[1] MEET THE ORDINANDS: 14 NEW DEACONS ORDAINED AT ST. ALBERT THE GREAT MAJOR SEMINARY’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY IDOWU-OFFONRAN, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
In a joyful and historic celebration marking the 10th Anniversary of St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, 14 seminarians were ordained to the sacred diaconate on Thursday, 11th December 2025. The ordination, which took place in the seminary’s chapel, was conferred by the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins. Here are the newly ordained deacons:
ABEOKUTA DIOCESE (10)
1. Rev. Vincent ADEGOKE
2. Rev. Peter AJAYI
3. Rev. Innocent ALPHA
4. Rev. Paul ANUNOBI
5. Rev. Calfos FERDINAND
6. Rev. Harrison EZE
7. Rev. Theodore ERURUONYE
8. Rev. Francis FASINU
9. Rev. Callistus NKWOCHA
10. Rev. Augustine OGUNFOWORA
LAGOS ARCHDIOCESE (2)
1. Rev. Jerome ... Read More
[2] NACATHS WEEK 2025/2026: ST. ALBERT THE GREAT MAJOR SEMINARY COMES ALIVE WITH “ROOTED IN CHRIST, SENT TO THE WORLD”
The National Association of Catholic Theology Students (NACATHS), St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, Idowu-Offonran Chapter, has successfully wrapped up its much-anticipated annual NACATHS Week for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Held from Monday, 9th March to Sunday, 15th March 2026, the week-long celebration revolved around the inspiring theme: “Rooted in Christ, Sent to the World” (cf. Jn 15:5, 16). The programme challenged seminarians to remain deeply anchored in Christ while actively preparing to serve the Church in today’s fast-changing society.
The week opened on Monday with the official declaration by NACATHS Moderator, Rev. Fr. Enoch Usifo. This was immediately followed ... Read More
[3] 14 RAISED TO THE DIACONATE AS ST. ALBERT THE GREAT MAJOR SEMINARY MARKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY
On the 11th of December, 2025, the Seminary of St. Albert the Great, Idowu-Offonran, Abeokuta, joyfully celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of dedication to the formation of future priests. The celebration was nothing short of grand, spanning an entire week and culminating in the highly anticipated Diaconate Ordination.
The festivities began on Sunday, 7th December with week declared open by the Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Adebayo Lewis. On Wednesday, 10th December, there was a fundraising program that drew together friends, benefactors, alumni, and well-wishers of the Seminary, both physically present and participating virtually. This focused on supporting the ongoing ... Read More
[4] A DECADE OF GRACE, GRATITUDE AND GROWTH: THE HISTORY OF ST. ALBERT THE GREAT MAJOR SEMINARY, IDOWU-OFFONRAN, OGUN STATE
PREAMBLE
The history of St. Albert the Great Major Seminary in its ten years of existence, is a story of faith action, and a response of God’s enduring call to form young men as shepherds after His own heart. St. Albert the Great Major Seminary is located on the sprawling hills of Idowu-Offonran village in Obalerni-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. It is one of the three regional seminaries in the South Western part of Nigeria, belonging to the Bishops of the Ecclesiastical provinces if Benin City, Ibadan and Lagos. St. Albert the Great Major Seminary was established to depopulate the other two regional seminaries, namely Saints Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, and All ... Read More
[5] HAPPY CHRISTMAS
The Community of St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, joyfully celebrates the mystery of the Incarnation and extends warm Christmas greetings to all. As the Light of Christ shines anew in our world, may this holy season renew our faith, strengthen our hope, and deepen our charity. We wish you a grace-filled Christmas and a New Year marked by peace, fruitfulness, and God’s abiding presence.
[6] 2025 Christ the King Celebration in St. Albert the Great Major Seminary.
2025 Christ the King Celebration in St. Albert the Great Major Seminary.
[7] 2025 Christ the King Celebration in St. Albert the Great Major Seminary.
