St. Mary’s Seminary

A Survey of the Beginnings and Growth of St. Mary’s Seminary, Umuowa

History is formed from the events of the past, interpreted in the present, and handed on to future generations. The story of St. Mary’s Seminary, Umuowa, is part of that living history. For more than fifty years, the seminary has passed through many stages of growth, challenge, renewal, and service to the Church.

This account presents the history of St. Mary’s Seminary as a bridge between the past and the present, with hope for the future. Drawing from oral and written sources, it recalls the sacrifices of the pioneers, the generosity of the Umuowa community, the work of missionaries and indigenous priests, and the many events that shaped the seminary’s identity and mission.

The Vision for a Seminary

St. Mary’s Seminary, Umuowa, grew out of the Church and community meetings of 1958 and 1959. During this period, the Umuowa community, through the Youth and Town Union Association and the Teachers’ Association, requested a resident parish priest and expressed its willingness to support the establishment and administration of a seminary.

This desire was strongly supported by the Umuowa Progressive Union and a seminary committee led by Chief Sam Nwamba Anugwom. The committee included Mr. G. Anumudu as Chairman, Mr. S. Nwakuna as Secretary, Mr. A. Mbam, Mr. E. Dim, Mr. L. Duru, who was also a catechist, and Mr. C. D. Igboanusi. Their efforts formed part of the early foundation upon which the seminary would later stand.

In 1960, Umuna became a parish, with Umuowa as an outstation. However, the people of Umuowa continued to desire a resident priest and a stronger Catholic presence. Around the same time, the earlier attempt to establish a Catholic seminary at Obube-Umuowa faced difficulties. Some members of that community preferred a secular government-approved secondary school, and the situation created the need for a new location where the Church could continue the work of forming future priests.

Umuowa Welcomes the Seminary

When the people of Umuowa heard of the need for a new site, they responded with readiness and unity. Their strong town union, the presence of educated leaders, and the strategic location of Umuowa along the Orlu-Owerri road gave the community an advantage. They prepared the way and showed the Church that they were ready to host the seminary.

A visit by Bishop J. B. Whelan of the Diocese of Owerri became a decisive moment. After assessing the community, he recognized its strength, unity, and capacity to support such an important Church institution. He promised that Umuowa would have the seminary, provided the community remained united as one Catholic parish community attached to the seminary.

In 1961, Umuowa was declared a separate Christian community with a resident priest, Rev. Fr. R. T. Thornton, an Irish missionary. Fr. Thornton was energetic and deeply loved by the people. He won the confidence of Christians and non-Christians alike and was able to secure land for the seminary through the generosity of the people.

Unlike some communities that gave missionaries undesirable or feared lands, the people of Umuowa offered good and accessible land for the seminary project. Families and villages, including Okwu, Umubu, and Umudim, donated land generously. Among the families involved were Amadioha Emecheta, Egbuchilem Nnadozie, Okwaraji Dimoha, and Nnamuka Oyiaru. The land was free from traditional restrictions, taboos, or sacred claims, making it suitable for the Church’s work.

The Early Years

After the difficulties at Obube, the early seminarians moved to Umuowa. The pioneer group numbered about sixty seminarians, accompanied by their prefects, Mr. Clement Ofornwa and Mr. Jacob Ogu, under the leadership of Fr. R. T. Thornton. The seminary began as a feeder institution to St. Peter Claver’s Seminary, Okpala. Students stayed in Umuowa for a short period before proceeding to Okpala for further priestly training.

Fr. Thornton combined the work of seminary rector with parish ministry. This brought him into close contact with the people of Umuowa and helped strengthen the relationship between the seminary and the local community. With the support of the people, he began erecting the first structures on the seminary grounds. Early buildings included his residence and twin structures that housed the students and their activities.

The people of Umuowa, both Christians and non-Christians, contributed generously to the project. Their support, together with assistance from friends abroad, helped carry the financial burden of the seminary’s early development.

Important Visits and the Civil War Years

One of the significant early moments in the history of the seminary was the visit of His Eminence Giovanni Cardinal Battista Montini, then Papal Delegate for Africa, who later became Pope Paul VI. His visit to Umuowa Seminary left a strong impression, and he later helped secure funds for the completion of some of the early structures. He also had the honor of blessing the buildings already erected.

