A Century of Faith and Formation

As Nigeria’s largest seminary marks its centenary, Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and formation. Founded in 1924, this institution has weathered numerous challenges and flourished, becoming a beacon of hope and spiritual nourishment for the Catholic Church in Nigeria and beyond.

As it celebrates its 100th anniversary, Bigard Memorial Seminary boasts 780 students, a number far surpassing many seminaries in Europe and the Americas. It can also claim some of Nigeria’s most influential clergy as alumni, including four cardinals, 14 archbishops, 35 bishops, and thousands of priests, significantly impacting the Catholic Church in Nigeria and neighboring Sierra Leone and Cameroon.

And it all started back in 1922, when Father Joseph Shanahan, the then vicar apostolic of the Vicariate of Southern Nigeria, blessed its original grounds. The numbers the seminary handles today, however, are much larger than the five graduates from 1924. Over the decades, the institution moved several times due to various challenges, eventually settling in Enugu in 1951, thanks to a grant from the Society of the Propagation of the Faith, one of four Pontifical Mission Societies, in the late 1940s. The funds came from the World Mission Sunday collection, held every year since 1908 in every parish in the world.

Upon its reopening, the seminary was renamed to honor Stephanie and Jeanne Bigard, the French mother and daughter whose financial support through the Pontifical Society of St. Peter was instrumental in its establishment.

This is one of hundreds of seminaries in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands and Latin America that to this day benefit from the World Mission Sunday collection carried out on behalf of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith around the world on the second to last Sunday of October (Oct. 20 this year). The collection allows the society to give yearly grants to help it afford the cost of forming the next generations of Catholic priests.

The story of the Bigard Memorial Seminary and its constant need for more classrooms becomes even more enlightening knowing that Africa’s most populous nation is also the world’s most dangerous country to be a Catholic priest.

Father Albert U. Ikpenwa, the rector of the seminary, said, “Many young men enter the seminary and embrace the priesthood because they want to promote Christian values — the good news of salvation and the good aspects of our culture for the good of the body and soul.”

“Many of those Christian values are compatible with the good aspects of our culture,” he said, listing respect for life at all stages, love of neighbors and family values. Evangelization is the keyword.

Yet, Christian teachings have also exposed some of what he called the “negative aspects of Nigerian and African cultures and traditions, such as the killing of twins or those accursed by the gods, maltreatment of widows, outcasts.”

The Church in Nigeria continues to face significant challenges due to anti-Christian persecution, particularly from groups like Boko Haram and banditry outfits. According to Intersociety, a democracy and human rights advocacy group founded in 2008, at least 52,250 Nigerian Christians were murdered at the hands of Islamist militants between 2009 and 2023. The number is even higher when considering the thousands who have been kidnapped by bandits who believe the Catholic Church will pay ransom to free them.

The situation is so bad that a growing chorus of observers describe it as a “genocide” directed against Christians in a country that has the largest mixed Muslim/Christian population in the world. According to some estimates, Nigeria now accounts for almost 90% of all Christians martyred worldwide each year.

Despite these dangers, the vocations to the priesthood continue to grow, showcasing the resilience and dedication of the Nigerian Catholic community.

Father Ikpenwa acknowledges these difficulties, stating: “The growth in vocations is a testament to the strength and faith of our young men. They are willing to face these dangers because they are committed to spreading the Gospel and serving their communities, making sure all know that they too are invited to the banquet.”

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From the Labors of Blessed Pauline Jaricot

The Society for the Propagation of the Faith, one of four Pontifical Mission Societies and the one behind the World Mission Sunday efforts, began when a French laywoman, Blessed Pauline Jaricot, more than 200 years ago, answered her brother’s request for prayers for his mission as a priest in Africa. She summoned her friends into prayer groups, asking them to pray daily and to give a penny a week to the Church in the missions. Those first pennies, however, didn’t go to her brother: They came to the great diocese of Louisiana in the United States, which encompassed a large part of the central North American continent.

