The Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol and the Good Shepherd Institute of Theology though began its formative year on 1st June 2025, the solemn inauguration of the formative and academic year was held on 3rd July 2025, on the occasion of Solemnity of St. Thomas. The Solemn Inaugural mass was held in the Seminary Chapel at 9:00 a.m. and was presided by the Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Simião Purificação Fernandes. Before the Eucharistic Celebration, Bishop blessed seven seminarians of First Year of Philosophy who wore their Cassocks for the First time, while during the Eucharistic Celebration five seminarians received the Rite of Admission to Diaconate and Priesthood.
On the occasion of the inaugural function, the Seminary Orchestra harmoniously presented a melodious orchestral piece, ‘Minuet’ and a choral piece was presented by the Santa Cecilia Choir, titled ‘Awake Up My Glory’ of John Broderip, both were conducted by Fr. Mathew Rebello. Traditionally, the inauguration of the seminary academic year is marked by Lectio Brevis – a short scholarly reflection. This year it was delivered by the Professor of Philosophy, Rev. Dr. Agnelo Pinheiro which was titled: ‘Hope for An Authentic Religion in A Secular World,’ wherein he based his philosophical and theological reflection on the philosophy of Charles Taylor. The inaugural function ended with Seminary Anthem by the Santa Cecilia Choir.
Traditionally on the inaugural day, the Seminary involves in transplanting of paddy. After the Inaugural mass the bishop blessed the paddy fields and those gathered in the field for transplantation. Almost 90 people from Rachol, Raia, Borda, Agalli, Fatorda, Shiroda, Arlem, Nuvem, Panchwaddi, Loutolim and Quepem voluntary came together to render their service, besides it was remarkable that the Parish youth from Sao Jose de Areal, Fatorda, Cuncolim, Margao (Grace Church) and Raia came along with their priests to join the priests and seminarians of Rachol Seminary in transplantation. A unique incident captured the hearts of many was that after the inaugural function, the Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Simião Purificação Fernandes entered the fields and started transplanting the paddy. This gesture served as an example for seminarians, priests and the Goan community to be stewards of creation.
—Report prepared by Sem. Ryan Mascarenhas