2025 Christ the King Celebration in St. Albert the Great Major Seminary.
[8] ONE YEAR ADDED TO SEMINARY FORMATION: THE MINISTERIAL YEAR
Reported by Matthew KOLAJO
In line with recent developments in priestly formation, Rome has introduced an additional year known as the Ministerial Year into the Seminary training program. Formerly, the formation program comprised four years of Philosophy, one year of Pastoral experience, and three years of Theology, which makes it eight years of formation. With this new structure, the Theological cycle now extends to four years, making the total formation period nine years and more comprehensive.
The Ministerial Year was established to better prepare seminarians, especially deacons for the practical realities and challenges of priestly ministry in today’s world. It focuses on ... Read More
[9] SEMINARY WELCOMES REV. FR. POLYCARP BISHOP IMOAGENE TO THE TEAM OF FORMATORS
Reported by Stephen AHAMEFULE
The Seminary community joyfully welcomes Rev. Fr. Polycarp Bishop Imoagene as he joins the team of Formators. His presence brings a wealth of experience and a deep sense of commitment to the noble task of priestly formation.
Ordained for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi on August 28, 2010, Fr. Imoagene completed his studies in Philosophy and Theology at SS. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, where he graduated in 2010. His quest for knowledge led him to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where he obtained both a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Philosophy, with a specialization in African Philosophy.
The Seminary community warmly extends its best ... Read More
[10] YORUBA LITURGICO-CULTURAL GROUP (YOLIG) WEEK CELEBRATION: A FEAST OF FAITH AND CULTURE
Reported by Rev. Vincent ADEGOKE
The Seminary community came alive last session from the 11th to 18th of May 2025 with vibrant colours, resounding drums, and rich cultural expressions of Yoruba heritage during the much-anticipated Yoruba Week Celebration. The event, organized by the Yoruba Liturgico-cultural Group, was a joyful celebration with the theme; Inculturation: A bridge between faith and culture in the light of the Yoruba heritage.
The week featured Polongo (drumming), Ale Erebe (storytelling), Yoruba debates, and Rosary recitations, all celebrating the richness of Yoruba culture. Similarly, a symposium was held in their honour presented by Very Rev. Fr. Evaristus Mary ... Read More
[11] SAGS WELCOMES SERRA CLUB OF IKEJA FOR THE THIRD TIME
Reported by Christian EZEH
On the 26th of October 2025 the Seminary community of St. Albert the Great welcomed the members of the Serra Club of Ikeja to the hills of Idowu-Offonran. The visit, which has become an annual event, took a different dimension when the club came in on Sunday and had a Mass celebration for them in the Seminary. The Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Adebayo Lewis in his opening remark appreciated the Serrans for their presence and continual support towards the formation of young men who want to dedicate their lives to the service of God, through His people via the sacred priesthood.
The Vice President of Vocations, Serran Bamidele Peter introduced the members of ... Read More
[12] SAGS HOSTS JOINT SEMINARIES COMMISSION MEETING
The community of St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, Idowu-Offonran, joyfully hosted the Joint Seminaries Commission Meeting on the 21st and 22nd of October 2025. The gathering brought together Archbishops, Bishops, Rectors, Directors, and other principal officers from the Major and Spiritual Year Seminaries across the Benin, Ibadan, and Lagos Ecclesiastical Provinces. The aim of the meeting was to strengthen collaboration in the formation of priests after the heart of Christ.
On Wednesday, October 22, participants joined the Seminary community for a solemn Mass celebrated in the Seminary Chapel. The Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos, and ... Read More
[13] INAUGURAL MASS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT MARKS THE BEGINNING OF A NEW FORMATION/ACADEMIC YEAR
The Chairman of the Governing Council of St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, Idowu-Offonran, Most Rev. Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo, has called on all formators, staff, and seminarians to remain open and attentive to the voice and promptings of the Holy Spirit as the new academic session begins. He made this appeal during the Inaugural Mass of the Holy Spirit, celebrated on Monday, October 6, 2025, in the Seminary Chapel.
