The Catholic Bishop of Aguleri Diocese, Most Reverend Denis Isizoh said Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu started as Saint Paul’s Senior Seminary, Igbariam in 1924 but later moved to Enugu due to some prevailing circumstances encountered by the early missionaries but said that they were able to ordained many priest before their sojourn to Enugu.
Most. Rev. Isizoh while speaking during the foundation stone laying of new Saint Paul’s Minor Seminary, Igbariam in Anambra East Council Area, went down memory lane to recall the journey of the seminary, stating that the pioneer seminarians began their philosophical studies while new intakes combined their studies with the Teachers Higher Elementary Courses.
Isizoh noted that for these 100 years, Bigard Memorial Seminary has produced about 14 Archbishops, 35 Bishops, hundreds of priests and prominent individuals such as Blessed Micheal Iwene Tansi.
The Prelate said the new St Paul’s Minor Seminary will shape, mould and form souls that will become strong religious and societal leaders.
Angel Network News reports that the foundation laying ceremony came as Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu celebrates its 100 years of existence and having begun in Igbariam in 1924, and before moving to its present location in Enugu.
Thus, the new St Paul’s Minor Seminary, Igbariam was founded as a legacy of the early missionaries and their works of evangelism in the community.
The pontifical high mass which took place at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church, Igbariam, witnessed the presence of the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo represented by the Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Dr Anselm Onuora, top government officials, priests, Reverend Sisterd, Ndi Igbariam and parishioners of Aguleri Diocese.
In his homily, the Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Reverend Godfrey Onah pointed to the life transforming experience of the patron saint of the school, Saint Paul and said that the institution was founded to rediscover missions, preach gospel with discernment, stating that if they lose sight of these intention, they will produce scholars in different professions and not priests.
Speaking shortly after mass, the Member representing Anambra East Constituency in Anambra State House Of Assembly, Hon.Obi Nweke who is an indegene of Igbariam said that the school coming back after a 100 years is historic and prayed that it will help nurture priests that will be after God’s own heart and responsible citizens.
The President General Of Igbariam Progressive Union, Dr Chris Offorkansi said the foundation stone laying was made possible because of the support and express approval of Bishop Isizoh, stating that the community welcomed them with open heart and pledged that they will do anything within their reach to see that the seminary succeeds.
Another stakeholder of the community, Chief Lawrence Anikpe maintained that Ndi Igbariam remain greatful to God having seen them worthy to host the seminary again and pledged their commitment to see that the seminary become the envy of her contemporaries.
