The turn of May and June brought the Indian community of the Congregation of Marian Fathers many reasons to celebrate. Within just a few days, important ceremonies took place there, including the profession of first and perpetual religious vows, diaconal ordinations, and the opening of a new formation center.
Religious Profession in Karumathur
The series of celebrations began on May 31, the Sunday of the Most Holy Trinity, at the minor seminary in Karumathur. The Mass was presided over by Fr. Antoniraja, the General Delegate for the Marian Mission in India. During the liturgy, three confreres—Br. Bhanu Prasad MIC, Br. Manohar MIC, and Br. Florence MIC—made their perpetual profession before Fr. Sebasthi MIC (Prefect of Students and Delegate of the Superior General). This is a solemn promise to remain in the Congregation for the rest of their lives.
During the same Mass, Br. Naveen MIC, Br. Praveen MIC, and Br. Mario MIC made their first religious vows. The young Marians recently returned from their novitiate in Sri Lanka. As previously announced, after the summer break they will begin their theological studies, which serve as direct preparation for priestly ordination.
Ordination and the New Seminary in Hyderabad
Another important day was June 3, when the entire Indian Marian community gathered in Hyderabad. A double celebration took place there, presided over by the Ordinary of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad, Cardinal Anthony Poola.
The Cardinal consecrated the new building of the minor seminary, which is dedicated to Blessed Archbishop Jerzy Matulaitis-Matulewicz. During the ceremony, the prelate expressed his gratitude to the Marians for their presence in the diocese and emphasized his hope for continued, fruitful pastoral collaboration. Subsequently, during a solemn Mass, Cardinal Poola ordained three seminarians to the diaconate, who had taken their perpetual vows just a few days earlier.
The Marian Fathers have been active in India for a relatively short time—our Congregation has been present there since 2014, and the members of the Congregation are engaged in ministry in various local parishes. The recent celebrations are evidence of the steady growth of this Asian mission.