In his homily, Bishop Odetoyinbo urged seminarians to develop a deep personal devotion to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that such devotion strengthens one’s relationship with the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, who sanctifies, purifies, and enlightens hearts. The ... Read More
[14] IN LOVING MEMORY OF OJEAH EMMANUEL
Reported by Joseph AJALA
The community of St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, Idowu-Offonran, continues to remember with deep affection and faith in the resurrection of our dear brother and colleague, Ojeah Emmanuel, who passed on to eternity, on September 14, 2025. Emmanuel, a Year One seminarian from the Diocese of Issele-Uku, departed this world during the long vacation, leaving the Seminary community in sudden sorrow. Though he has been laid to rest, his memory remains alive in our hearts.
During his time with us, Emmanuel was known for his calm disposition, cheerful spirit, respect for others, dedication to study, and love for football. He was also a talented saxophonist, whose ... Read More
[15] ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS MEET SAGS SEMINARIANS
.jpg)
The proprietors of St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, Idowu Offonran which include Archbishops and Bishops of Benin, Ibadan and Lagos ecclesiastical provinces had meeting with Seminarians of St. Albert on October 22nd, 2025. This is part of the efforts of the proprietors to interact with Seminarians whenever they visit for their meeting. During his opening remarks, the Archbishop of Lagos Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins thanked the Seminarians of the Seminary on the hills for the sacrifice they make on daily basis to prepare themselves for the sacred priesthood despite the environment challenges. Similarly, he encouraged them to begin to live as priests and imbibe priestly virtues ... Read More
[16] ABEOKUTA VOCATIONS TEAM VISITS ST. ALBERT THE GREAT MAJOR SEMINARY
On Thursday, October 23, 2025, the Abeokuta Vocations Team paid a fraternal visit to St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, bringing warmth, encouragement, and spiritual support to the Seminary community. Their visit was a tangible expression of the Diocese’s steadfast commitment to the formation of future priests each academic year.
The Seminary community welcomed the team with joy and gratitude. During a brief reception ceremony, the Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Adebayo Lewis, introduced the delegation and expressed heartfelt appreciation for their enduring dedication to promoting vocations and for their generosity towards the house of formation.
More than a courtesy call, the ... Read More
[17] 2025 Christ the King Celebration
2025 Christ the King Celebration in St. Albert the Great Major Seminary.
[18] 10th Anniversary and Diaconate Ordination
We hope to see you there.
[19] 10th Anniversary
The Seminary community invites you all to her 10th anniversary and diaconate ordination which will come up on Thursday, 11th of December, 2025.
Come One, Come All.
[20] SAGS: AN EXPERIENCE OF THE ALL NIGERIA MAJOR SEMINARIES' FESTIVAL OF ART AND CULTURE
February 22, 2025
Reported by Paul Oluwafemi OGUNTEGBE
St. Albert the Great Major Seminary participated in the 6th edition of the All Nigeria Major Seminaries Festival of Arts and Culture (ANMSFAC), tagged 'UHIELE 2025,' held at Seminary of All Saints, Uhielc-Ekpoma, Edo State, from February 18-22, 2025.
The five-days festival brought together approximately 560 Seminarians from 14 Major Seminaries across Nigeria: SS. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, Seminary of All Saints, Uhiele-Ekpoma, Blessed Tansi Major Seminary, Onitsha, Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, Pope John Paul II Major Seminary, Okpuno, Missionary Seminary of St. Paul, Gwagwalada, Abuja,The Claritian ... Read More
[21] SAGS CELEBRATES 2ND FAMILY WEEK IN GRAND STYLE
Reported by Francis ADETORO, Meshack AYOMANOR and Stephen AHAMEFULE
The Family of St. Albert the Great Major Seminary (SAGS), Idowu-Offonran, came together to celebrate its second Family Week, a vibrant and exciting week-long event dedicated to honouring the Seminary's friends and celebrating the diverse cultures and traditions of its members. The event, which took place from November 10 to November 17, 2024, brought together the Formators, Staff, Friends, Seminarians and Alumni of the Seminary for a series of activities aimed at strengthening the bonds within the SAGS family.
