By Godwin Utuedoye,
EKPOMA- SATURDAY, June 24, 2018 was a celebration galore as the Seminary of All Saints, Uhiele-Ekpoma celebrated her 16th Valedictory Ceremony in which 31 Seminarians were formally sent off out of the 54 members of the class that initially began the class in October 2010 while a new priest rectory was also opened and commissioned for usage.
With this number, the total number of the Seminary alumni has increased to 496.
The ceremony began with a mass celebrated by the Rector Emeritus, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Oredipe. At the beginning of the mass, the Rector, Very Fr. Dr. Matthew Ihensekhien welcomed all guests present for the valedictory. 38 students who are scheduled to go for the one year pastoral work were also acknowledged at the mass and a reception followed immediately after the mass.
After the mass, the new Rectory which has twelve apartments for priests with kitchen, oratory, gym room, living rooms and four guest rooms was blessed by the Bishop of Uromi Diocese, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun in the company of the Rector, formation team, priests and religious present.
The rectory which was built by Mr. & Mrs. Olakunle Alake and Family was also partly furnished by the family.
According to the promotions /FOSAS Director, Rev. Fr. Idahosa Amadasu, the Seminary is grateful to the generous donor for the awesome gift and prays God to bless them abundantly.
He also on behalf of the Seminary appealed for contributions in order to furnish some parts of the rectory begining from the oratory, kitchen and living rooms.
Meanwhile, the Seminary will officially vacate on Monday, June 25, 2018.