By Blessing Nneoma Nebo
Blessed Iwene Tansi Major Seminary, Onitsha, has commemorated its 25th Silver Jubilee with a series of spiritually enriching and memorable events. The activities featured a Jubilee Lecture, the official opening of the Albert K. Obiefuna Centre, a novelty football match between alumni priests, an alumni reunion, and a solemn Silver Jubilee Thanksgiving Mass.
The Mass was presided over by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, with Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor and several other Bishops concelebrating alongside numerous priests.
The Jubilee Lecture was held on 14th November 2025, and was presented by Rev. Fr. Prof. Ignatius Obinwa, who spoke on “Priestly Formation in the Catholic Church”. He explained that priestly formation was modelled after Christ, who, he said, trained and formed His apostles by teaching them, leading them in prayer and preparing them for mission.
He stressed that the seminary had the mission of forming saints, scholars, and gentlemen – men capable of mediating between God and humanity.
Fr. Obinwa emphasized the need to train seminarians for the preaching ministry, service to the people, and winning souls by becoming true servants of God. He noted that the priests of tomorrow must resemble Christ and bear witness to the reality of heaven on earth, especially through the celebration of the holy Eucharist.
Concluding his lecture, Fr. Obinwa reflected on the pivotal role of the Church in Onitsha Province and paid tribute to the late Archbishop Obiefuna, describing him as a man of deep faith whose vision and dedication helped to establish the seminary as a centre of authentic priestly formation.
After the lecture, Albert K. Obiefuna Centre was officially declared open as a research centre focused on ecclesial development and pastoral contributions across the South-East Region.
In the evening of the same day, a novelty football match among alumni priests added colour and excitement to the celebration. This was followed by a fraternal encounter and relaxation session which brought together alumni, seminarians, and formators of the seminary.
The jubilee celebration climaxed with a Solemn Silver Jubilee Thanksgiving Mass on 15th November, 2025 presided over by Archbishop Okeke.
In his homily, Archbishop Okeke described Jubilee as a time of thanksgiving, and renewal. He explained that Jubilee was a moment to express deep gratitude to God for redemption and to reconcile with God and with one another. He further noted that Jubilee, both in the life of individuals and institutions, signified a great event and God’s entry into their lives.
Archbishop Okeke explained the meaning of Jubilee within the Church, clarifying that a Silver Jubilee marked 25 years; the Golden Jubilee, 50; years and the Diamond Jubilee marked 75 years; while the Centenary Jubilee marked 100 years, which, he said, was often celebrated as a special holy year.
Archbishop Okeke paid glowing tribute to the initiator and founder of the seminary, the late Archbishop Obiefuna, described him as “a rare gem and a model for others.” He stated that Archbishop Obiefuna opened the gates of the seminary exactly 25 years ago, on Wednesday, November 15, 2000. He also appreciated all those whom he said God had used to bless the seminary from its inception to this day.
Concluding his homily, Archbishop Okeke stated that ‘Jubilee is a time of rest, a period of God’s favour, and a moment when God blesses His people.’
Immediately after the Mass, Jubilee trees were planted to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the seminary.
An address of welcome was presented by Rev. Fr. Fabian Obi (Rector), and delivered by Rev. Fr. Ogochukwu Daniel Onuorah. Fr. Onuorah expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the entire family of the Blessed Iwene Tansi Major Seminary, Onitsha, and to all who gathered for the grand finale of the celebration.
He acknowledged with deep appreciation, the presence and support of Archbishop Okeke; Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Bishop of Awka; Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, Bishop of Enugu State; as well as other Bishops, priests, knights, and ladies of the Church; the Archdiocesan CWO and the Onitsha Regional CWO;government representatives; benefactors; and all guests.
He noted that it was a fitting moment to thank God for His love and sustenance over the seminary throughout its twenty-five years of existence. He stated, that though the journey had not been easy, the grace of God had remained constant; even as he remarked that the seminary now had every reason to look back with gratitude and look forward with hope.
He paid special tribute to the immediate past Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Albert K. Obiefuna of blessed memory, acknowledging what he described as his visionary role.
‘Inspired by the Holy Spirit, he conceived the idea of establishing the seminary due to the increasing population of the mother seminary, Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu. Through his dedication and commitment, he obtained the master plan of the seminary, which was blessed by His Holiness Pope John Paul II, during the beatification of Blessed Iwene Tansi at Oba on 22 March 1998.
Other highlights to mark the celebration were a panel discussion chaired by Fr. Prof Dominic Obielosi with Fr. Dr. Paschal onwugbenu, Sr. Mariana Nwankwo (IHM), Chief Polycarp Onwuka and Dr. Dora Unachukwu as members of the panel; and the cutting of the Jubilee cake.
