Sponsor A Future Priest

The Diocese of Palayamkottai enjoys the privilege of having 52 seminarians. Among them, 10 are studying Theology, 10 of them are doing Philosophy, 8 seminarians are in Regency, 6 of them are doing their Under Graduation and 18 of them are in Minor Seminary. Most of the seminarians are from poor rural background. They belong to ardent Catholic families. Their parents are agricultural labourers, masons and beedi makers. A few of the seminarians’ parents are self-employed and Government salaried people. Since most of them are economically poor. It is difficult for them to afford for their children’s studies. Therefore, our diocese recruits the seminarians immediately after their schooling and fully supports their priestly formation from Initiation to Priesthood. 

Although we have more than enough seminarians, we struggle to finance their priestly formation programme. We do receive aid from Society of St. Peter the Apostle, Rome, and a few local donors. They cover just 20 percent of the total expenses. Therefore, appeal to you to support the priestly formation of our seminarians. 

In India, it costs at least INR 80,000 (corresponds to USD 919 at rate of INR 87) a year to train a student for the priesthood. It includes all tuition fees, books, food, living expenses, transportation, healthcare and other stationery. 

Sponsoring a seminarian is to build the church of tomorrow, today. You can sponsor a seminarian individually, or as a family, a community or a parish project. Supporting the seminary education of a young man who has received the call to the priesthood creates a ripple effect of God’s grace that will continue far beyond the few years of seminary! 

• All tuition fees 
• Books and supplies 
•  Living and food expenses 
• Local transportation 

Of course, not every sponsored student will reach ordination. During the programme, and with the support of his bishop and seminary staff, the student will discover if his desire for ordination is a genuine calling from God. If not, he will leave. But this shouldn’t be seen as a failure. In our experience, ex-seminarians put their education and formation to the service of the Church and society. If your student leaves, you will be offered a new student name at no extra cost