The week officially kicked off on Sunday, November 10, and each day of the week featured distinct activities. ... Read More
[22] SAGS HOSTS MAIDEN ALUMNI REUNION: RECONNECTING BONDS
Reported by Paul Oluwafemi OGUNTEGBE
St. Albert the Great Seminary marked a significant milestone on Wednesday, 13 November 2024 with its first-ever alumni reunion, held as part of the 2024 Sags Family Week celebrations. Since its inception in 2016, St. Albert the Great Seminary has graduated two classes, with many of its former seminarians now serving as priests across various archdioceses and dioceses. The reunion provided an opportunity for these alumni to return to their alma mater, reconnect with their brothers, and express gratitude for their formative experiences.
Notable attendees included: Rev. Fr. Isaac Kolawole (Ekiti Diocese, Class of 2022), Rev. Fr. Baranjoko Joseph (Ibadan ... Read More
[23] BISHOP LAWANI URGES SEMINARIANS TO DEEPEN RELATIONSHIP WITH HOLY SPIRIT
Reported by Paul Oluwafemi, OGUNTEGBE
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ilorin, Most Rev. Anselm Pendo Lawani, emphasized the importance of building a genuine relationship with the Holy Spirit for spiritual growth. He said this during the Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit which marked the commencement of the 10th Formative session of St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, Idowu-Offonran, Ogun State on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. He encouraged the seminarians to maintain their authenticity while remaining open to the Holy Spirit's guidance, which will perfect their nature and make them effective instruments of God.
Bishop Lawani whose visit marks a milestone as he celebrated his first ... Read More
[24] VOCATIONS COMMISSION OF ABEOKUTA DIOCESE VISITS SAGS
Reported by Mathew Olugbenga, KOLAJO
The Vocations Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta visited St. Albert the Great Major Seminary on October 5, 2024, with gifts of food items. The group which was led by Rev. Fr. John Hezekiah, Assistant Vocations Director of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta and Parish Priest of St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Magboro, demonstrated their commitment to supporting the well-being of future priests, both spiritually and materially.
Fr. Hezekiah emphasized the importance of human formation, urging seminarians to prioritize this aspect. He said, as humans first, we must learn to be good humans, and then other forms of formation will follow. The ... Read More
[25] SEND-OFF CELEBRATION FOR THE PIONEER RECTOR OF ST. ALBERT THE GREAT MAJOR SEMINARY
Reported by Paul Oluwafemi, OGUNTEGBE
The formators, staff, and seminarians of St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, Idowu-Offonran, came together to express their appreciation to the former and pioneer Rector of the Seminary, Very Rev. Fr. Anselm Ekhelar, for his outstanding service on Sunday, 23 June 2024. The celebration which began with the Holy Mass was presided over by the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Seminary Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese.
During his homily, Bishop Odetoyinbo commended the Former Rector for his courage in overcoming the challenges he faced as the Seminary�s First Rector. On behalf of the bishops of the Benin, ... Read More
[26] SAGS CELEBRATES FR NWANZE AT 60
Reported by Hilary AJIDUEH
The much-anticipated 60th birthday celebration of Very Rev. Fr. John Chike Nwanze, took place on June 23, 2024. Friends, family, and colleagues gathered to honour the celebrant, who has touched many lives through his kindness, wisdom, and service to the community. The celebration began with the Holy Mass. The principal celebrant was the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Dr Peter Odetoyinbo. During the thanksgiving, Rev Fr Nwanze, demonstrating his unflinching loyalty to Our Lady, presented a bouquet of flower to Our Lady. The celebration continued after the mass with various entertainment acts. The Anioma dance troupe performed traditional ... Read More
[27] CARING FOR OUR COMMON HOME: SAGS COMMITMENT TO LAUDATO SI PRINCIPLES
Reported by Paul Oluwafemi, OGUNTEGBE
In the spirit of Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si, St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, Idowu-Offonran, has embraced a deep commitment to caring for our common home. Nestled within a dense forest, our seminary constantly reminds us of the beauty and interconnectedness of creation. This location not only provides a serene environment for spiritual growth but also calls us to be responsible stewards of the earth.