During the Nigerian Civil War, the seminary played an important humanitarian role. A papal peace delegation led by Msgr. Conway, then head of the Irish College in Rome, visited the seminary after the bombing of Nwakuna’s house, less than a kilometer from the seminary. The presence of journalists helped draw attention to the area, and the Swiss Red Cross later used the seminary as a relief center for food and medical supplies.

As the war intensified, Fr. Clement Chigbu became rector in 1966, making him the first indigenous priest to serve in that role. By 1968, the seminary housed the International Committee of the Red Cross until the end of the war in 1970. During this period, formal seminary activities were suspended. Fr. Thornton eventually left the seminary because of the war, handing over the keys of his house to an indigenous seminarian, now Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Hilary Ifeanyichukwu Mbachu.

Recovery after the War

After the war, the foreign missionaries were expelled from Nigeria by the military government. Rev. Fr. S. Nwaogu, C.S.Sp., was appointed rector and also cared for the parish. The task before him was difficult, as the seminary needed to recover from the devastation of the war.

In 1971, Fr. M. Ihedoro of the Claretian Congregation became rector. He was succeeded in 1973 by Fr. Denis Ononuju, C.S.Sp. During this period, the seminary gradually recovered and resumed normal life. Social events such as Parents’ Day were organized, and cultural dances such as Obigbo and Atilogwu became part of the seminary’s communal life.

The seminary also began to expand academically. It later accommodated Class Two students and ceased to function only as a preparatory feeder school to Okpala. Under Fr. Eugene Uzukwu, who served as rector from 1973 to 1975, the seminary experienced renewed life. Extra-curricular activities increased, and the seminary choir embraced indigenous music, including local songs and sacred compositions.

Archbishop Jerome Prigione, then Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, also visited the seminary during this period. Later, Fr. Anthony Obinna served briefly as rector for about three months before Fr. Lambert Nwigwe, who had returned from England with a master’s degree in English, assumed leadership.

In 1976, Rev. Fr. Clement Obielu, newly returned from Rome, became rector, while Fr. Nwigwe moved to Okpala. Fr. Obielu was later succeeded by Rev. Fr. Dr. Nathaniel Ndiokwere. At this time, accommodation challenges arose, and Class Two students were again sent to Okpala, leaving Umuowa once more with first-year students only. In 1978, Fr. Donatus Nwachukwu was appointed rector.

Growth under Indigenous Leadership

In 1979, Fr. Cletus Osuji became rector. His arrival brought stability, as he had completed his studies and returned fully to serve at home. During his tenure, discussions began about separating the parish administration from the seminary. When Fr. Hilary Mbachu joined the staff, the tradition of having an assistant rector who also served the parish began to take shape.

In 1981, Orlu became a diocese under its first bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Gregory Obinna Ochiagha. Around this time, the Diocese also sought another feeder seminary, and Bonus Pastor Seminary, Osina, was established in 1982, with Rev. Fr. Dr. Nathaniel Ndiokwere as its pioneer rector.

As the number of seminarians increased, more priests were sent to support formation at Umuowa. Among them were Frs. Egbuchulam and Vincent Mba. Fr. Hilary Mbachu also played a major role in strengthening the relationship between the seminary and Umuowa community. He encouraged renewed financial support from the community and helped build the walls around the seminary.

The parish of Umuowa gradually developed its own structures apart from the seminary. Fr. Mbachu began the construction of a new father’s house at the parish church site. Later parish priests, including Frs. J. Obiajunwa and P. Obinabu, continued the work while still residing within the seminary premises. Eventually, Fr. Michael Nwosu completed and furnished the father’s house and moved the parish residence from the seminary to the parish church site. He also began construction of the new parish church.

Academic Development and Silver Jubilee

Over time, St. Mary’s Seminary, Umuowa, became autonomous from Okpala. Arrangements were made for official inspections and approval for WAEC and GCE examinations. The seminary took its first WAEC examination in 1974 and recorded commendable results.

The construction of twin hostels helped address accommodation challenges. By 1988, the seminary was ready for its Silver Jubilee celebration, which took place on March 26, 1988. The Presentation Chapel was built as a landmark for the celebration, and a new fathers’ house within the seminary was also begun to mark the occasion.

