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 chapel and hostel projects, to ensure the growth of the Seminary Community.
Thursday, 11th December, was a day of profound significance, as 14 Seminarians from Lagos Archdiocese (2), Abeokuta (10), and Uromi (2) Dioceses were ordained to the sacred diaconate. The registrar of the Seminary Rev. Fr. Francis Mekako, on behalf of the Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Adebayo Lewis, introduced and welcomed the proprietors of the Seminary, namely, Archbishops and Bishops of Lagos, Ibadan and Benin City Ecclesiastical Provinces present. The Chief Celebrant and ordained Prelate of the Mass was His Grace, Most Reverend Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos. Others present include: His Lordship, Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, the Bishop of Abeokuta and Chairman Governing Council of the Seminary; His Lordship, Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola, the Bishop of Osogbo; His Lordship, Most Rev. Francis Adesina, the Bishop of Ijebu-Ode; His Lordship, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewharivo, the Bishop of Warri who gave the homily and inspired the ordinands and the faithful with reflections on service, humility, and commitment to God’s call.
Others dignitaries include Rev. Fr. Augustine Olayiwole, representing His Lordship, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, the Bishop of Oyo; Rev. Fr. Hilary Odewunmi representing His Lordship Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, OSA, the Bishop of Uromi; Rev. Fr. Matthew Solar Unguents, representing Most Rev. Jude Arogundade, the Bishop of Ondo; Rev. Fr. Daniel Atoyebi, representing His Lordship Most Rev. Anselm Pendo Lawani, Bishop of Ilorin; Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Igbekere, Rector, SS. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija Ibadan; Monsignor Jerome Odutan, Director of Education, Catholic Diocese of Lagos; Very Rev. Fr. Julius Olaitan, Episcopal Leader of Lagos Mainland, Archdiocese of Lagos; Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Oriomi, Vicar General, Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Rev. Fr. Paul Ariomi, Secretary to Archbishop of Lagos, Alumni of the Seminary and several other dignitaries were present.
Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta, during his vote of thanks, acknowledging the dedication of the Seminary staff, the generosity of benefactors, and the fervent prayers of the faithful. Immediately after the solemn Mass, there was the blessing of the foundation of the Seminary grotto, a project aimed at creating a sacred space for prayer, reflection, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The 10th anniversary of St. Albert the Great Seminary was a remarkable occasion, filled with joy, faith, and a shared vision for the future. It was indeed a wonderful day, celebrating the growth of the Seminary and its unwavering mission to form men for the service of God and His people.
Rev. Vincent ADEGOKE & Paul Oluwafemi, OGUNTEGBE