One of the key practices we have implemented is the separation of waste, with a special focus on recycling materials that can be reused. Each hostel is equipped with at least two waste bins, one for combustible items and the other for ... Read More
[28] APPOINTMENT OF NEW OFFICERS: RECTOR, VICE RECTOR AND REGISTRAR
Reported by Gabriel, BOIKYAA
St. Albert the Great Major Seminary witnessed the recent appointments of a new Rector, Vice Rector, and Registrar. Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Adebayo Lewis from the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, was announced on January 25, 2024, as the new Rector of the Seminary. With him comes a wealth of experience and a strong dedication to advancing the Seminary's mission and vision. Prior to his appointment, he functioned as the Registrar of the Seminary and worked closely with his predecessor, Very Rev. Fr. Anselm Ekhelar. Similarly, on March 21, 2024, Very Rev. Fr. Peter Egbe from the Catholic Diocese of Uromi was appointed as the Vice Rector, being the very first in the ... Read More
[29] SAGS ADMITS NEW CANDIDATES FOR SACRED ORDERS
Reported by Ezeh Christian
On Wednesday, 25th of January, 2023, as the Universal Church celebrated the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, the Seminary Community of St. Albert the Great admitted her third set as candidates for Sacred Orders. The Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders is the first major step towards Ordination to the Sacred Diaconate and Priesthood. By virtue of this Rite, the seminarians admitted are given due recognition by Church law as those preparing for the sacred ministry. The Holy Mass of the admission was presided over by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo. During the homily, he encouraged the candidates for the ... Read More
[30] SAGS CELEBRATES THREE OF HER OWN
Reported by Adeniyi Joseph
On the 30th November, 2022, the Seminary Community celebrated three of her own; Rev. Frs. Peter Egbe, Evaristus Igwe-Alufo, CM and Anthony Aderibigbe, with the first two celebrating the Twenty-Fifth Priestly Ordination Anniversary and the latter celebrating his fiftieth birthday. The celebration started with the Holy Mass at 10am with Fr. Evaristus Igwe-Alufo as the chief celebrant and Fr. Paul Amenaghawon as the homilist. During the homily, he urged them to model their lives in line with that of St. Paul, they are to continue preaching the Gospel faithfully, celebrate the sacraments, serve the people and be apostles to the people of God.
The second part of ... Read More
[31] 2022 SAGS FEAST DAY
Reported by Oshunsanya Paul
The Seminary celebrated her Patron Feast Day, St. Albert the Great. The celebration began with the Holy Mass which was presided over by the Rector, Very Rev Fr. Anselm Ekhelar. During the Mass, Rev Fr. Anthony Aderibigbe, the homilist, identified three major reasons why the Church celebrates and honours the Saints: first, the Church honour the Saints in order to celebrate our faith in the power of God's grace. Secondly, the Saints are celebrated in other for us to imitate their faith and be inspired through the life they led. Lastly, the Saints are celebrated so that we may enjoy their intercession since they are in a better position to help us acquire our ... Read More
[32] SAGS WELCOME FR. MATTHEW OLADOKUN
Reported by Paul OSUNSANYA
Rev. Fr. Matthew Oladokun is a priest ordained on the 24th of August, 1996 for the Catholic Diocese of Ondo. He attended SS. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State for Bachelor Degree in both Philosophy and Theology, and graduated in 1996. He also attended Pontifical Urban University, Rome for his Licentiate and Doctorate in Missiology in 2009 and 2012 respectively. May God continue to strengthen him as he contributes to the formation of future priests in the Seminary.
