, and appreciate the strengths in others.
Rev. Fr. Francis Igboanugo added an emotional touch with his vote of thanks, leading the congregation in a standing ovation for Bishop Onaga. In honor of his long-standing support for Bigard, he called him the “landlord” of the seminary. In a gesture of generosity, Bishop Onaga donated one million Naira to students and five hundred thousand Naira to staff, further providing the Sanctus Domus guest house to accommodate guests.
One of the highlights of the day was the Bigard Centenary Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools, which drew schools from across Enugu, including Daughters of Divine Love Secondary School, CIC, Holy Rosary College, St. Monica’s Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, and others. After a riveting competition, Sacred Heart Group of Schools and CIC advanced to the finals, with Godfrey Okoye University Secondary School ultimately taking first place, Sacred Heart coming in second, and CIC securing third.
The third day of Bigard’s centennial became more than a celebration; it was a powerful statement about the Catholic Church’s commitment to nurturing a legacy of faith, unity, and service among Nigeria’s next generation. Through the words of Bishop Onaga and the powerful participation of young minds, the event underscored a message that will resonate well into the future: the future of the Church and nation rests in the hands of those who believe, serve, and strive to build a better tomorrow.
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