News and Events

NSUDE 2019

The hosting of the all minor seminaries games( Theme)
It was an astonishing sight to behold, as the various seminaries under the Onitsha Ecclesiastical province all found their way to Sacred Heart Seminary Nsude for the 2019 All minor seminaries games scheduled to hold from the 6th to the 13th of January 2019.
There were 8 seminaries in attendance, among which were: All Hallows Seminary Onitsha, Holy Ghost juniorate ihiala, St Augustine Abakiliki, St John Bosco isuanaocha Awka, St Dominic Savio Akpu, St Vincent De Paul Agbogugu, St John Cross Nsukka and our own dear Seminary, Sacred Heart Seminary Nsude.
The long awaited event began with the votive mass of the Holy Spirit by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Callistus V.C Onaga in which he urged all to portray a spirit of fraternal charity.
The event which lasted for a week, having various field and track events came to a halt on the 13th of January with the Mass by the Auxilliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Ernest Obodo. St JohnBosco and St Dominic Savio both in Awka emerged the victors with 13golds, 7 silvers and 5 bronze medals while our Seminary got 4 golds, 8 silvers and 8 bronze medals.
Finally, the Rector thanked everyone for the successful turnout of events. He thanked the Bishop and his Auxiliary and everyone. It was really a pleasant event and so we can exclaim with the psalmist “Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!, for there Yahweh has commended his blessings, life forever more.” Psalm 133: 1&3.

Pictures from the event:

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INVESTITURE OF 15 CANDIDATES INTO QUEEN OF APOSTLES SEMINARY (QAS), IMEZI-OWA

In a moment glowing with joy, reverence, and quiet history, the community gathered on the 10th of December to celebrate the investiture of 15 candidates officially accepted into Queen of Apostles Seminary (QAS), Imezi-Owa.The seminary grounds brimmed with anticipation as families, friends, and supporters stood together in prayerful hope. Our school choristers represented us beautifully, filling the atmosphere with harmony, colour, and a sense of unity.

All 15 candidates were clothed in white, a profound symbol of purity, readiness, and their new identity as men beginning their journey toward priestly formation. The white garment echoed themes of sacrifice, commitment, and openness to God’s call.

Among the 15 were several proud alumni of our school. Notably, one of them—Mr. Chibuife Glory Ugochukwu—was a member of the former set of teachers. In addition, another candidate, Mr. Emmanuel Akachukwu Ani, was from the last two sets of teachers, making the event especially meaningful for our school community.The ceremony reached its spiritual peak with a solemn thanksgiving Mass, presided over by the Chief Celebrant, Rev. Prof. Christian Aneke, whose presence added depth and grace to the occasion.

The event ended with heartfelt congratulations, joyful photographs, and quiet moments of reflection—a reminder that divine callings can rise from unexpected corners of our community.We extend our warmest prayers and best wishes to all 15 candidates, especially our own former teachers. May their formation journey be steady, fruitful, and filled with grace.

10TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHAPEL DEDICATION CELEBRATED IN GRAND STYLE

The seminary community joyfully marked the 10th anniversary of the dedication of our beloved chapel, a decade of faith, prayer, and spiritual growth. The celebration brought students together, creating a vibrant atmosphere of reflection and thanksgiving.The anniversary ceremony began with Morning prayers from the Common of Dedication of a Church and a thanksgiving mass with The Rector, Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Onodugo as the chief celebrant flanked by all the priests on the staff. The homily of the Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Vincent Okoro highlighted the chapel’s role as the spiritual heart of the seminary. He reflected on the construction headed by Rev. Fr. Humphrey Udeh in 2015 and the decade-long journey, emphasizing how the chapel has nurtured countless souls, inspired devotion, and provided a sacred space for contemplation and worship.

The event also showcased the seminary choir and choristers, whose uplifting performances filled the chapel with music and joy, reminding all present of the harmony between faith and community life.

The celebration concluded with a special blessing as it also signalled the end of the Advent retreat, followed by the declaration of an Ordinary Free Day by the Rector.

Photographs were taken according to hostels commemorating a decade of sacred memories and spiritual milestones. The 10th anniversary served as a reminder of the chapel’s enduring significance and the shared responsibility to uphold its legacy for generations to come. These are the Pictures from the event:

The Teachers and Auxillaries felicitate with Sacred Heart Seminary on the occasion of 10th Anniversary of the dedication of our chapel.

CHRISTMAS CAROL AND FOOTBALL MATCH AGAINST QUEEN OF APOSTLES SEMINARY (QAS) IMEZI-OWA ON THE 12TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2025

THE DECEMBER DERBY: QAS vs SHSN

Every December, the air around the seminaries shifts—

not with harmattan dust alone,

but with that electric tradition that turns calm seminarians

into full-time ballers.

Today, at ________, Queen of Apostles Seminary (QAS)

faced off against Sacred Heart Seminary, Nsude (SHSN)

in their annual friendly football match—

friendly by name, fierce by nature.

From kickoff, the intensity was loud.

Tackles flying, passes sharp, hearts pounding.

By the end of the first half, at ________,

the scoreboard read 0 – 1.

Then came the second half.

Momentum shifted. Pressure increased.

By full time, at ________,

the match ended in a commanding 0 – 5 victory.

A challenging day for QAS.

A dominant outing for SHSN.

But above all, another chapter written

in a December tradition that keeps history alive.

*SEMINARY CHRISTMAS CAROL CELEBRATION: A NIGHT OF WORD, WORSHIP, AND WARMTH*

The Seminary held her annual Christmas Carol celebration in an atmosphere filled with reverence, joy, and deep spiritual reflection. The event, which has become a cherished yearly tradition, brought together members of the seminary community to relive the mystery and beauty of the birth of Christ.