[33] 2021 CHRISMAS MESSAGE: ALL FLESH SHALL SEE THE SALVATION OF GOD (LUKE 3:6-10)
Curbed from the 2021 Christmas Message Delivered By Rev Fr. Paul Amenaghawon.
Jesus' mission on earth was to proclaim peace, joy happiness, liberation and general well-being for all. Christmas is therefore the period to celebrate the love of God for us. What does love entail? The proper parable of the 'good Samaritan' in Gospel of Luke 10:30-37 readily comes to hand in answer to this question. Love entails that we are nice to all and sundry, irrespective of colour, race, financial, political, social and religious and in fact, moral status. Love is the extension of a hand of fellowship to all who are in need, here and now. The life of Christ; His words and deeds, epitomize this ... Read More
[34] YOU MUST EXERCISE YOUR OFFICE Bishop: Odetoyinbo tells newly installed Lectors
Reported by Oshunsanya Paul
The seminary of St Albert the Great celebrated another huge landmark event in her history as seventeen of her seminarians were installed as Lectors on Monday, 15th November, 2021, the feast day of St. Albert the Great, her patron saint. The double celebration began with the Holy Mass presided by the Local Ordinary of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, with some members of the Friends of St. Albert the Great Seminary (FOSAGS) in attendance.
In his homily, the Bishop, on behalf of the Bishops of the three ecclesiastical provinces of Lagos, Ibadan, and Benin-City, expressed his gratitude to the formation team for the good work they are doing. He ... Read More
[35] SAGS CELEBRATES FR LEWIS SILVER JUBILEE
Reported by Eze Christian
The Seminary Community was thrown into a mood of joyous celebration on the 30th of October, 2021, as she celebrated the 25th priestly anniversary of her Registrar, Rev Fr. Emmanuel Adebayo Lewis. The event began with the sacrifice of the Holy Mass which was well attended by priests, religious, family, friends and well-wishers, whose lives Fr. Lewis have impacted in one way or another. The homilist, Rev Fr. Daniel Aigbona, CssR, emphasized that the celebration was not just about the life and successes of the jubilarian, but the love and faithfulness of God who has kept him thus far. The book titled: Identity and Duties of the Priestly Ministry, compiled by Rev ... Read More
[36] FACE AND ACCEPT FORMATION: Bishop Odetoyinbo Challenges SAGS Seminarians
Reported by Oshunsanya Paul
The 2021/2022 Academic- Formative Session of St. Albert the Great Major Seminary kicked off officially with the Mass of the Holy Spirit on Thursday 7th October, 2021 with Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, the Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese cum Chairman Governing Council of the Seminary as the presiding Bishop. During the homily, the Bishop expressed his condolence over the loss of two of our seminarians within the first seven years of the seminary's operation. Speaking on behalf of the Bishops of the region, he assured the seminary community of the Bishops' support and prayers and enjoined the Seminary community not to lose hope. Speaking on the liturgy of the day, His ... Read More
[37] FR. ANTHONY ADERIBIGBE JOINS TEAM OF FORMATORS
Reported By Oshunsanya Paul
The Seminary on 2nd October 2021, welcomed Rev Fr Anthony Aderibigbe into her midst. Fr Aderibigbe was ordained in 2002 for the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos. He had his seminary training at the Seminary of SS Peter and Paul, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State. He also had his licentiate in Sacred Liturgy at Saint Anselm Pontifical Institute of Sacred Liturgy, Rome in 2010. Prior to his appointment as a full member of the formation team, Fr. Aderibigbe has been visiting the Seminary Community as a part-time lecturer in Sacred Liturgy since 2018. This is a great addition to the Seminary Community. We wish him the best as he contributes in the formation of future priests.
[38] SAGS FIRST SET RECEIVES CANDIDACY TO THE SACRED DIACONATE AND PRIESTHOOD
Reported by OTORO MURPHY
The Seminary of Saint Albert the Great, with the celebration of the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul on Monday, 25th of January 2021, had her pioneer candidates, now in their second year of study in Sacred Theology solemnly admitted as Candidates for Sacred Orders. This Rite was officially administered by Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, who presided at the Holy Mass.