During this period, new facilities and activities were introduced to enrich seminary life. Music learning was encouraged through the donation of a Clavinova by Barr. Ekpe of Umunakara. A canteen was opened, and a typing pool was established, creating new opportunities for the seminarians.

Several priests served successively as deans and staff members, including Frs. Luke Ijezie, George Chikata, Kenneth Iheanacho, and Finian Nwaozor. Later, during the time of Fr. Mike Otuwurunne, the need for a bursar became more prominent. Fr. Michael Okpara of blessed memory later served as rector, and in 1999 Fr. Josephat Obiajunwa returned to Umuowa, this time as rector.

Recent Growth and Legacy

In the years that followed, more modern facilities were introduced. A lasting solution to water supply was achieved through borehole drilling, and the seminary became capable of hosting junior seminary games. The idea of an alumni association also began to gain attention.

To support the growth of the seminary, more priests served either full-time or part-time in the formation of seminarians. Among them were Frs. Celestine Ojike, Zephyrinus Uzoma, Canis Nwaizu, Sylvanus Amobi, Patrick Osekwu, and Val Ihim.

As the spirit of jubilee began to grow, Fr. Nathaniel Ndiokwere, pioneer rector of Bonus Pastor Seminary, Osina, was recalled to head St. Mary’s Seminary, Umuowa, and he initiated important preparations for the celebration. Later, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Anselm Nzekwe served as rector, assisted by Fr. Anthony Dim and Rev. C. Achi. Their leadership contributed greatly to the development, orderliness, discipline, and beauty of the seminary environment.

Today, St. Mary’s Seminary, Umuowa, stands as a cherished diocesan institution with a rich history of sacrifice, faith, formation, and service. Its story is one of community generosity, missionary zeal, indigenous leadership, and the enduring commitment of the Church to priestly formation.

To God be the glory.
Ad multos annos.

Courtesy of: Rev. Fr. Nkem Hyginus M. V. Chigere

History is being made on our watch today. St Mary’s seminary Umuowa inaugurated in 1961 celebrates 50+ this season. I thank God for making it possible now. Like the Nunc Dimittis of biblical Simeon, “my eyes have seen the salvation….” (Luke 2:30-); and during my ministry here at St Mary’s seminary, Umuowa it happened. In a special way I thank the Bishop of Orlu, Most Rev Dr Augustine T. Ukwuoma who has given us, the current staff in this noble institution, the opportunity to be part of this epoch-making event. In September 2011 when priests’ posting was distributed after our recollection at CKC Awo-Omamma, it was like a pleasant surprise to me [who had just then recently returned from overseas] and my colleagues to find that we were assigned to work in this seminary. Particularly for me it meant new adjustments as I had just then begun to settle down in my temporary assignment from my bishop to work with the people of CKC Parish Akokwa.

With Reverend Fathers Valentine Ihim, Anthony Dim and Zephyrinus Uzomah (the seminary spiritual director), it was a challenge when we heard in less than a week of arrival that St Mary’s seminary, Umuowa was supposed to celebrate Golden Jubilee in 2011. From that time, discussions during our meals focused on how to face the challenges from our seminarians whose ideas were a little bit different from ours. Things changed so fast but here we are to face the reality on ground. The immediate past Rector, Reverend Father Nathaniel Ndiokwere who could have drilled us on what to expect from the seminarians was already on sabbatical leave. All we could lay hands on were a few ideas from the assistant Rector Reverend Father Marcel Okonkwo who was also on transfer to Ohakpu. He was very helpful. God bless Fr Marcel.

Each day, we struggled to decide which comes first: the Golden Jubilee celebration that was supposed to be before September 2011 or facing the youthful challenges of our seminarians. Thank God our priority to focus on our seminarians was not compromised hence the delay of this celebration till date and also lack of funds.

Gratitude We are indeed grateful for the great encouragement of our bishops Most Rev Dr Ukwuoma and Bishop Emeritus of Orlu Most Rev Dr G.O. Ochiagha. Without them we couldn’t have been here today. As well, we thank the presbyterium of Orlu Diocese. They have shown us undivided support to train future priests for the Catholic Church. As the years roll bye, we shall all hopefully reap the positive fruits of our contributions.

