In a lively display of joy and gratitude, St. Paul the Apostle Seminary, a stronghold of spiritual growth and academic excellence, celebrated its 40th anniversary and Seminary Day on June 28, 2025. The festivities began with the Holy Mass, presided over by the venerable Bishop Montfort Stima, Ordinary of the Diocese of Mangochi.
In his homily, Bishop Stima paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Bishop Alessandro Assolari, who had envisioned the establishment of a minor seminary to cultivate the vocations of young men called to the priesthood. “The fruits of this seminary are evident today, with a bishop, numerous priests, and countless dedicated Christians serving the Church in various capacities,” the Bishop noted.
He emphasized that the seminary’s unique purpose sets it apart from ordinary secondary schools. “This seminary was built with the sole intention of training and forming boys who feel called to serve the Church as priests,” he said. He cautioned against the tendency to focus only on academic performance while neglecting the seminary’s spiritual mission.
Gratitude from the Past and Present
Bishop Stima also expressed his deep gratitude to the seminary alumni for their generous donation of assorted books. He described it as “a very important gesture to show appreciation for what the seminary did for them,” and encouraged them to continue supporting vocations, even if they did not become priests.
Fr. Steven Namame, Rector of the seminary, thanked the Bishop for his consistent presence and support. He also praised the dedication of past and present staff members and the SPAS Alumni Association for their contributions. “Your Lordship’s guidance and encouragement mean a great deal to us,” he said.
Mr. Charles Baluwa, Chairperson of the Alumni Association, echoed this sentiment. “We are what we are today because of the education we acquired at St. Paul the Apostle Seminary,” he said. “Donating books is our way of giving back and showing gratitude.”
A Future Rooted in Hope
The student body Prefect also offered thanks to the Bishop and the Alumni Association. “Their support validates the idiom that says, ‘Once a seminarian, always a seminarian,’” he remarked.
The celebration was graced by the presence of Fr. Dave Mambo, Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangochi, alongside several other priests, alumni, staff, and students.
As St. Paul the Apostle Seminary looks to the future, it does so with renewed hope, standing firmly on a legacy of faith, discipline, and dedication to forming future leaders of the Church.
Report by Fr. Francis
Communications Secretary
Diocese of Mangochi