By Njideka Eze
In a grand convergence of faith and legacy, Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, on Thursday 21st November 2024, celebrated its centenary with an event that drew the who’s who of the Catholic Church and society. The ceremony, held in the sprawling seminary grounds, was nothing short of monumental. Having produced four Cardinals, thirteen Archbishops, thirty-seven Bishops, hundreds of religious leaders, and thousands of priests, it was a day that heralded an incredible convergence to honor an institution that has stood as a beacon of Catholic formation for 100 years.
Papal Blessings
His Holiness Pope Francis, though unable to attend in person, sent a heartfelt message of goodwill. In his letter, the Pope expressed his “spiritual closeness” to the Bigard family and lauded the seminary for its unparalleled contribution to the Church, producing generations of priests and Bishops who have shaped the faith. “This occasion affords me the opportunity to express profound gratitude for the quality of leaders Bigard has given the Church,” the Pope wrote, urging the seminary to explore new avenues of training seminarians while emphasizing service to the poor and downtrodden.
Forty Ordinations, Forty Years of Priestly Service
The highlight of the celebration was the ordination of 40 seminarians to the diaconate, coinciding with the 40th priestly anniversary of a distinguished Bigard alumni class. The ordaining prelate and homilist, Most Rev. Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, described the occasion as a moment of spiritual rejoicing, drawing from Revelation 19:7: “Be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and His bride has prepared herself.”
Addressing the newly ordained deacons, Bishop Nwachukwu issued a solemn charge: “You are entering a world riddled with vices, but remember your training and let your ministry be rooted in service. Let your priesthood mirror the order of Melchizedek—defined not by lineage but by God’s calling. Move from being ‘born of the soil’ to ‘born of God.’”
A Legacy of Excellence
The President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, His Lordship, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, extolled Bigard’s unparalleled legacy in his address. “This seminary is the mustard seed that has grown into a mighty tree, forming Cardinals like Francis Arinze, Archbishop Obiefuna, and countless other spiritual leaders,” he said, celebrating the institution for its century-long dedication to molding leaders of faith.
The Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, urged the Bigard family to view the centenary not just as a moment of reflection but as a launchpad for the next 100 years. “Be not just heirs of a glorious past but architects of an even brighter future,” he charged.
State Officials Applaud Church’s Role
The secular world also paid tribute. Representing the Governor of Enugu State, Deputy Governor Bar. Ifeanyi Ossai commended the Catholic Church for its role as a moral watchdog. “Your work reminds us in authority to lead with integrity,” he said, emphasizing the critical role of faith institutions in governance and societal reform.
A Centenary Rooted in Sacrifice
In a moving vote of thanks, the visibly elated Rector of the seminary recounted the institution’s humble beginnings, made possible by Jeanne Bigard, a French benefactor whose generosity birthed this spiritual giant in Enugu. “This seminary was built on sacrifice, and we call on everyone to continue supporting its mission,” he urged, while expressing gratitude to Pope Francis for granting indulgences to the faithful who attended the event.
Looking to the Next Century
As the grand celebration drew to a close, the message was clear: Bigard Seminary is not just an institution but a movement, a force of faith, service, and excellence that has touched lives far beyond its walls. From the ordination of 40 new deacons to the commemoration of decades of priestly service, the centenary was a testament to a glorious past and a clarion call for an even greater future.
Indeed, as the words of Matthew 9:37-38 echoed through the event, the harvest is plentiful, and Bigard continues to labor unceasingly in the vineyard of the Lord.
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