The bishop at the Homily, admonished and encouraged the candidates to be more conscious of the reality of their vocation, and that formation is a process of self-emptying in order to be filled with Christ. The candidates as well expressed their readiness to submit ... Read More
[39] THE SIXTH ANNUAL INUAGURAL MASS OF SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT MAJOR SEMINARY FOR 2020/2021
Reported by AMAMCHUKWU CHRISTOPHER
As it is customary, St. Albert the Great Major Seminary held her sixth Inaugural Mass of the Holy Spirit on November 25, 2020, the event which marked the opening of the 2020/2021 Academic/Formative Session, it also witnessed the formal inauguration of the Department of Theology.
The Chief Celebrant, Most. Rev. Francis Adesina, Bishop of Ijebu Ode Diocese, in his homily emphasized that formation is the gift of the Holy Spirit which must not be taken for granted either by Formators or students, because without divine help we can achieve nothing.
He made reference to Covid-19 pandemic and its drastic effect on the nation as a whole especially the effect ... Read More
[40] SEMINARY OF ST. ALBERT THE GREAT UNVEILS HER PUBLICATION OF AGORA MAGAZINE AND JOURNAL
Reported by KOLAJO MATHEW
The community of Saint Albert the Great Major Seminary witnessed a new dawn as she unveiled yet another edition of her Agora Magazine and first edition of the Agora Journal. The unveiling of the publications which was conducted by the Rector of the Seminary took place on the 7th of November, 2020 at the community Mass.
The Rector, in the name of the Proprietors of the Seminary, congratulated the Seminarians and Formators of St. Albert the Great Major Seminary on the publications of the second edition of her annual magazine and first edition of the Agora journal.
He appreciated the efforts of the editorial team of the magazine and encouraged them not to relent ... Read More
[41] BISHOP ODETOYINBO LAYS FOUNDATION BLOCK OF THE SAGS CHAPEL
Reported By Ntaka John
The Seminary Community of Saint Albert the Great made another landmark on Monday 24th February, 2020 as the Chairman of the Governing Council; Most Rev Peter Odetoyinbo laid the Foundation Stone of the Seminary Chapel.
The Bishop expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to start the long awaited project and commended the courage, commitment and determination of the Rector, Very Rev Fr. Anselm Ekhelar, the Formation Team and all who are contributing to the Project for their readiness to embark on this great task. In his reflection, he admonished that what we are about to build is the physical structure, but we must first build a house for the Lord in our ... Read More
[42] REJOICE AND BE GLAD BECAUSE A CHILD IS BORN FOR US
Reported by: Oshusanya Paul
The Seminary, on Sunday, 8th December, 2019, celebrated her annual Christmas Lessons and Carols ina grand style. In the Christmas message delivered at the event,Very Rev Fr. John Nwanze, exhorted the people saying, "rejoice and be glad because a child is born for us, a son is given to us" (Isa 9:5). He espoused that the child born to us will have dominion naturally laid on his shoulder. He would be distinguished as leader of a people whose hopes were once dashed because they lived in the midst of uncertainties. This has been changed because the Wonder-Counsellor, Mighty-God, Eternal-father, Prince-of-Peace has been born (Isa 9:6). The character of such ruler ... Read More
[43] NIGERIA UNIVERSITY COMMISSION VISITS SAGS FOR ACCREDITATION
Reported by: Ebodaghe Michael
The Seminary Community received a delegation from the National University Commission (NUC), for the accreditation of our philosophy programme. This accreditation exercise lasted from 17th to 19th November, 2019. The delegation's overall assessment of our programme and facilities was quite encouraging. Kindly join us in prayers as we await a positive report from the executive board of the NUC.
