New Training Program for Fourth-Year Minor Seminary Students in the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church

In accordance with the decision of the Holy Episcopal Synod of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, a new training program has been initiated for all fourth-year minor seminary students across various dioceses. The one-year program is being held at ‘Bethlahem Boys’ Home’ in Kattakada, under the special supervision of Rev. Fr. Roy George Vayalirakkath.

Participating Dioceses

The program includes 22 seminarians from the following dioceses:

• Trivandrum Major Archieparchy
• Marthandam
• Parassala
• Mavelikkara
• Pathanamthitta
• Muvattupuzha
• Bathery
• Puttur
• Pune – Khadki
• Delhi

Objective of the Program

The training aims to provide comprehensive spiritual and pastoral formation, equipping seminarians with the necessary skills and knowledge for their future priestly ministry.

About Bethlahem Boys’ Home

Bethlahem Boys’ Home was established in 2007 by His Beatitude Baselios Cleemis Catholicos to support boys from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Located in Kattakada, this home aims at the holistic development of its residents by providing them with quality education at Viswadeepthi English Medium School and fostering their growth as responsible citizens of the Church and society. The home primarily caters to boys from the ecclesiastical districts of Neyyatinkara, Parassala, and Kattakada.

About Rev. Fr. Roy George Vayalirakkath

Rev. Fr. Roy George Vayalirakkath, M.A., B.Ed., has served as a Higher Secondary School Teacher at St. Mary’s HSS, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram. Currently, he oversees the training program at Bethlahem Boys’ Home, Viswadeepthi EMS Campus, Charupara Rd, Kattakada, Trivandrum, in the Archi-Eparchy of Thiruvananthapuram. He has also been the bursar and executive member of Mar Theophilus Training College at Mar Ivanios Vidya Nagar in the Archi-Eparchy of Trivandrum.

Importance of the Program

This program is a significant step towards enhancing the spiritual and pastoral capabilities of the seminarians. It is designed to ensure that they are well-prepared to serve the Church and the community effectively. The comprehensive training covers various aspects of priestly formation, including theology, pastoral care, and community service.

Blessings and Prayers

The Church extends its blessings and prayers to all participating seminarians, wishing them a fruitful and enriching experience as they prepare for their sacred vocation. This initiative underscores the Church’s commitment to nurturing and developing future leaders who will guide the faithful with wisdom and compassion.