ARMS Marks 25 Years of Service to Priestly Formation in India

BENGALURU, November 13, 2026: The Association of Rectors of Major Seminaries (ARMS) of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) marked its Silver Jubilee with four days of thanksgiving, reflection and fellowship, renewing its commitment to strengthening priestly formation in the country.

The celebrations, held at St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, concluded on November 12 with a ceremony at the St. John’s Nursing College Auditorium.

Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore and Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal of Calicut, patron of AAMS, attended the concluding function. Colin Tims, founder and chairman of Guardian Bank, Bengaluru, was the chief guest.

The gathering was also attended by Fr Saju Chakkalakal, Chancellor of Christ University; Fr Christopher Vimalaraj, Associate Deputy Secretary General of CCBI; and Fr Jesudas Rajamanickam, Director of St. John’s Medical College. They highlighted the importance of seminary formation and the responsibility of rectors in preparing priests for the Church and society.

The jubilee provided an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of former and present rectors, formators and other collaborators who have supported the association over the past 25 years. ARMS also expressed gratitude to the CCBI leadership, its Commission for Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy and Religious (VSCR), and successive office-bearers.

Seminarians from Dharmaram College and the Somascan, Capuchin and Camillian communities, along with students of St. John’s Nursing College, presented cultural performances featuring music and dance, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

The event brought together bishops, seminary rectors, formators, clergy, religious, students and well-wishers, reflecting the shared responsibility of the Church in preparing future priests.

As it entered its next phase, AAMS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration among seminaries, promoting the ongoing formation of formators and responding to emerging challenges in priestly formation. Drawing inspiration from the Church’s synodal and missionary vision, it aims to prepare priests as committed disciples of Christ and missionaries in today's world.

The celebrations concluded with a jubilee dinner at St. John’s Medical College, bringing participants together for an evening of fellowship.

By Fr Charles Leon