Hands in the Mud, Hearts in Formation: Rachol Seminary Reopens with Annual Paddy Transplantation

Goa, July 3, 2026: The Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol inaugurated its 2026–2027 formation year with its cherished annual paddy transplantation programme on July 3, bringing together seminarians, priests, youth and lay faithful in a living expression of community, stewardship of creation and the dignity of labour.

Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão of Goa and Daman who inaugurated the Formative Year of the seminary blessed the paddy field before the commencement of the paddy transplantation.

The event drew enthusiastic participation from young people representing the parishes of Quepem, Varca, Mapusa, Usgao, Navelim, Cuncolim and Fatorda. They joined seminarians in transplanting paddy saplings in the seminary fields, alongside priests, parish leaders and parishioners from neighbouring villages and other parts of Goa. Students from St. Joseph's High School, Aquem, Our Lady of Snow's High School, Raia, and Saviour of the World High School, Loutolim, also took part in the day's activities.

For the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, paddy cultivation is far more than an agricultural exercise. It forms an integral part of the seminary's holistic and environmentally conscious approach to priestly formation, enabling seminarians to experience the dignity of manual labour, deepen their commitment to caring for creation and embrace responsible stewardship of resources. The annual harvest contributes significantly to the seminary's rice requirements while fostering a strong bond between the seminary and the faithful, who actively support the formation of future priests.

Reflecting on the experience, seminarian Andrew Raju said that participating in the transplantation for the third time had taught him the value of simplicity, the dignity of labour and the importance of working together in unity. Fellow seminarian Gaynor Fernandes expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn the traditional art of paddy transplantation from local farming communities.

Fr. Aaron D'Souza, Assistant to the Parish Priest of Usgao Parish, said returning to the paddy fields after a year allowed him to reconnect with nature. He also noted the enthusiasm of the young participants, many of whom experienced paddy transplantation for the first time.

Among the lay participants, Pearl Fernandes from Mapusa Parish described the programme as a unique and enriching first-time experience. Cyrus D'Souza from Fatorda said the activity gave him a practical understanding of the hard work involved in rice cultivation. Alzira Barreto of Borda, a regular participant, said she returns each year to contribute in her own way to the formation of future priests of the Archdiocese.

More than a seasonal farming activity, the annual paddy transplantation embodies the seminary's vision of integral priestly formation by nurturing simplicity, community life, ecological responsibility and respect for human labour. As seminarians, clergy and lay faithful worked side by side in the fields, they not only prepared for a fruitful harvest but also strengthened the bonds of faith and shared responsibility in building the future of the Church.

By Seminarian Fedrick Vas