From Magnus Eze, Enugu
Three South East Governors- Peter Mbah (Enugu), Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra) and their Ebonyi counterpart, Francis Nwifuru, are among dignitaries expected at the centenary celebrations of Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu, holding at the institution, tomorrow.
Other special guests are the presidential candidate of Labour Party in last the general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, former governor of Old Anambra State, Sen. Jim Nwobodo as well as Willie Obiano and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Governors of Anambra and Enugu States, respectively.
Rector of the Seminary, Very Rev. Fr. Albert Ikpenwa, who addressed a press conference in Enugu, said that the Cardinal Bishop of Velletri-Segni in the Vatican City of Rome, Francis Cardinal Arinze, with the Bishops of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Providence, the Formators and Seminarians will on Sunday perform the flag-off centenary ceremony of the institution.
Irish Bishop, Joseph Shanaham, had in 1924 established Saint Paul’s Seminary in Igboariam Anambra State which after many relocations finally metamorphosed into Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu in 1951 and has produced four cardinals, 14 archbishops, 37 bishops and thousands of Reverend Fathers working in all parts of the world.
Ikpenwa said that at some point in time, the seminary had serviced Cameroun and West Africa countries such as Sierra Leone and Liberia; adding that not all the alumni of the institution made it as priests but became successful men in their societies.
He disclosed that Pope Francis will send a delegate from Rome, noting that the metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Providence, Most Rev Valerian Okeke and other Bishops in Ecclesiastical Providence are the chief host and hosts of the centenary ceremony.
According to him, the 10-day centenary event starting from November 10 to 21 will feature inauguration Mass for the grand finale, alumni get-together and other entertainments, different symposium sections/quiz competitions, cultural theatre, music festal display, football novelty matches, blessing and opening of the new centenary hostel, Jubilee Mass and Ordination of Deacons.