As recommended, in preparation for the admission of candidates into the rite of Candidacy, a 3-day retreat was organized for the students in their second year of Theological studies. The focus of the retreat was to educate and instruct them on the spiritual, pastoral and liturgical significance of the responsibilities that would soon be conferred them. It was held from 22nd to 24th of January, eve of the celebration of the solemnity of the Conversation of St Paul.

The Rite of Candidacy which is a crucial step in the preparatory process for ordination was held this year in the Seminary chapel on the 25th of January, 2017. The ceremony witnessed 35 brothers from various dioceses and apostolic vicariate admitted to the Rites of Candidacy. The occasion began with the Mass which was presided over by Most Rev. John Oyejola, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo. In his homily, he exposed all to the obligations of one who has become a candidate for the priesthood. Going on, he admonished all as ministers of the word and sacraments to love God, cherish the gospel of Christ and teach the faith both by words and actions. In this vein, he enjoined the brothers undergoing the Rites to seek the path that will key them into the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the Supreme High Priest.