● Ferdy Agu
Enugu, Nov. 16 – The centenary celebration of Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, continued today with a blend of religious solemnity, musical brilliance, and theatrical artistry. The marathon event, which began last Sunday, is set to run until Thursday, November 21, featuring diverse activities that reflect on the seminary’s century-long legacy of shaping Catholic leaders and fostering spiritual growth.
The day’s program commenced with a Holy Mass presided over by Msgr. Anthony Anijielo, whose homily extolled Bigard Seminary’s unwavering commitment to Catholic values and its pivotal role in the Church’s mission in Nigeria and beyond. Following the Mass, all other activities were held in the seminary auditorium, transforming the space into a hub of artistic and cultural expression.
The performances began with the Bigard Main Choir delivering a breathtaking classical choral presentation. Uzor Francis and Okoh Michael captivated the audience with a violin and keyboard duet, seamlessly blending classical tunes with soulful artistry. The One Voice Chorale added depth to the program with their harmonious choral presentation, earning resounding applause.
Solo performances also held the audience spellbound. Okoye Celestine mesmerized with a captivating keyboard piece, while Asogwa Valerian’s clarinet and Eze Virgilus’ saxophone performances showcased the depth of talent nurtured within the seminary. A traditional twist came with the Egwu Ekpili Group and Eze Uzochukwu’s enthralling Oja (flute) performance, celebrating Igbo cultural heritage. The Amor Musicalis Orchestra concluded the afternoon session with a stirring rendition that left the audience in awe.
In the evening, the focus shifted to the stage as the seminary’s drama troupe presented Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame. The compelling performance demonstrated the seminarians’ theatrical prowess, providing a thought-provoking conclusion to the day’s activities. The audience was riveted by the actors’ command of their roles and the timeless relevance of the play’s themes.
The centenary celebration, which has already featured symposiums held from November 13 to 15, will continue tomorrow with choir performances involving groups from various parishes in Enugu and beyond. The grand finale, scheduled for Thursday, November 21, will crown the festivities as the seminary reflects on its 100 years of service to the Church and society. GMTNewsng