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St. Albert the Great Seminary celebrates 10th anniversary, ordains 14 as Deacons 


St. Albert the Great Major Seminary, Idowu-Offonran, Abeokuta, was aglow with joy and thanksgiving on Thursday, December, 11th 2025, as it celebrated the 10th anniversary of its founding, drawing clergy, religious, and lay faithful from across Lagos, Ibadan and Benin City Provinces. 

The milestone celebration highlighted a decade of the seminary’s commitment to forming priests, rooted in sound doctrine, pastoral charity, and missionary zeal.

The solemn liturgy was presided over by the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, with Most Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo; Bishop Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. John Oyejola; Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Adesina; Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese and Most Rev. Anthony Ewherido; Bishop of Warri Diocese concelebrating at the thanksgiving Mass.

The anniversary featured the Diaconate Ordination of 14 seminarians who have completed years of rigorous academic and spiritual formation. Their elevation to the Order of Deacons added a profound significance to the day, embodying the fruits of the institution’s dedication to priestly training.

Among all the Deacons ordained, Abeokuta Diocese has ten and they include; Adegoke Vincent, Ajayi Peter, Alpha Innocent, Anunobi Paul, Calfos Ferdinand, Eze Harrison, Ezuruonye Theodore, Fasinu Francis, Nkwocha Callistus and Ogunfowora Augustine. 

Delivering the homily, Bishop Anthony Ewherido, charged the newly ordained deacons to embrace a life of humble service. He reminded them that the diaconate stage is not merely a step toward the priesthood, but a call to imitate Christ the Servant in every aspect of ministry.

Bishop Ewherido spoke passionately about fidelity to prayer, commitment to the Word of God, and the need for pastoral sensitivity in a complex and changing society,  urging the candidates to anchor their ministries in compassion, integrity, and unwavering love for God’s people.

He further encouraged continued investment in priestly formation, emphasizing that the Church’s vitality depends on well-prepared ministers who can respond effectively to the spiritual and social needs of contemporary society.


In his remarks after the Mass, Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo, who doubles as the Chairman, Governing Council of the Seminary, congratulated the seminary community for a decade of remarkable growth. 

He acknowledged the staff, formators, and benefactors whose sacrifices have shaped the institution into a centre of excellence for theological and pastoral formation.

As St. Albert the Great Major Seminary enters its second decade, the twin celebration of its anniversary and the ordination of new deacons stands as a testament to God’s enduring faithfulness. The seminary community looks ahead with renewed commitment to its mission of forming men who will serve the Church with dedication, holiness, and courage.

On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the Seminary held a luncheon towards the completion of it Chapel and St. Peter the Apostle hostel.