The Syro-Malabar Church has appointed new rectors for its three major seminaries in Kerala. Rev. Dr. Stanley Pulprayil has been appointed as the Rector of St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Mangalapuzha, Rev. Dr. Dominic Vechur as the Rector of St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor, and Rev. Dr. Mathew Pattamana as the Rector of Good Shepherd Major Seminary, Kunnoth.

Fr. Stanley was elected by the Synod in August 2024 and later appointed by the Vatican's Congregation for the Oriental Churches, as St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary falls under its jurisdiction. Meanwhile, Fr. Dominic and Fr. Mathew were elected by the Synod in January 2025 and officially appointed by Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil. The term of office for all three rectors is five years.

Rev. Fr. Stanley Pulprayil, a priest from the Diocese of Kothamangalam, hails from Pothanikad. Born to the late Joseph and Elichutti, he was ordained on December 28, 1992. He holds a Licentiate and Doctorate in Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome. He has previously served as the Rector of Kothamangalam Minor Seminary and as the Vicar General of the Diocese of Faridabad. Before this appointment, he was serving as the parish priest of St. Mary’s Forane Church, Karimannoor. The appointment was announced by Bishop Mar Tony Neelankavil, Chairman of the St. Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary Commission.

Rev. Fr. Dominic Vechur, a priest of the Diocese of Pala, was born to Arakulam Vechur Thomas and Thresyamma. He was ordained on December 30, 1996. He earned a Doctorate in Moral Theology from the Alphonsian Academy, Rome, and has served as a professor in various theological institutions. Before his appointment as Rector, he was a faculty member at Vadavathoor Seminary. The appointment was announced by Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil, Chairman of the St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary Commission.

Rev. Fr. Mathew Pattamana, a priest of the Archdiocese of Thalassery, was born to the late Thomas and Thresia of the Karikottakari Pattamana family. He was ordained on April 7, 1994. He holds a Doctorate in Philosophy from the Pontifical Angelicum University, Rome. He has served as a professor at Kunnoth Seminary for 16 years and has held positions as Vice-Rector and Procurator. The appointment was announced by Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany, Chairman of the Good Shepherd Major Seminary Commission.

These new appointments mark a significant step in the leadership of these major seminaries, shaping the future of priestly formation within the Syro-Malabar Church.