The Saint Augustine Millennium Major Seminary (SAMS) has launched its 25th anniversary celebration at Sahakpaligu in the Nanton District of the Northern Region.
The launch marked the beginning of an eight month-long celebration, which would feature series of activities, including public lectures, Seminarians’ forum, clean-up exercise, fun games, and open day amongst others.
The anniversary would be climaxed on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
It was attended by Most Reverend Philip Naameh, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale, and many priests, including the Vicar General of the Archdiocese Very Reverend Father Hilary Pogbeyir.
Most Reverend Peter Paul Angkyier, Bishop of the Damongo Diocese, officially launched the anniversary on the theme: “SAMS @25: Forming Priests for the World Today – The Role of Philosophical Formation”.
As part of the launch, a newly constructed 12-bedroom accommodation block for seminarians and a formator, were handed over along the unveiling of the anniversary project, the purchase a 33-seater bus to ease the transportation challenges confronting the seminary.
Very Reverend Father Daniel Fuseini Saaka, Rector of SAMS, speaking during the launch, reflected on the institution’s journey and said, “It was 25 years ago that the dream of establishing a separate campus focused on philosophical formation finally came to fruition.”
He added that “This anniversary allows us to look back at our beginnings, acknowledge our achievements, recognise the challenges we have faced, and map out a path to fully realise the seminary’s vision.”
He said the seminary, which started in September, 2000 with only 18 seminarians and three formators, had seen tremendous growth despite its numerous challenges.
He mentioned the lack of an administration block, library, bus, and storage facilities among others as some of the challenges.
Very Reverend Father Saaka said over the past 25 years, more than 800 seminarians had gone through the seminary with an estimated 600 now serving as priests.
Most Reverend Peter Paul Angkyier, who also presided over the celebration of Holy Mass during the launch, emphasised the importance of reconciliation, growth, transformation, and spiritual renewal, particularly during the Lenten season.
He urged the faithful to sincerely restore their relationship with God by acknowledging their sins and committing to a righteous life and underscored need for peaceful coexistence with their neighbours, encouraging everyone to strive for harmony and unity.
Reverend Father Robert Amegah Quarshie, Assistant Headmaster in-charge of Administration, St Charles Minor Seminary Senior High School in Tamale and Member of the pioneer year group of SAMS, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of his colleagues, commended the Seminary for the training they received.
He said, “As pioneers, we recall with nostalgia the humble beginning of this great institution. We started our journey in the seminary with minimal facilities bathing in the open, eating in the open, and even answering nature’s call in the bush yet through these challenges, we forged strong bonds of brotherhood, resilience and faith.”
He expressed their profound gratitude to the formators of their time, who despite the difficulties, provided them with quality formation, adding that their unwavering commitment, guidance, and exemplary lifestyles shaped them into who they were today.
GNA
