The Socio-economic context of India, and the unique spirit and Charism of Little Flower Congregation in particular, reiterate the utmost significance of the social thrust and social awareness in our major seminary training. With a view towards forming priests, whose mission will be marked by a prophetic thrust by denouncing oppression and announcing the message of hope, our seminarians must be introduced to the down-to-earth social realities of poverty, inequality, sufferings, etc., through periodic exposure camps, social awareness programmes, involvement in people’s movement etc.
The social formation in the seminary is envisaged to be an integral part of the academic formation. It is reflected in the structure of the academic curriculum and other requirements of the Institute. Following the spirit of the Little Flower Congregation, students are given opportunities to understand the life problems of the people, especially of the poor and the oppressed, through direct contact. The second and the third year philosophers go at least twice a month for social experience and social services. The first years too are initiated to the social experience especially in the second semester. They go mostly on Sundays, in small groups, to the nearby housing colonies and organize children and youth, conduct tuition classes for children, visit families, and arrange cultural programs. Hospitals and Old-age Homes are also areas of their social apostolate.
The seminarians who are members of the ‘Jesus Fraternity’ involve themselves in Prison Ministry. They assist in the Mass offered in the Prison and occasionally conduct prayer services and entertainment programs for the prisoners. They do special sacrifices and prayers for the success of this ministry. There are voluntary initiatives from the students themselves, whereby they have formed a group called Yachaka Sahaya Sangam (YSS) to assist especially those approaching the seminary for various material aids. They successfully explore the ways and means to find out the resources for the same from the community itself.
The Seminarians are given special care and proper guidance in the pastoral ministry and in the missionary apostolate. They are allowed and directed to give pastoral services in the neighbouring parishes regularly on Sundays. The third year philosophers go for catechesis classes and other pastoral assistance on Sundays. The Seminary has special program and plans like Catechetical preparatory sessions, music classes, guidance in youth animation, etc.