Thanks to you, our generous supporters, our seminary partners in India had much to celebrate in 2024. Recently the seminary rector, Fr Mareddy, sent us news of the past year:

St John’s Regional Seminary serves the 12 dioceses across India’s Andhra and Telangana states. The seminary stands as a beacon of religious education and spiritual formation, and is currently home to 86 seminarians. St John’s is providing leaders of a strong and vibrant future Church, whilst navigating opportunities and challenges thanks to your donations and prayers.

Formation at St John’s extends beyond traditional classroom learning, encompassing spiritual, pastoral, and social dimensions to ensure holistic development of future priests. Life at the seminary is filled with music, creativity, and meaningful connection.

Scenes of joy and hope

During their memorable Seminary Day, students lit the place up with religious dramas, soul-stirring music, and joyful dance. They brought powerful stories to life, including a moving tribute to Fr Stanislaus Lourduswamy’s life, better known as Fr Stan Swamy, an inspiring Indian Jesuit priest who fought for tribal rights. A lifelong activist and true ‘Pilgrim of Hope’, Fr Swamy eventually passed away in 2021, in custody. He was 84.

The community came together for wonderful celebrations throughout the year, from the sacred Feast of Corpus Christi to engaging environmental awareness events.

In 2024, the seminary celebrated the ordination of 17 deacons as priests between April and June. A second group of 17 final-year seminarians received their diaconate ordination in October 2024, performed by Most Rev Udumala Bala, Bishop of Warangal. These new deacons are currently serving their diaconate ministry and are scheduled for their priestly ordination in the spring of 2025.

Facing the challenges

Despite the joys, the seminary faces considerable challenges. Many students come from rural villages with challenging economic backgrounds, where parents work as farmers or daily wage labourers, making it difficult for families to contribute to their education. The seminary building itself requires ongoing maintenance, especially to address issues like rainwater seepage.

The seminary community is working together creatively to build a sustainable future – they’re growing their own vegetables, raising poultry, and finding innovative ways to generate income. Though they still depend on generous support from the global Missio network, their spirit of self-reliance shines through.

Looking ahead with hope

Looking ahead to 2025, designated as a Jubilee Year by Pope Francis, the seminary embraces the theme of ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. This takes on special significance in a world grappling with the aftermath of global challenges including warfare, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate crisis. The seminary is focusing on forming their students to be true missionaries of Christ, equipped to serve anywhere in the world.

The formation programme emphasises preparing seminarians to face regional and global challenges while maintaining their spiritual core. As they step into the Jubilee Year, the seminary remains committed to nurturing priests who can lead the faithful toward a deeper relationship with God while addressing contemporary social issues.

This seminary stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of religious education in India. And thanks to your unwavering prayers and financial support, the mission of forming future spiritual leaders continues with unwavering dedication and hope.