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Impact and Legacy

Bigard Memorial Seminary has played a crucial role in training priests and promoting Christian values in Nigeria and beyond. The seminary’s impact is evident in its alumni, who have become prominent leaders in the Church and society. The seminary’s history of resilience and growth serves as an inspiration for future generations of priests and laypeople committed to serving the Church and society.

“The above [factors] formed the fertile ground that is responsible for the growth in vocation to the Catholic priesthood in this part of the world, and the Bigard experience as the foremost seminary in this part of the world is clear testimony to this fact. Starting with just five students in 1924, it has grown to accommodate between 700 and 800 seminarians and even more in the past,” Father Ikpenwa elaborated.

As Bigard Memorial Seminary celebrates its centenary, it remains dedicated to its mission of forming priests who are not only knowledgeable in theology but also deeply committed to serving their communities. The seminary continues to be a beacon of hope, nurturing the faith and values that have sustained its growth and success over the past 100 years.

A Ray of Hope in Nouna, Burkina Faso

“One evening, on our way home from school, some armed men stopped us. They told us to tear up our notebooks, then they burned our backpacks, and then they burned our school as well,” said fifth-grader Coulibaly Félicien. “My parents took me to Djibasso to stay with an uncle. I wanted to keep going to school, but I had nothing left.”

In the heart of West Africa, the Diocese of Nouna, in Burkina Faso, stands as a beacon of hope amid adversity. Under the guidance of Bishop Joseph Sama, the diocese has focused its pastoral work on children’s education, aiming to instill moral, human and spiritual values in the young hearts of Burkinabé society.

The children’s programs set forth by the Missionary Childhood Association, one of four Pontifical Mission Societies, “Brave Hearts” and “Valiant Souls,” alongside the children’s choir “Samuel Group,” play a crucial role in this mission. These programs are run in Nouna, capital of the Kossi province, as well as in neighboring villages, including Djibasso.

Kossi faces a severe lack of security exacerbated by ongoing conflicts involving devastating attacks by jihadist fighters. Between March and July 2023, a massive — in the tens of thousands — migration from rural to urban areas led to overcrowded schools, leaving many children without access to education.

“Our pastoral approach must emphasize nonviolence, culture and social cohesion. We must convey a message of peace and tolerance to the youngest among us, as they are a cornerstone of social unity,” Bishop Sama emphasized.

In this challenging context in which farmers cannot farm nor raise livestock or trade, the Diocese of Nouna has embraced the pastoral theme “Remain faithful to your faith in Jesus Christ and be a builder of peace.” This message is especially crucial as many families have witnessed horrifying and tragic scenes, forcing them to seek refuge in safer places. Amid these tribulations, children are not left behind. Providing them with a strong foundation in faith, the prelate believes, will help them navigate these challenging times in their spiritual journey.

In a bid to provide a strong spiritual foundation, the diocese has initiated a Biblical Education Program for children. “To ignore the Scriptures is to ignore Jesus Christ,” Bishop Sama remarked, echoing the words of St. Jerome. This initiative aims to help children better understand the person of Jesus Christ through the sacred Scriptures.

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Invite Everyone to the Banquet

Pope Francis’ message for World Mission Day, Oct. 20, 2024, is based on the theme, “Go and invite everyone to the banquet,” which is taken from the Gospel parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22:1-14. Pope Francis says: “After the guests refused his invitation, the king, the main character in the story, tells his servants: ‘Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find’ (v. 9). Reflecting on this key passage in the context of the parable and of Jesus’ own life, we can discern several important aspects of evangelization. These appear particularly timely for all of us, as missionary disciples of Christ, during this final stage of the synodal journey that, in the words of its motto, ‘Communion, Participation, Mission,’ seeks to refocus the Church on her primary task, which is the preaching of the Gospel in today’s world.”

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The diocese also organizes a special yet regular event called Fraternization Day, held for children from internally displaced groups, an initiative that not only provides a bimonthly moment of joy but also fosters a sense of community among the displaced children.

Knowing that those displaced by conflict rarely get to go quickly, the local Missionary Childhood Association is already looking ahead: “We are organizing a campaign called ‘One child, one full meal for Christmas,’ complemented by gifts to encourage efforts in building day care centers and organizing group activities for the children,” the bishop shared.

