The Class of 2000 from St. JohnCross Seminary, Nsukka marked their 25th anniversary with a vibrant five-day Silver Jubilee Celebration, commencing on October 1 and 2, 2025.
Before 1998, the Dioceses of Enugu and Nsukka operated combined seminaries, with students completing junior secondary education at Sacred Heart Seminary Nsude before advancing to St. JohnCross Seminary Nsukka, for senior secondary studies. This shared legacy underscored the deep bonds celebrated during the reunion.
Day 1: St. JohnCross Seminary, Nsukka (Oct. 1, 2025)
The celebration began with a lively gathering at Shoprite, followed by a nostalgic return to St. JohnCross Seminary. The Rector, Rev. Fr. Dr. Ferdinand Odo, warmly welcomed the alumni, emphasizing the seminary’s enduring influence on their lives. The group participated in afternoon prayers with current seminarians, reigniting spiritual connections.
Dr. JohnBosco Chika Chukwuorji, President of the 2000 Set, delivered an inspiring address, urging students to uphold discipline and contribute to their alma mater. The Board of Trustees Chairman, Hon Bernard Obodoechina echoed the call for loyalty and sacrifice. Vice-Rector Fr. Lawrence Ezeugwu and Senior Prefect Br. Eze Emmanuel Solomon expressed gratitude for the alumni’s visit. The day concluded with a group photograph, a tour of key seminary landmarks—including the refectory, library, and sports facilities—and lively entertainment, setting an uplifting tone for the celebration.
Day 2: Sacred Heart Seminary, Nsude (Oct. 2, 2025)
The festivities continued with a Shoprite rendezvous before the alumni arrived at Sacred Heart Seminary at noon. Rector Rev. Fr. Stanistalus Uchechukwu Onodugo welcomed the group, evoking cherished memories of their senior secondary years.
Dr. JohnbBosco Chika Chukwuorji, President of the Old Boys Association, shared his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a lecturer at the University of Nigeria and a research scholar in the USA. He encouraged seminarians to remain disciplined, maintain ties with their alma mater, and foster alumni unity.
During a Q&A session, seminarian Anyaka Henry asked how alumni felt about not pursuing priesthood, while Onyekwelu Kizito inquired about coping without provisions 25 years ago.
Three alumni responded, noting that provisions instilled discipline and self-control, and that seminary formation endowed them with dignity and purpose, enabling meaningful contributions to the Church and society, regardless of their career paths. Mr. Ikechukwu Edeh emphasized that ex-seminarians remain integral to the Church’s mission.
Friendly Football Match – Alumni Showdown
A highlight of the second day was a spirited 90-minute football match at Bigard Memorial Seminary, pitting Sacred Heart Seminary (Nsude) alumni against St. JohnCross Seminary Nsukka alumni. Sacred Heart scored early in the fifth minute, but Ifeanyi Ugwu Raymond equalized for St. JohnCross at the 45th minute. In a dramatic second half, St. JohnCross’s captain scored in the 89th minute and secured victory with a decisive penalty.
Final Score:
Sacred Heart Seminary Nsude Alumni – 1
St. John Cross Seminary Nsukka Alumni – 2
The events of both days strengthened the bonds between alumni and current seminarians, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and community.
As part of activities marking their 25th Anniversary celebration, members of the St. John Cross Seminary Nsukka Old Boys Association, Class of 2000, held a memorable Reunion Dinner at the Ofu Obi Africa Centre, Independence Layout, Enugu on Friday, 3rd October 2025.
The colourful event featured lectures, felicitations, music, and moments of reflection, providing an opportunity for old classmates to reconnect, share memories, and celebrate the bonds formed during their seminary days.
The evening’s programme was marked by warmth and camaraderie as members interacted freely, reminiscing on their formative years at the seminary and reflecting on how their experiences had shaped their lives and vocations.
Speeches delivered during the event emphasized the importance of unity, gratitude, and continued service to God and humanity. Guests were also treated to lively entertainment, music, and dinner in a joyous atmosphere. There was as well sports activities at Ọkpara Square on Saturday morning.
The reunion dinner preceded the Thanksgiving Mass held on Sunday 5 October 2025, at the Omnium Sanctorum Catholic Chaplaincy, Thinkers Corner, Enugu, where members offered prayers of thanksgiving to God for 25 years of friendship, growth, and faith. The occasion brought together members of the set in an atmosphere of gratitude, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
During the announcement session, Rev. Fr. Henry Amuji, who is also a member of the class, commended the ex-seminarians for their faithfulness and unity, warmly welcoming them to the Chaplaincy. He expressed appreciation for their participation in the Mass and their continued commitment to the values instilled during their seminary formation.
The thanksgiving Mass served as a fitting conclusion to the Class of 2000’s silver jubilee, celebrating 25 years of shared brotherhood, growth, and enduring faith.
To cap their celebration the group also paid a courtesy visit to the former rectors of Sacred Hearts Seminary Nsude which included Msgr. Anthony Egbo, Rev. Fr. Dr. Ambrose Agu and Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Okoh.
Comment here