The Petit Séminaire Saint-Luc celebrates its 50th anniversary October 20, 2026

The Saint-Luc Minor Seminary of Saint-Louis celebrated its golden jubilee, marking five decades of formation and promotion of priestly vocations. This anniversary coincided with the installation of its new director, Father Louis Gomis, and that of Father Nzaly Gragini Kaly as priest of the Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes parish. A double celebration placed under the sign of thanksgiving, commitment and solidarity. The ceremony was chaired by the Bishop of Saint-Louis Mgr Augustin Simmel Ndiaye in the presence of the prefect of the department of Saint-Louis.

Fifty years of service to the Church and society. The Saint-Luc Minor Seminary of Saint-Louis celebrated its golden jubilee in a spirit of gratitude to God and renewal of its mission. For Father André Nalla Mandef, outgoing director and head of the organization, this anniversary constitutes an important milestone. “Living 50 years for a structure is not at all an easy thing. It is above all giving thanks to God, because it is he who has allowed us to live these 50 years,” he declared.

After five years at the head of the establishment, now appointed parish priest of the Uganda Martyrs of Matam, he called on the faithful to further support the seminary. “It’s the nursery, it’s where the bishop sows,” he recalled, inviting Saint-Louisians to contribute regularly to the care of the seminarians. Appointed new director, Father Louis Gomis recalled that the seminary was launched on October 18, 1976 by Mgr Pierre Sagna, with the objective of promoting vocations and training local clergy. For five decades, the establishment has supported young people in their discernment and preparation for priestly life. “The priest is a minister of the Church, but also a minister responsible for serving the well-being of the entire population,” he stressed.

Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes: a call to commitment

He also insisted on the role of Christian families in awakening vocations and on the importance of human, intellectual and spiritual formation adapted to contemporary challenges. The ceremony was also marked by the installation of Father Nzaly Gragini Kaly as the new priest of the Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes parish by Mgr Augustin Simmel Ndiaye, bishop of the diocese of Saint-Louis. Now in office, he intends to promote collaboration with the faithful to meet the challenges of the parish community.

He notably mentioned the need to renovate the church and the priests’ house, calling on parishioners, benefactors and people of good will to contribute to these projects. “It is hand in hand, in synodality, that we can move forward,” he said, pleading for collective mobilization. Through these two events, the local Church reaffirms its commitment to formation, the transmission of faith and community service.