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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The air in Annunciation Catholic Church, Umuguma Housing Estate carried more than incense on May 1, 2026. It carried memory, gratitude, and the quiet weight of nearly five decades in the priesthood.
For the Catholic Bishop of Owerri Archdiocese, His Grace Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, and his classmates known as Bigard ’77, the day marked 49 years since their ordination. The celebration began with a solemn High Mass, bringing together clergy, parishioners, and friends in thanksgiving for a journey that began in the aftermath of the Nigerian civil war.
In his homily, Archbishop Ugorji reflected on the rarity and grace of their endurance. “We were ordained priests on May 1, 1977,” he told the congregation. “Today, we have gathered to thank God for His protection and guidance over the last 49 years.”
Now, all above 70, the bishop noted that the surviving members of Bigard ’77 belong to the 3.1% of Nigerians who reach that age. “We are grateful to God for the grace and perseverance,” he said.
The clerics traced their beginnings to Okwu Amakohia in Ikeduru, where they were formed by Irish missionary priests before and after the civil war. Ugorji paid tribute to those missionaries and teachers whose sacrifices made their vocation possible. “In spite of the hurricane that blew, we still stood to be priests,” he said.
The group has not been spared loss. One classmate left the priesthood after becoming a professor, and three others died during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are praying for grace to remain fervent in the ministry,” Ugorji said. “We throw the future into God’s hands.” He also thanked the parishioners of Annunciation Catholic Church for joining the thanksgiving.
The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Peterclaver Anoruo, said it was “a thing of joy” that the Bigard ’77 set chose his parish for the anniversary. “We thank God for the journey so far, and we are pleased to have them,” he said.
Msgr. Patrick Anichebe Ezeobata, Chairman of Bigard ’77 and Vicar General of Nnewi Diocese, expressed appreciation to Fr. Anoruo for his leadership and, also, thanked their host, Msgr. Joseph Ejimofor. Surveyor Clement Nwabichie, Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, called it a great privilege to host a bishop and his classmates in their midst.
The solemnity gave way to celebration as members of the Holy Catholic Action (HCA) entertained guests with cultural displays, rounding off a day that blended reflection with communal joy.
For the men of Bigard ’77, May 1, 2026 was not just an anniversary. It was a living testament to vocation, friendship, and faith sustained across 49 years.
Photo caption: Catholic Archbishop of Owerri and immediate past CBCN President, Lucious Ugorji (middle), with his classmates ordained into priesthood 49 years ago.
