TRAINING AND FORMATION PROGRAMME OF SEMINARIANS

In fulfillment of the mandate given by the resurrected Jesus, to continue His mission on earth, our Society was founded with the specific goal of training and providing dedicated, hardworking, and saintly missionaries wherever there is a need. (Cf. Const. Art. 5) Therefore, the promotion of vocations and the formation of seminarians are central to the mission of our Society. It remains the primary responsibility of all our members to actively engage in these efforts.

PROMOTING VOCATIONS :

The Vocation Promoters are dedicated to identifying and supporting worthy candidates for the priesthood. On average, the Province admits around 20 students annually into the Minor Seminary. These students typically join after completing their 10th grade in school, with an average age of admission between 15 to 17 years old.

PERIOD OF TRAINING :

The training and formation of seminarians is a comprehensive, multi-stage process designed to shape them into well-rounded missionaries. The formation comprises six key stages:

Minor Seminary

Minimum 3 years for those who have completed the 10th grade.

Minimum 2 years for those who have completed the 12th grade or equivalent.

Minimum 1 year for those who have completed a graduate degree. The Minor Seminary is located in the Diocese of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.

Spiritual Orientation Year

This year focuses on deepening the seminarians’ spiritual life and commitment to their vocation.

Philosophy Studies

The seminarians undertake a 3-year Philosophy course, during which they also complete a degree from a secular university. The Society runs its own Philosophy Seminary, serving all provinces.

Pastoral Training Year

A year of intensive training in pastoral ministry is spent in the mission field, away from academic studies. This year allows the seminarians to evaluate themselves and solidify their decision to pursue the priesthood. It also marks their transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Introduction and Temporary Membership

After completing the pastoral year, the seminarians are inducted into the Society as temporary members. This temporary membership is renewed annually until they make their perpetual commitment and receive the cassock.

Theology Studies

Seminarians undertake a 7-semester Theology course (3.5 years). Upon completion of this course, they make their permanent commitment to the Society and are ordained as deacons. The Society operates its own Theology Seminary for all provinces.

Diaconate Ministry and Priesthood

Newly ordained deacons spend 5 to 6 months in mission areas, directly participating in pastoral ministry. This period helps them develop practical pastoral skills. Upon completion, they are ordained as 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 labour and the importance of hardwork is stressed in order to train dedicated, hardworking and saintly missionaries.

Formation Houses To Sponsor A Seminarian