The projects we have begun are all through your personal donations to the seminary. It has been our target to improve the spiritual, moral and academic standards of this seminary. We have also built multimillion Naira toilet facilities with the help of our amiable Parents Teachers’ Association (PTA) under the chairmanship of Chief Oliver Ohaji. We have also refurbished two of our classrooms, the chapel, our hostels, and are now in the process of setting up more classrooms and a modern computer lab. We have also set up a bakery for house use, a new borehole and water filtering machines. Most of these projects were sponsored by the priests and the bishop of Orlu. Thank you so much my confreres.

However we still have a long way to go: We are yet to get enough computers, need to refurbish our cafeteria, the remaining classroom, kitchen, plastering our fence, and re-roofing the building close to our administrative block. We have no bus, truck, or van as yet. I hope our laity will continue to support us rebuild this noble institution where our children will always receive good training. Any of these projects if sponsored by any individual or group could be named by us as the donor wills.

We thank the Hon Commissioner for works Ichie Uche Mbanaso, our son from Umuowa here, who is rebuilding our fence that was pulled down during road expansion. Though rebuilding the fence is not yet complete. We understand his good intentions are marred by a lot of projects at the same time. Thank you our honorable Commissioner.

In the area of morals, some of the shortcomings of our seminarians we experienced when we started are either have been stopped or drastically minimized now. We are proud to relate to you that St Mary’s Seminary, Umuowa has zero tolerance for every sort of examination malpractice. I can, with a merited sense of pride, vaunt and assure you that seminarians write all their external and internal exams without expo. It was a big transition.

Our assembling here today helps us to see for ourselves how we can render help to this noble institution that has graduated at least two bishops, (one a nuncio and our current incumbent bishop), many monsignori and priests, many respectable civil, and religious leaders, good parents and gentle men. St Mary’s seminary Umuowa gets no help from our local and central governments even though over ninety nine percent of our seminarians come from across families in the same Imo State where other children are given monthly token, school buses, and other benefits. At times I pulse to ask myself if we are considered beneficiaries of Imo State where a lot is fast developing.

We thank all our former rectors who worked so hard at their times to make St Mary’s seminary, Umuowa an enviable institution it is today. From our founding Rector, Reverend Father R. J. Thornton C. S. Sp. (1961-1966) to fifteen others some of whom served barely three months; and Very Reverend Cletus C. Osuji (Sept 15, 1979-September, 30, 1993) who served longer than the rest. As it is, our first rector, Reverend Father Thornton C. S. Sp, couldn’t join us today due to his age; he is almost 90 years. May God rest some of our former rectors like Monsignor Lambert Nwigwe, and Very Reverend Father Michael Okpara who have passed on to the Lord.

I will not forget our alumni some of whom entered St Mary’s Seminary, Umuowa barely at their eleventh birthday but persevered. Some of you are noble men in the society today. I thank God for you. Permit me to mention just a few who were first baby seminarians here: Monsignori E. Durujinehu, John Ukwuoma, Felix Ojimba, Reverend Father Festus Onyebueke, Professor Vincent Okeke, Barrister Clement Ewulum and Chief James Okolie.

I salute all the current and former staff who were or have been part of the formation of our seminarians here in the seminary for over fifty years now. I am sure those of you who have stayed long enough derive joy to be greeted by a young priest as your former student or whom you cooked for as a seminarian. It is the output that makes us smile not the meager pay. Ka onyenwe anyi na-agba anyi nile ume!. May he reward our good services.

Finally, my very dear fellow priests on staff with me (Fathers Anthony Dim and Zephrynus Uzoma, Rev. Christian Achi, Auxiliaries and prefects, who have sacrificed their off days sometimes the little remunerations we receive and our future hopes, the seminarians who have worked so hard all through these years, remain good guys you have been. And all the members of the Golden Jubilee Committee under the chairmanship of Very Reverend Fred Nnabuife, I sincerely lack words to express my gratitude to you for your time, money, brains committed to make this a grand success. There were occasions we were challenged, to continue or not, you still persevered till date, May God bless you and may Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of this seminary intercede for us and shelter us always in her maternal care. Amen.

Thank you and God bless you.

Catholic Diocese of Orlu
St. Mary’s Seminary, Umuowa

P.O. Box 64
Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria

Phone: +234 706 641 5995