The children in Nouna face multiple challenges due to insecurity. Many have been displaced from their homes, living in constant fear and uncertainty. The aid received from the Pontifical Mission Societies has been a lifeline, providing school kits to 460 children.

“The actions of unidentified armed individuals have had a profound impact on the students. Some were repeatedly threatened on their way to school, while others witnessed their school supplies destroyed or set on fire,” the bishop recounted, making it clear that the story of Félicien is far from being an isolated case.

But the support of The Pontifical Mission Societies does more than buy school supplies: Drabo Raoul, an 11-year-old in fifth grade at Stade School in Nouna, shared how a radio program from a station sponsored by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith helped him change his attitude from that of a bully to that of a friend.

“Every day, I used to make fun of my classmate Baye Fabrice because he was new in town,” Raoul shared. “I didn’t know his family had been violently forced out of their village. I just knew he wasn’t from here.”

“My mocking made him feel terrible, and consequently he stopped playing soccer with us,” he continued. “But one day, while I was teasing him again, Naty Hermélène, another classmate, told me she heard on Radio Kantigiya that as children of God we all have the same dignity, no matter what village we come from, and that we are all called to be kind to one another, especially because we do not know what others might have had to overcome to be where they are. From that day on, Baye Fabrice became my best friend.”

Radio Kantigiya is made possible through a subsidy from the general fund of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith — that is, the World Mission Sunday Collection. “The subsidy we received allowed us to create a commercial that aired throughout the year, featuring children and encouraging cautious openness towards others,” Bishop Sama explained. “Additionally, we produced programs in four different languages: French, Dioula, Bwamu and Mooré. Through these broadcasts, the participating children could understand the mission of the diocesan radio, which is to be ‘the voice of the voiceless.’”

In a region plagued by insecurity and uncertainty, the Diocese of Nouna, led by Bishop Sama, continues to be a pillar of hope and faith. The initiatives and support provided to the children through education, community-building activities and media outreach are making a significant difference in their lives. The voices of the children, filled with gratitude and hope, are a testament to the transformative power of compassion and faith.

“We pray to God to bless our efforts,” Bishop Sama concluded, “so that we can continue to form good future servants of the Church for the life and mission of the Church in Burkina Faso and beyond.”

This is a sentiment echoed by Félicien, who, thanks to the support from the Missionary Childhood Association, was able to continue his education. “My parents were overjoyed,” he said. “I have learned that we should think of those in difficult situations. May God bless all the benefactors and bring peace back to the world.”

A Missionary’s Journey: Father Juan Gabriel Arias in Mozambique

The Diocese of Xai-Xai, in Mozambique, is a place of striking contrasts. Known for its beautiful beaches along the Indian Ocean, the region is also marked by significant socioeconomic challenges. In 2023, an estimated 62% of Mozambique’s population, or roughly 21 million people, lived in extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $1.90 per day.

Amid these challenges, however, Father Juan Gabriel Arias finds his “comfort zone.” A priest from the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, in Argentina, he has found in this place the fulfillment of his life as a priest.

“Being a missionary in Mozambique is living the dreams I had when I entered the seminary,” he explains. “It meets all my expectations and allows me to live the priesthood in its fullness. It is what completes me the most as a priest and as a person.”

His decision to serve in Mozambique rather than in regions like the El Impenetrable in northern Argentina was driven by a profound sense of purpose. “During my seminary years, I did many missions within Argentina, traveling to places like Santiago del Estero, and Patagonia, in the south of the country,” he recalls. “But working in the interior of the country is completely different from working in Africa. In Argentina, I felt I was ministering to people who had more faith than I did. Here, I feel much more useful. Argentina has many more priests and pastoral agents compared to here, where the Church is still growing and not fully established. The level of evangelization and social context is vastly different.”

When asked what he would say to someone considering becoming a missionary, including laypeople, Father Juan advises: “Pray about it, talk to your spiritual director, and start gathering information. If you feel called to this life, you need to be well-formed. Study catechesis, theology, and if you know where you are going, learn the language and culture. Formation is crucial, not just theologically but also practically. If you are an architect, doctor, or in any profession, think about how you can contribute beyond evangelization.”

