Archbishop Okeke, Bishop Isizoh Storm All Hallows Seminary Onitsha, Celebrates All Saints Day
By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
It was indeed a special occasion on November 1, 2022, when the Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke and his axillary, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dennis Isizoh graced the feast of All Saints at All Hallows Seminary Onitsha, Anambra State.
In his homily, Archbishop Okeke who presided the Holy Mass to mark the occasion dwelt on the topic which he titled ” Living Christ Like Life ” explaining solemnity of All Saints as a celebration of know and unknown Saints who lived Christ Like Life when they were on Earth and stay with God in His Kingdom now.
He reminded the congregation that those Saints were human beings like us but they lived their lives like Christ and entered the kingdom of God after they died.
” In the House of God, there is no stranger nor a foreigner. We are all equal to God and His bonafide owner. All of us must enter the Kingdom of God but we must live life like Christ”
Presenting his welcome address, the rector of the seminary, Rev. Fr. Paschal Okonkwo rained accolade on Archbishop Valerian Okeke who doubles as the proprietor of the Seminary for his unflinching support, revealing that the Archbishop gave them huge live cow two days ahead of the occasion.
He also expressed gratitude to friends, benefactors, benefactress, stating that they always ready to assist the seminary whenever they called. He also acknowledged and appreciates the unceasing efforts of Executives and members of the parents Teachers’ Dialogue (PTD).
The cleric stated that they continues to promote the culture of Excellence in their Seminary which includes; Excellence in academic, Excellence in character formation, Excellence in Sports and Music, even as he disclosed that in 2022 BECE (Junior WAEC) the Seminary scored 100% success with one of the Seminarians emerged the best result in Anambra State.
Other Examinations and competitions which he said their Seminary performed Excellently well includes, Latin Certificate Examination 100%, 2022 SSCE, WAEC, NECO, National Mathematics competition and AVOSCO.
Fr. Okonkwo therefore, solicited financial aid to enable them renovate, repaint and reinforce some school structures as the Seminary would mark centenary in 2024.
Fielding questions from newsmen, he noted that the essence of celebrating All Saints is to emulate their lives on earth, describing All Saints which he said are the patron Saint of the Seminary as our brothers and sisters known and unknown who lived a good life and are in the Kingdom of God.
He eulogized Bishop Dennis Isizoh and numerous priests and religious who graced the occasion. In a special way, Fr. Paschal poured encomium on Archbishop Okeke who granted Scholarship to two Seminarians, urging other Seminarians to be focused, work very hard and emulate the old boys.
Responding, Archbishop Okeke expressed joy for the brilliant and intellectual prowess of Rev. Fr. Pascal Okonkwo which prompted him to order the people to give him rounds of applaud. He profoundly eulogized Fr. Pascal for his oratorical skill.
” Yes, I am happy for Fr. Pascal, that’s the evidence of obtaining good training. Fr. Pascal was trained to speak multiple languages that’s why I asked him to address us in Igbo language but he as well performed well”. The prelate posited.
Some old boys who expressed their delight for the occasion includes; former Chairman of All Hallows Seminary old boys, Professor Fidelis Okafor and incumbent old boys Chairman, Hon. Akackwuku Nwankpo.
