Nagpur : The St Charles Major Seminary in Nagpur marked a joyful occasion as it celebrated the feast of its patron, St Charles Borromeo, along with a special jubilee honoring priests who completed milestone years in their ministry. The celebration brought together seminarians, priests, and religious leaders from across India to give thanks for decades of dedicated service to the Church.
A total of 34 priests were honored during the event. Among them were three golden jubilarians celebrating 50 years of priesthood, six ruby jubilarians marking 40 years, thirteen silver jubilarians with 25 years, and twelve tin jubilarians completing 10 years of service. Each of them shared personal reflections about their vocation and priestly journey, inspiring the younger generation of seminarians present.
The day began with a sharing session and a talk on priestly formation delivered by Father James Thomas of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate. The Eucharistic celebration that followed was led by Archbishop Elias Gonsalves of Nagpur, with several priests and jubilarians concelebrating the Mass. The atmosphere was filled with gratitude, joy, and fraternity as the seminary community prayed together for the continuing growth of priestly vocations.
Established in 1959, St Charles Major Seminary is administered by the Dominican Fathers and has grown into one of the most important centers for priestly formation in central India. The seminary currently hosts 182 students, including 149 residents and 33 non-residents, representing 39 dioceses and 13 religious congregations from the Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara rites.
The celebration was not only a time to honor past achievements but also a moment to look forward. The seminary reaffirmed its mission to guide young men in their journey to priesthood and to promote unity among the different Catholic rites in India. The event highlighted the seminary’s role as a bridge between diverse diocesan and cultural backgrounds, fostering a spirit of service and commitment to the Church’s mission.
As the jubilee concluded, the faithful expressed deep appreciation for the Dominican Fathers and the many formators who have shaped generations of priests since the seminary’s foundation. The celebration of faith, dedication, and community reflected the enduring legacy of St Charles Borromeo, who remains a model for pastoral care and reform in the life of the Church today.