By Rachel Kogi
The 1992 graduating set of the major seminary of Saints Peter and Paul in Bodija, Ibadan gathered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State to jointly celebrate the 30th anniversary of their priestly ordination.
The joyful event was held from Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 January, 2023 at the Regina Coeli Catholic Church, Shelter Afrique in Uyo, where Very Rev. Fr. Justin Udomah, a member of the class, is the pastor.
It was the 28th annual reunion of the class since graduating, missing only two years due to the COVID-19 and death of a class member, Most Rev. Paul Olawoore.
The Chief Celebrant at the thanksgiving Mass was the class leader, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Igbekele, the Acting Rector of Ss. Peter & Paul Major Seminary, Ibadan, while Very Rev. Fr. Evaristus Bassey was the homilist.
The first part of the Annual General Meeting was an interactive session with Msgr. Professor Sylvanus Iniobong Udoidem, former Rector of the Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port Harcourt in River State. The erudite prelate led the Class in discussing some issues concerning the Church and challenges of the priestly life.
At the meeting proper, the celebrants, among other things, donated N2m in support of the Solar System Project for their alma mater .
The closing Mass of the 28th reunion, said by Very Rev. Fr. Michael Umoh, was primarily for the happy repose of the deceased members of the class: Most Rev. Paul Olawoore, who was the Bishop of Ilorin Diocese, Fr. Ezekiel Owoeye of Ibadan Archdiocese and Fr. John Awaebe of Auchi diocese.
Other priests present at the reunion were Rev. Frs. Francis Adedara of Ilorin Diocese, Anthony Ozele of Warri Diocese, Patrick Udotai of Uyo Diocese, Patrick Feyisetan of Abeokuta Diocese, Patrick Eyinla of Ondo Diocese, James Dukiya of Lokoja Diocese, Jude Onyebadi of Issele Uku Diocese, Evaristus Bassey of Calabar Diocese, Fr. Navy Commander Cyril Ogedengbe of Ondo Diocese, and Stephen Folorunsho of Bismarck Diocese.
