Greetings in the name of the Lord!
Today, we gather at a momentous crossroads, reflecting on a journey that has been nothing short of transformation. A journey that started on the 13th of October, 2020. Representing this graduating class of 2023/2024, I stand before you to express our collective gratitude and to celebrate the profound impact that St. Joseph Major Seminary has had on us. As Cicero said, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others”. Thus, we gather here with hearts full of love and appreciation. First and foremost, we give thanks to God, the Source of all wisdom and life, for guiding us through this academic/formative journey. His grace has been our constant companion, illuminating our path and strengthening our resolve.
We owe immense gratitude to our Bishops and Superiors, who sent us here and sustained us throughout our stay. Your trust and support have been invaluable, and we are profoundly thankful for your dedication to our spiritual and academic growth. In the same realm of gratitude, where words are woven with sincerity, we find ourselves at a juncture to extend a heartfelt appreciation to our formators. Their unwavering dedication, invaluable guidance, and steadfast support have been instrumental in shaping our journeys. We are profoundly grateful for their wisdom, compassion, and tireless efforts to nurture our growth and development.
Dear Rector Magnificus, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Patrick Abem, your unparalleled leadership has not only transformed our natural home into a haven of growth but also instilled in us the spirit of encouragement and excellence. Your examples shine like guiding stars, and we endeavour to follow the noble path you have illuminated. In the esteemed halls of intellectual formation, the Vice Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Felix Bornwin, stands as an academic luminary. Your lectures, dense with rigorous texts and profound materials, have challenged our minds and ignited within us a fervour for learning. You have shown us that the pursuit of knowledge transcends mere collection of facts; it is a quest for understanding the essence of reality and the core of being.
We are also grateful to Rev. Fr. Dr. Bartholomew Akpan, The HOD of the Philosophy department, whose critical acumen, leadership skills and philosophical prowess have guided us. His insightful teachings and thoughtful mentorship have profoundly enriched our understanding and appreciation of philosophy. We are deeply indebted to him for his dedication, encouragement, and the profound impact he has had on our academic and personal growth.
Rev. Dr. Fr. Ntui, Victor Ntui, the Registrar, your ethical teachings and personal example have profoundly influenced our character and outlook on life. Also, your in-depth exploration of African Philosophy has instilled in us a profound appreciation of the inherent value of our African identity and heritage. To the Deans of Student Affairs, worth mentioning, Rev. Fr. Cletus Umohetok, your readiness to respond to emergencies, exemplifies the spirit of service and brotherhood. The Bursar Rev. Fr. Augustine Asuquo, your contributions to our growth and comfort are immeasurable.
Our spiritual directors have guided us with care and wisdom from our very first year. Your nurturing of our souls has equipped us with the spiritual fortitude necessary to face life’s challenges. May you all be richly rewarded in Heaven for your tireless efforts. To the rest of our dear formators, we are indeed grateful for your dedication and selfless services to the seminary community. We hold you all dearly in our hearts.
In the depths of our hearts, we cherish the enduring memory of the late Sr. Dr. Stella Esirah HHCJ, the former HOD of the Philosophy Department, whose role as an intercessor, a mother and beyond continues to inspire us daily. And the late Monsignor J.P. Ekarika, whose dynamic spiritual conferences and resonant songs of praise are profoundly missed. We hold a firm hope that you are resting with the Lord and that your spiritual guidance will continue to be a light for us all.
We must also acknowledge the often unseen but deeply felt contributions of our lay staff. As John Dewey remarked, “The self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action”. Our lay staff have chosen daily actions of service that have continuously shaped our community and experiences. Your sacrifices never go unnoticed. You are the silent architects of our daily lives, ensuring that everything runs smoothly, and your work is one of the backbones of this seminary. Your dedication reminds us of the words of Albert Schweitzer: “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others”.
#2024
With hearts brimming with love and profound gratitude, we honour our families, especially our parents and guardians. Their unwavering support has been a lifeline in our journey. To our friends and well-wishers, your kindness and generosity have never gone unnoticed. Thank you deeply.
Under the vast canopy of human experience, we have wandered through the landscape of knowledge, inspired by the profound insights of F.H. Bradley. In our quest for the Absolute, we began with mere glimpses of reality momentarily and fragmented. Yet, through the transformative touch of our guides and formators, these flashes of understanding were unified into a grand panorama of holistic reality. Differences and contradictions melded into a sentient harmony, allowing us to taste the Absolute, even within the confines of our own mental faculties.
In this epiphany, we resonate deeply with John Dewey’s timeless words: “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” This profound truth reverberates within us, acknowledging that every lesson absorbed and every challenge overcome within these sacred walls has been a part of life’s rich experience. To crystallize our sentiments of gratitude, we have chosen to give back in a tangible yet symbolic manner. With a heartfelt donation of the sum of 250,000 Naira, we are contributing towards the creation of four modern classroom chairs for the seminary’s philosophy department, as stipulated by the NUC. These chairs represent more than mere furniture; they are seats of enlightenment, spaces where future seminarians will sit, ponder, and evolve, just as we have.
Let us remember that the true value of our gift cannot be measured in monetary terms. It is but a humble token compared to the immeasurable wealth of knowledge and personal growth we have accumulated over our four-year journey. As these chairs support the physical bodies of new learners, may they also symbolize the support and commitment we have toward the flourishing of enlightened minds. In doing so, we honour the boundless spirit of education, affirming that each small act can contribute to a greater whole, much like individual drops merging into an endless sea.
To you dear classmates, as we venture forth, let us carry the flame of philosophy in our hearts. Let us be ambassadors of reason and compassion, bringing the light of wisdom to a world in need. Let us never forget the privilege and responsibility that comes with the pursuit of truth. As St. John Henry Newman eloquently stated, “To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often”. Our time here has changed us in ways we may not fully comprehend yet. The experiences we have shared will forever resonate within us, reminding us of the rich needlepoint of ideas and friendships that we have woven together.
We also pause to acknowledge and honour our classmates who began this journey with us but have since taken different paths. Your presence was felt deeply, and your absence is equally profound. We cherish the moments we shared and hold you in our prayers, trusting that life will be favourable to you. May your new vocations be fulfilling, and may you find joy and success in all your endeavours. You will always remain part of our family, and we look forward to the day our paths may cross again.
To our Department, fellow students, and the entire seminary community, our gratitude knows no bounds. The impact you have had on our lives and countless others is profound. Farewell, dear natural home, St. Joseph Major Seminary. May our intellectual journey be marked by curiosity, humility, and a relentless pursuit of truth. As we part ways, let us find solace in knowing that our paths may cross again and that the lessons we have learned will continue to shape us.
With heartfelt appreciation and profound respect,
Long live the Holy Mother Church!
Long live St. Joseph Major Seminary Ikot Ekpene!
Long live the Department of Philosophy!
