The Church has the right and obligation to train clerics and other ministers. This obligation is carried out by erecting and conducting seminaries. The entire Christian community participates in this need by fostering vocations and formations as well. Minor Seminaries are for those who express signs of vocation. In accordance with the norms of the Church a Minor Seminary shall be erected in every eparchy (CCEO 331). In keeping with the mind of the Church and considering the need of the time, the Eparchy of Muvattupuzha started a Minor Seminary in 2003.
The Gurusannidhi Minor Seminary of the Eparchy of Muvattupuzha aims to provide candidates who show signs of priestly vocation with, an opportunity to explore their vocation and arrive at a free and responsible decision. The Minor Seminary provides an environment in which the candidates can safeguard their vocation during the turbulent years of their adolescence. The purpose of the minor Seminary is to choose the suitable candidates, to help them discover their priestly vocation and nurture it and nourish it in the early stages of growth. Since Jesus Christ is the Eternal Priest, it is above all from Him that one learns exactly what the priesthood is. Therefore, the candidates aspiring for priesthood should always look upon Jesus Christ as the model and exemplar of priesthood. Jesus Christ Himself shall be the light, the strength and the constant companion in their efforts to become priests. The candidates should try their level best to follow Jesus closely and thus to become another Christ (alter Christus).
The name “Gurusannidhi” derived from Sanskrit which means ‘to be in close union with the Guru. In Sanskrit guru (गुरु) comes from gu (=darkness), and ru (=light. Guru is a person who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom and authority in a certain area, and uses it to guide others. Literally, a teacher who shows others knowledge (light) and destroys ignorance (darkness). The guru is seen as a sacred conduit for wisdom and guidance, and finding a satguru (true Guru) is often held to be a prerequisite for attaining self-realisation.The word ‘sannidhi’(संनिधि) means existence or visibility; Sannidhi also means proximity or vicinity. Hence, Gurusnnidhi means to worship the guru from a distance, listen to his talks, and practice meditation. Only through close association with Guru, working under his guidance and observation, can the seeker comes to know the real sadhana of expansion and self-transformation.
The heavenly patroness of Gurusannidhi Minor Seminary is Blessed Virgin Mary. Indeed, every aspect of priestly formation can be referred to Mary as the human being who better than anyone, has corresponded to the Divine Call. With her example and through her intercession, the Blessed Virgin continues watching over the development of vocations and of the priestly life of the Church. To her, the Mother of the Eternal High Priest, we want to entrust our priestly vocation. To her, who keeps her priests in her heart and in the Church, we want to entrust our pastoral work and the abundant harvest of the Lord. To her, we raise our petition, that she may accompany us in our priestly lives and ministries. The major feast day of the Seminary is the Assumption of Our Lady which falls on 15 August.
The motto of the Gurusannidhi Minor Seminary is “TO BE WITH HIM AND TO WITNESS HIM”. The motto is based on the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (Jn. 15:5). The name Gurusannidhi itself reflects upon the same idea.
