Syro Malabar Church starts seminary in UK

Mangalore Today News Network

Preston, UK, Nov 15, 2017 : The Syro-Malabar Eparchy (Diocese) of Great Britain marked a momentous day in its history with the inauguration of a minor seminary for training priests for the diocese.

 

The “Seminary of the Immaculate Conception” is situated close to the eparchy’s headquarters at St Alphonsa Cathedral in Preston. The building was blessed by Bishop Michael G Campbell of Lancaster on Nov 9. Syro-Malabar Bishop Joseph Srampickal of Great Britain celebrated Mass on the occasion.

Propaedeutic Seminary course is an initial stage of seminary life and training for priesthood, and  preparation for the full formation program which will begin afterwards.

In his inaugural speech Bishop Campbell said  it was a great blessing to open the seminary while celebrating the eparchy’s first year in Britain.

The seminarians –Tiju Ozhungalil, Tony Kocheri and Jerrin Kakkuzhi — who were all raised in UK will be the first students of the seminary. In his sermon, Bishop Srampickal requested the prayers of the community for the students and their trainers.

The inauguration  was attended among others by Fathers Thomas Parayadyil, Proto Syncellus of Syro Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain, Mathew Choorapoikayil, Robert Billing, John Miller, Sony Kadamthodu, Mathew Pinakkattu and Franzwa Pathil.