By. Sem. Peter Wandu Gabriel .
Today marked the official closing of the first semester and the beginning of the holiday for all seminarians. The occasion included remarks and guidance from various administrators and guest of honour. Rev Fr Thomas Bagbiowia Vicar General CDTY.
The first to address the congregants was Rev. Fr. Assisi who Congratulated the third-year seminarians for completing their program and encouraged all seminarians to continue studying even during the holiday. Reminding them to remain spiritually attentive and open to receiving God.
Rev. Sr. Karali Appreciated the seminary administration, and advised seminarians to be responsible for themselves. She also encouraged a balanced routine: pray, work, eat, and read.
In his speech Fr. Able Tindi the Rector – Minor Seminary Maingbangaru, thanked the Rector, teaching and non-teaching staff, and the Vicar General for their dedication. He also encouraged seminarians, especially the third-year students traveling to Nairobi, to remain committed to their formation and urged them to stay connected to their parishes and families, he reminded them to work hard, and remain humble servants, not bosses. And wished everyone success and a safe journey.
Rev. Fr. Natale Vairi (Rector – St. John Paul II Institute) Recognized and appreciated the Bishop, Vicar General, all staff, and seminarians. He encouraged seminarians to accept guidance and discipline meant to form them sharing the bishop’s principle: “One who does not work has no dignity.” Advised them to have listening ears, avoid unnecessary delays, and focus on “How can I do it?” rather than “Why should I do it? “He also reminded them of the lesson of the “three bottles” (as previously taught).
Rev. Fr. Thomas Bagbiowia, Vicar General & Guest of Honour, Conveyed greetings from the bishop. Appreciated the Rector and all staff for their hard work. He called on the priests and seminarians to combine prayer and work and avoid laziness. He also encouraged prayerfulness, self-discipline, commitment, obedience, and respect for parents, elders, Bishop, and seminary authority.
He urged seminarians to practice humility, gratitude, and avoid using philosophy negatively against parents. He advised them to speak positively about the seminary and be light and salt in their families. And warned against peer pressure and flattery.
In His Homily: he thanked God for: The end of the semester, the outgoing third-year class. And reflected on the theme: Kingship/Kingdom of Christ. Emphasizing that worldly things pass, but the Word of God remains forever (John 1:1).he also stressed the importance of reading and reflecting on Scripture daily. Quoted St. Jerome: “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. And he highlighted the two parts of encountering God’s Word: Liturgy of the word and liturgy of the Eucharist
He further reminded seminarians to focus on the present moment, as what they do now, shapes their future. Encouraged them to live the Beatitudes and allow God’s Word to transform their lives. He concluded with a prayerful hope that everyone’s journey leads to a joyful end in heaven.