[44] 2019 SAGS CONVENTION
Reported by: Adetoro Francis
On Saturday 16th November 2019, the Seminary community hosted her friends from various parishes to celebrate FOSAGS (Friends of St Albert the Great Seminary) day. The celebration began with the Holy Mass presided the Rector, Very Rev Fr. Anselm Ekhelar. While giving the homily, the Rector emphasized the need to carry the Good news of Christ to all nations. This is a task for all, but in a special way, for priests and priests to be. He then thanked FOSAGS members for their continuous support in the past five years, and admonished Seminarians to always utilize the opportunity offered them. He asserted that the priest is all things to all people, thus, there is ... Read More
[45] ARCHBISHOP MARTINS ADEWALE VISITS SAGS FOR HANDOVER OF PROJECTS
Reported by: Ntaka John
The Archbishop of the metropolitan see of Lagos, His Grace Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, was in the Major Seminary of St Albert the Great on Friday 15th of November, for the handover of completed projects; and to celebrate with the seminary community her patron feast day. The events, which commenced with celebration of the Holy Mass presided by the Archbishop, was attended by dignitaries both from Lagos Archdiocese and the Diocese of Abeokuta.
While recounting the historical development of the seminary since 2008 during his homily, the Archbishop also admonished seminarians to let all they study lead them to God. He expressed his gratitude to the Bishop of ... Read More
[46] OPENING CEREMONY OF 2019/2020 ACDEMIC SESSION
Reported by: Oshunsanya Paul
The Seminary had her inaugural Mass for the 2019/2020 Academic Session on Wednesday 9th October, 2019, with His Lordship, Most Rev Peter Odetoyinbo, the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta presiding. At the homily, the bishop emphasized the need for Seminarians to learn the language of God because it is the basis for seminary formation. This language, he continued, is to be learnt to please God and go to heaven. Learning this language demands sacrifice. Hence, he encouraged seminarians to dispose themselves to formation through the evangelical counsels in a spirit of self-sacrifice. He appreciated the formators for their immense sacrifice in forming persons to take ... Read More
[47] GROW IN ALL AREAS OF FORMATION! FR. JOHN HEZEKIAH TELLS SAGS SEMINARIANS - Fr. John...
Reported by: Kolajo Mathew
The Vocations Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, led by the Assistant Vocations Director of the Diocese, Rev Fr. John Hezekiah, paid a courtesy visit to the Seminary with food items on Saturday 5thOctober, 2019. The Registrar of the Seminary, Rev Fr. Emmanuel Lewis, in his welcome address, noted the efforts of the commission and commended the support they provide every year. He commended the team to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Giving his address on behalf of the Commission, Rev Fr. John Hezekiah thanked God for the opportunity to express their support for the training of future priests. Speaking further, he thanked the formators ... Read More
[48] THIRTY-ONE SENT FORTH FOR PASTORAL YEAR EXPERIENCE
Reported by: Oshunsanya Paul
On Sunday 23rd of September, 2019, the Seminary Community reached another land mark as the Pioneer Set of the institution completed their first phase in formation for the Sacred Priesthood.
At Mass, the Rector of the Seminary, Very Rev Fr. Anselm Ekhelar, in the mood of gratitude made it clear to the Pioneer Students that as today marks the official end of the first phase in their journey to the Priesthood, in the same vein, it marks the beginning of another phase which begins with Pastoral Year in their various dioceses.
In the second part of the celebration which was loaded with admonishments and fun, the Mentor of the outgoing students and Registrar of ... Read More
[49] SAGS EXPLORES ART
Reported By Fasakin Anthony
On the 14th of May, 2019, the Seminary Community held her first art exhibition in style. The occasion was one that afforded Seminarians the opportunity to showcase their creative skills in art which included painting mosaics sculpture and drawing.
The emerging first among the six participants was Akonthe Stephen from the Archdiocese of Lagos, with an oil-colour painting of St. Albert the Great. Coming second was Oki Gerald from the Diocese of Warri, with a mosaic work of spent match sticks dedicated to the members of the kitchen staff for their selfless service to the Seminary. In the third position was Inobeme Maurice from the Archdiocese of Benin-City, with ... Read More