By Our Correspondent

The Rector of All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha, Anambra State, Rev Fr Pascal Chigozie Okonkwo, weekend, disclosed that the incessant excellent performance of the seminary school in academics and other fields of study was not by magic nor fraud but rather through hard-work.

Making this disclosure during the feast of All Saints, the patron of the seminary, celebrated within the premises, the Rector paid glowing tribute to the Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev Valerian Maduka Okeke, for his unwavering vision of excellence in the institution.

Fr Okonkwo described Archbishop Okeke, the Proprietor of the Seminary, as a champion of holistic development, noting that the Prelate has contributed immensely, physically, academically and spiritually to the growth of the school.

“In adherence to the vision of our Archbishop, we have continued to promote the culture of excellence in our Seminary, excellence in academics, excellence in character formation, excellence in sports and in music,” he stated.

He urged guests to rejoice with the institution over its academic strides, announcing that in the last WAEC examination, all 60 registered candidates recorded 100 per cent success.

According to him, the Seminary also took first position among the nine minor seminaries within the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province. Out of 54 candidates who sat for the exam, 21 secured A1, 28 obtained B2, while the remaining five scored B3 — with no credit, no pass and no failure recorded.

He stated that the results were neither “magic nor fraud,” but a product of hard work and discipline, adding that the institution maintains zero tolerance for examination malpractice at all levels.

Fr Okonkwo, however, highlighted some pressing challenges confronting the institution and appealed for support in acquiring Information and Communication Technology infrastructure, including 50 laptops costing ₦300,000 each.

The celebration was preceded by the Holy Eucharist, Presided over by the Episcopal Vicar of Onitsha Region, Very Rev Fr Johnbosco Okafor, on behay of the Archbishop and flanked by the Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Very Rev Fr Dr Prudentius Emeka Aroh, and several other priests.

In his sermon during the Mass, Fr Aroh said the Feast of All Saints bears three significant meanings that include, “the celebration of the trophy of God’s mercy and grace over human weakness, the celebration with the Church triumphant, and the celebration with the Church militant.”

He recalled the fall of Adam, saying that instead of seeking forgiveness, Adam resorted to blaming God for giving him a wife, which led to God’s displeasure and the consequent fall of man.

He added that God later realised humanity could not save itself and therefore sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to reconcile mankind with Himself.

Speaking to journalists, Fr Okonkwo reaffirmed that the Feast of All Saints holds deep meaning for Christians, describing the saints as “those who lived on earth, and through God’s grace triumphed by living holy lives and are now in heaven.”

He noted that the celebration serves as inspiration for seminarians striving for the priesthood, encouraging them to live holy and exemplary lives.

Responding to the Archbishop’s commendation, he said: “In all things, we give glory to God. We make ourselves available as instruments through which God does His work. The staff I work with, ranging from teachers and formators to non-tutorial workers, are wonderful. We have cooperation; we work together to achieve something.”

He also expressed appreciation to priests, religious, friends of the Seminary, parents, former rectors and government functionaries for their support.

In their separate remarks, the former President of the All Hallows Seminary Old Boys Association, Professor Fidelis Okafor, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, urged the students to obey the institution’s rules and remain focused on their studies.

Dignitaries present at the event included Hungarian neurosurgeon, Dr Reka Foda; Hungarian priest, Rev Fr Robert Kurnyek; and many others.