The celebration began with a solemn procession, setting a sacred and reflective tone for the entire programme. This was immediately followed by the opening prayers, after which the Rector delivered his opening remarks, warmly welcoming everyone present and reminding the community of the true meaning of Christmas—Christ among us.

The heart of the carol featured the Nine Readings, carefully proclaimed to recount the salvation story from prophecy to fulfillment. In between the readings, the seminary choir, alongside a few talented entertainers, lifted hearts through inspiring carols and performances that blended worship with celebration, drawing the audience into the joy of the season.

The Gospel reading was taken by the Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Vincent Okoro, whose proclamation further deepened the spiritual significance of the occasion. At the conclusion of the programme, the Dean of Studies, Rev. Fr. Anthony Chukwu, said the closing prayers, committing the seminary community into God’s loving care as the Christmas season unfolds.

The event came to a peaceful close as participants were dismissed and later shared refreshments, fostering fellowship and togetherness in the true spirit of Christmas.

Indeed, the Christmas Carol was not just a programme, but a moment—one that reminded everyone that Christmas is best celebrated when faith, music, and community walk hand in hand. 🎶✨

The Seminary community extends her heartfelt Christmas wishes to all, praying that the joy of Christ’s birth may fill every heart with peace, love, and renewed hope. May this season usher in God’s abundant blessings, strengthen our faith, and draw us closer to one another as one family in Christ.

Merry Christmas and a grace-filled New Year to all. ✨🎄

Bishop CVC Onaga Commissions Solar-Powered Borehole Donated by Fr. Edmond Ugwuegbu, Confirms 46 Seminarians, Inaugurates Academic Year at Nsude Seminary

Sacred Heart Seminary, Nsude, was aglow with joy and thanksgiving on Thursday as the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Valentine Onaga, commissioned a solar-powered borehole donated by Rev. Fr. Edmund Ugwuegbu, inaugurated the 2025/2026 Academic and Formation Year, and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 46 seminarians.The multi-faceted event began with a solemn Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Onaga and concelebrated by the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Ernest Obodo, alongside numerous priests and formators. In his homily, Bishop Onaga charged the seminarians to embrace holistic formation, stressing the importance of spiritual discipline, moral uprightness, academic excellence, and human maturity. He reminded them that the priesthood demands both sanctity and scholarship, urging them to take their studies and spiritual exercises seriously. “A priest must be both a saint and a scholar,” he emphasized.

At the conclusion of the Mass, the Rector of the Seminary, Very Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Onodugo, expressed profound gratitude to the bishops for their fatherly care and constant support for the seminary. He thanked the co-formators for their dedication and collaboration in the formation work, and singled out Rev. Fr. Edmund Ugwuegbu for his generosity in donating the solar-powered borehole through his Raise Up the Roof Foundation, which has effectively addressed the institution’s long-standing water challenge. Fr. Onodugo also acknowledged Fr. Ugwuegbu’s support in other areas of the seminary’s development. He further appreciated other benefactors and friends of the seminary, including Rev. Fr. Ezekiel Okoh, Rev. Fr. Christian Iroha, Rev. Fr. Modestus Onwumelu, Rev. Fr. Leonard Ozougwu, Chief Linus Ozoede, Ọzọ Obiora Arinze, Ọzọ Prof. Obinna Onodugo, Mr. Emmanuel Ngwu, Mr. Emeka Nwoye, Barr. Dilibe Eche, and many others. Special recognition was given to parents and dignitaries in attendance, particularly His Royal Majesty, Igwe Chike Onodugo (Ujaligwa II of Umuavulu Kingdom, Abor). After the Mass, Bishop Onaga formally declared the 2025/2026 Academic and Formation Year open and proceeded to present academic awards to outstanding students from the 2024/2025 session.

2024/2025 Academic and Formation Year Awards

SS3 1st – Ogbonnia Emmanuel Chukwudi 2nd – Okeke Anthony Chetachukwu. 3rd – Ani Emmanuel Chiagozie

SS21st – Okafor Victor Chidonso. 2nd – Obiogbolu Richard Obidiaso. 3rd – Ukeje Paul Chibueze

JSS3 1st – Nnadi Dike Peter. 2nd – Onyia Emmanuel Chidubem. 3rd – Emengini Charles Kenechukwu

JSS2 1st – Ogbonna Iraeneus Chimaraam 2nd – Ndubuisi Johnpaul Mmerisinachi. 3rd – Ugwu Stanley Chiemerie

External Examinations (BECE – Junior WAEC)1st – Udeh Cyprain Chukwuerika. 2nd – Chikezie Martins Akachukwu. 3rd – Ozochidubem Samuel Onyedikachi

Best in Mathematics – Emmanuel Ogbonnia Chukwudi

Best Behaved Student – Paul Chiadikobi Onoh (Senior Prefect)

Academic Staff Awards

Best Teacher – Rev. Fr. Cornelius Ozochikelu. Most Punctual Teacher – Mr. Charles Owoh Most Dedicated Staff – Mr. Augustine Onu.

In a further show of encouragement, Bishop Onaga presented a gift of ₦50,000 to the Best Student in Mathematics and pledged to award ₦500,000 to the Best Student in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in the coming year. Speaking to The Choice Flame Newspaper, the benefactor, Rev. Fr. Edmund Ugwuegbu, who is based in Boston, United States, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve. He revealed that his experience of water scarcity during his time at the seminary motivated him to undertake the project when the Rector drew his attention to the need. He described the borehole project as a way of giving back to the institution that nurtured his priestly vocation.The event ended on a note of thanksgiving, with seminarians, formators, parents, and guests rejoicing over the manifold blessings recorded at Sacred Heart Seminary, Nsude.