MCBS Priestly Formation
The aim of MCBS formation is the development of the whole person into the full stature of the compassionate Eucharistic Jesus, who was both priest and victim. The whole of MCBS formation programme is to help the candidates to grow up to that mature Eucharistic personality of Jesus- fully dedicated to the loving and serving of God and neighbour.
It consists in possessing the compassionate spirit of Jesus which enables the candidate to lose himself in the offering of the whole person as ‘loving sacrifice, holy, pleasing unto God’ (Rom 12:1).
MCBS Priestly Formation
Growing into the Fullness of Christ
1. Minor Seminary Formation
Minor seminary is the first step in the process of MCBS formation. It consists of aspirancy and postulancy and is for a period of 2-3 years.
2. Novitiate
During the novitiate each novice strives for a fuller understanding of his vocation to the religious life as MCBS. It comprises one full year.
3. Philosophy
MCBS formation includes 2-3 years of philosophical and secular studies to lead the students gradually to a solid and consistent knowledge of man, the world and God.
4. Regency
Regency provides a year of practical experience and pastoral exposure which keeps the candidates in touch with the practical ways of carrying out the MCBS mission.
5. Theology
The theological studies of 3-4 years help the scholastics to seek and experience God in their concrete life situations.
6. On-going Formation
Formation is the process of becoming more and more a disciple of Christ, growing in union with Him and in configuration to Him, which lasts till the final phase.
MCBS Formation Houses
Sanathana, Thamarassery
Sanathana Divya Karunya Vidyapeetham, Thamarassery (since 2004) is the theological formation centre of the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (MCBS).
Jeevalaya, Bangalore
Jeevalaya Institute of Philosophy (JIP), a place of philosophical learning and research in the Garden City of India, was founded in 1996.
MCBS Novitiate House, Kanjirappally
When the house was started at Parathode, Kanjirappally, it was intended for the college study of our minor seminarians. Later on it was decided to be the Novitiate House of the Congregation. Most Rev. Antony Padiyara blessed the house on 18th May 1974.
MCBS Novitiate House, Chempery
Pius Mount Ashram, in the Archdiocese of Thalassery, was established in 1956. The new building for the novitiate was constructed in 1997 and the Novitiate was erected on 28th May 1997.
MCBS Minor Seminary, Athirampuzha
Lisieux Ashram, erected in 1936, is in the Archdiocese of Changanaserry. From 1958 to 1969 it functioned as the Minor Seminary of the Congregation. In 1987 the Boys Town was shifted to Anappara and once again Lisieux became the Minor Seminary.
MCBS Minor Seminary, Pariyaram
St Mary’s Minor Seminary, Pariyaram started to function from 30th June 1994. The new building of the seminary was blessed and formally inaugurated by Mar George Valiyamattam, the then Archbishop of Thalassery, on 30th May 1995.