Training and Formation Programme of Seminarians

It is in obedience to the mandate of the resurrected Jesus and to prolong 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.

PROMOTING VOCATIONS :

The Vocation Promoters promote worthy candidates for the priesthood. The Province admits on an average 20 students a year into the Minor seminary. The students are generally admitted after they complete the 10th grade in the school. The average age of admission is between 15-17 years.

PERIOD OF TRAINING :

The Period of training and formation of candidates comprises of six stages:

1. Minor Seminary  (i) Minimum 3 years for those who have completed the 10th class. (ii) Minimum 2 years for those who have completed the 12th class or equivalent. (iii) Minimum 1 year for those who have completed graduation. The minor seminary of the Province is in the Diocese of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.
2. A year of Spiritual Orientation
3. Study of Philosophy lasting three years, during which the student obtains a graduation from a secular university too. The Society has its own Philosophy Seminary for all the provinces together.
4. A year of intensive training in pastoral life in the mission field, away from studies. This year helps the student to have a self evaluation and to decide about the future, as he would have passed from adolescence to manhood.
5. 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 cassock.
6. Theology course lasting seven semesters (3.5 years). At the end of theology course, he makes his permanent commitment to the Soceity and is ordained a deacon. The Society has its own theology seminary for all the provinces together.
7. Diaconate Ministry and Ordination to Priesthood: The newly ordained deacons are sent to the missions to directly involve in the pastoral ministry for a period of 5 to 6 months. This helps them to equip themselves with practical skills in taking care of the missions. 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 labour and the importance of hardwork is stressed in order to train dedicated, hardworking and saintly missionaries.

Formation Houses To Sponsor A Seminarian