Father Juan’s greatest joy as a missionary is witnessing the growth of the communities he serves. “Seeing the communities grow, feeling like a tool of the Holy Spirit, seeing how God works in people, and changing their lives on a pastoral level brings me immense joy,” he says. “Priestly fatherhood is very important to me, and being here makes me feel like a father to everyone.”

However, the challenges are significant. “Every place has its problems and difficulties, and you must weigh the good against the bad,” he says. “In Argentina, I also faced difficulties. You need to discern where you can be most useful, and, generally, where God needs you the most is where you will be happiest.”

Father Juan receives spiritual support primarily from the people he evangelizes. “The prayer of the poor is powerful and always heard by God,” he says. He also receives support from fellow priests, bishops and friends, including Pope Francis, who helps both spiritually and materially. “As a diocesan priest on loan to a diocese, I rely on the resources and friends I have,” he adds. “Thankfully, God has given me many friends who support my mission.”

Reflecting on the theme for World Mission Sunday, “Go and invite everyone to the banquet,” Father Juan finds deep personal resonance: “This phrase chosen by the pope was my ordination phrase. I continue to identify with Jesus’ message to invite those who were not initially invited because the first guests rejected the invitation. Going to the peripheries, to where the roads exit the city, and inviting them to the celebration is what faith is all about — a tremendous joy. As a priest, I live by inviting everyone to the feast of faith, to convert and believe in God, because no one embraces the message of Christ to be worse off.”

Father Juan Gabriel’s work in Mozambique exemplifies the true spirit of missionary service. Despite significant challenges, his dedication brings hope and transformation to the communities he serves. “I consider myself privileged to work here,” he says. “Perhaps I don’t fit the traditional idea of a missionary who sacrifices everything for the poor, because the truth is, I am happy serving God here. My comfort zone is this. The sacrifice would be to leave!”

As he continues to invite others to the banquet of faith, his journey inspires us to support and pray for missionaries worldwide, ensuring that the message of the Gospel reaches even the most remote corners of the earth.

“God never leaves us alone,” Father Juan says. “There are always people willing to help, who want to help. Are you one of them?” 

INÉS SAN MARTÍN is an Argentine journalist and vice president of communications for The Pontifical Mission Societie

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Cultivating a Missionary Spirit in Parishes

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to assume that everyone must know about Christ. Yet, according to the Pew Research Center, 8 in 10 people around the world have a religious affiliation, but only 2.5 billion of the world’s 8 billion people identify as Christians. Among those who do not follow Jesus, 8 in 10 do not know a single Christian person. This statistic underscores the importance of missionary efforts.

If we are to fulfill the Great Commission described in Matthew 28 to “go … and make disciples of all nations,” or as the theme chosen by Pope Francis for this World Mission Sunday says, if we are to go and “invite everyone to the banquet,” then we need to foster a missionary spirit within our parishes.

Education, awareness and prayer are key for this. Have you considered praying the World Mission Rosary in your parish throughout the month of October? Have you thought about adding a prayer of the faithful that includes the Church in Asia, Africa, Oceania and Latin America, because there are billions out there who have yet to learn that they are loved by he who loved us so much that he gave his life for us? Have you thought about adding your parish to the Missionary Cooperation Plan — the program whereby selected Catholic organizations from around the world are invited to a diocese during July to share with the faithful the nature of their mission?

Every Catholic, regardless of geographical location, plays a pivotal role in embracing the missionary spirit. We are called not only to pray for missionaries and/or send pennies to the missions, but also to become missionaries in our own right. Whether in our local communities or through international initiatives, we have the power to share Christ’s message and love with others.

In a world where connectivity can sometimes feel superficial, World Mission Sunday reminds us that the heart of our faith lies in bringing Christ’s love and message to every corner of the globe. In times as polarizing as these, which will only grow more the closer we get to November, can’t we all rally behind the Good News and do our bit to ensure that everyone gets their invitation to the banquet?

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