Enugu: The centenary celebrations of Nigeria’s Bigard Memorial Major Seminary concluded with a solemn Mass on November 21, during which 40 seminarians were ordained as deacons. Presiding over the event, Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization, urged the newly ordained to embrace “radical holiness” and dedicate themselves to authentic service, cautioning against using ministry for personal or material gain.

Archbishop Nwachukwu highlighted the sacred responsibility the deacons were assuming, calling their service a testament to humility and a reflection of Christ’s mission. He introduced symbolic spiritual “codes” to guide their journey, emphasizing self-reflection, renewal, and transcending tribal and parochial divides to foster unity within the Church. Drawing on scriptural references, he encouraged the deacons to commit to lives of genuine service and spiritual transformation.

Reflecting on the broader Church community, Archbishop Nwachukwu emphasized the need to rise above division and prejudice, urging clergy to embrace a new identity rooted in service and mission rather than geographic or tribal affiliations. He called for a Church that reflects unity, love, and a commitment to renewal.

Bigard Memorial Major Seminary, established in 1922, was celebrated for its century-long legacy of forming Catholic leaders, including cardinals, bishops, and thousands of priests. Archbishop Nwachukwu commended the seminary for its contribution to the Church, emphasizing the importance of sustaining this legacy through continued dedication to spiritual and academic excellence.

The Archbishop concluded by urging the newly ordained deacons to serve as instruments of renewal and transformation in their ministry, praying that their work would bring about profound change in the lives of those they serve.