In the history of salvation we see God calling Abraham to found a new people. He called Moses to free Israel from Egyptian hands. He called many other prophets to amend the ways of own. He called Mary to be the Mother of the Savior. During His earthly ministry Jesus of Nazareth called and appointed certain men “to be with him, and to be sent out to preach” (Mk. 3:14).
It is in obedience to the mandate of the resurrected Jesus and to continue his mission on earth that our Society was founded with the specific aim of training and supplying wherever there is need, dedicated, hardworking and saintly missionaries. (Cf. Const. Art. 5) Thus Vocation promotion and Formation of the seminarians are very important as far as the specific aim of the Society is concerned and it will be the primary duty of all the members too.
“The mission of Christ the Redeemer, which is entrusted to the Church, is still very far from completion. As the second millennium after Christ’s coming draws to an end, an overall view of the human race shows that this mission is still only beginning and that we must commit ourselves wholeheartedly to its service. It is the Spirit who impels us to proclaim the great works of God: “For if I preach the Gospel that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” (1 Cor 9: 16)”
The Province admits on an average 30 students a year into the Minor seminary. The students are generally admitted after they complete the 10th grade in the school and the students who complete 12 grade also are admitted. The average age of admission is between 15-17 years. “The candidates before being admitted shall be properly and carefully examined and selected keeping sound standards, even when there is shortage of vocations (Cf. Const. Art.25)” in view of promoting worthy candidates for the priesthood.
The Period of training and formation of candidates comprises of six stages:
- Minor Seminary
- Minimum 3 years for those who have completed the 10th class.
- Minimum 2 years for those who have completed the 12th class or equivalent.
- Minimum 1 year for those who have completed graduation. The Province has 1 minor seminary of its own (St. John’s Minor Seminary) at Nidadavole.
- A year of Spiritual Orientation
- Study of Philosophy lasting three years, during which the student obtains graduation from a secular university too. The Society has its Philosophy Seminary for all the provinces together.
- A year of intensive training in pastoral life in the mission field (Regency), away from studies. Where he also gets the opportunities to acquire organizing, teaching, skills, and improve his Leadership qualities which would help him in the priestly life to lead the people of God. This year also helps the student to have a self-evaluation and to decide about the future, as he would have passed from adolescence to manhood.
- After this year, before commencing the study of theology, the student is inducted into the Society as a temporary member, which will be renewed every year until the perpetual promise, and is given a cassock.
- Theology course lasting seven semesters (3.5 years). At the end of the theology course, he makes his permanent commitment to Society and is ordained a deacon. The Society has its theology seminary for all the provinces together.
- Diaconate Ministry and Ordination to Priesthood: The newly ordained deacons are sent to the missions to be directly involved in the pastoral ministry for a period of 5 to 6 months. This helps them to equip themselves with practical skills in preaching the word, conducting, leading prayers, and taking care of the missions in an effective manner. At the end of the pastoral ministry, they are ordained priests.
The Formation Programme envisages the harmonious growth and integration of human, social, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions in the person’s life. The value of manual labor and the importance of hard work is stressed to train dedicated, hardworking, and saintly missionaries.
Contribute a seminarian to reach the altar of God Support us to train and form saintly missionaries
By the grace of God, we have many vocations to continue His mission. There are many vocations but it is very sad that most of these seminarians are from a poor backgrounds, and can’t afford to meet the expenses of studies in the Seminary. The Province is in its infancy and does not have internal resources to support the education of these seminarians.
We have a sponsorship program for the formation of seminarians. Any generous person can adopt a seminarian by contributing an annual sum of US $ 300.00. This can be done either in annual or monthly installments.
There is also a possibility of establishing a scholarship in the name of persons dear to the sponsor. In such an eventuality the scholarship amount will be made part of the CORPUS FUND and when one student completes his studies another will be able to take up studies using the same amount.
The Provincial Superior will assign a seminarian to the sponsor, who is supporting his studies. The seminarian will write at least 2 times a year (Christmas & Easter) and the sponsor will be given a yearly update about the progress, the seminarian is making in his studies. In case of the unlikely situation of a student dropping out midway through his studies, another will be assigned in his place.
To Sponsor a Seminarian
The Contribution by the sponsor will help the seminarian to meet his Tuition and Library fees, Boarding and Lodging, etc. So kindly support our seminarians so that the mission carries on.
