On the 27th of June, 2025, St. Bernard Seminary Hostel joyfully held a graduation ceremony to bid farewell to her final year philosophy grandaunts whose formative journey began on the 30th of September, 2021. The event was marked with deep gratitude, reflection, and encouragement as the seminary celebrated the successful completion of this important phase of priestly formation.

In a heartfelt speech delivered by the class primus, Mr. Ikowa Thomas, he noted that although the journey officially began in September 2021, it has been a rigorous and demanding one. He expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for His sustaining grace and for leading them safely to this point of transition.

The Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Liberatus Isife, congratulated the grandaunts for their perseverance and dedication. In his address, he charged them to remain good ambassadors of the seminary and to be docile to the instructions and pastoral demands that await them in their various places of pastoral year experience. He emphasized that the journey of formation is ongoing and should be embraced with humility and openness.

The ceremony was brought to a close by the Vice Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Lazarus Alor, who joined his voice with that of the Rector in congratulating the grandaunts. He further encouraged them to be of exemplary conduct as they go out into the world, bearing witness to the values instilled in them during their time in formation. Fr. Alor also appreciated all those who contributed their talents to enliven the event, with special mention of the Starlight Studio Academy a group comprising children of the seminary’s lay staff for their vibrant and artistic performances.

The celebration ended on a joyful note, with a sense of mission and renewed commitment as the grandaunts step into the next phase of their vocational journey.