Having completed their Seminary training with the completion of their final examinations on Saturday, 14^th November, 2020, Mother Bodija, in a valedictory ceremony, which comprised of a social night/dinner and the Holy Mass, sent forth 40 newest alumni (2019/2020 set) into the ministry. These Deacons and brothers were joyously celebrated by the Seminary Community in her usual show of love to all her graduating children. First, to congratulate them for a successful completion of their Seminary formation and, secondly, to bid them farewell as they go into the pastoral field for which they have been trained.

The twofold celebration started on the evening of November 14^th, 2020, with a social night/dinner party organized in the Seminary’s refectory. A celebration which was graced by both formators and students of the Seminary. At the event, the Rector, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ewherido, in his remarks, admonished the graduating set to always keep in mind who they are in the midst of a world, known for undue aggressive protagonism, fight for recognition and struggles with identity crisis. He urged them to serve Christ, the Church, and God’s people faithfully, because we must not be priests on our own terms.  Also, he urged them never to cringe under the unfounded popular claim, “I was not taught that in the seminary”, rather, they are to make Mother Bodija proud wherever they find themselves and never to forget the nurture and care she give them. More so, during the course of the celebration, honorary awards were presented to some distinguished students and the Mr. Bodija for the next Academic/Formation session, Mr. Anyanwu Augustine, was crowned.

The second facet of the celebration was the valedictory Mass, which was celebrated in the Seminary chapel on the 15^th of November, 2020. Speaking at the homily, the chief Celebrant, Rev. Fr. Francis Adedara, situated the Gospel in the prevailing celebration, as the Gospel reflects the attitudes of servants, who received talents from their master. He urged the graduating set to be prudent in the use of the talents and skills they have received from the Seminary for the past nine years, and never, like the unfaithful servant, hide or even bury their abilities and talents.

After the Mass, the procession led everyone to the front of St. Peter’s block for a group photograph of the graduating set with the formators and a farewell parade displayed by the Road Safety Commission of the Seminary for their out-going members.