MARY MATHA MINOR SEMINARY, PODIMATTOM

Established in 1977, the Diocese of Kanjirappally has had the minor seminary built, at Podimattom, as its first fully completed Institution. Mar Joseph Powathil, the founder bishop of the diocese, far-sighted as he was, had his eyes fixed on the construction of a modern seminary, with single rooms, for the formation of future priests who would be guiding the destinies of the diocese. Mar Sebastian Vayalil, the then bishop of Pala, laid the foundation stone on 11 February 1978. Following this, as the work was in progress, the seminary commenced functioning in the Priest Home buildings at Koovappally on 3 July 1979 with Fr Mathew Aerthedom as its first Rector, and the holy Priest Fr John Kunnapplly, of happy memory, as the Spiritual Father. The seminary shifted to its present venue in the very same year. His Eminence Wladyslaw Cardinal Rubin, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, in triple solemnities, consecrated the seminary chapel, blessed the buildings, and formally declared Mary Matha Minor Seminary open, on 31 December 1990.

As of today, the seminary has had 795 candidates registered, of which 2 became bishops and 268 priests, and they serve in the diocese, or for the diocese, in various capacities, and in different parts of the world.

The Academic Year 2024-2025 has 25 candidates on the rolls, being trained in four batches. Very Rev Fr Sebastian Kollamkunnel, the present Rector, is duly assisted by Fr Antony Kuzhuppil, as Vice-Rector, Fr Justine Pazheparampil, as Spiritual Father, and Fr Philips Wadakekalam and Fr Mathew Vazhappanady, as resident staff. Added to this, the seminary enjoys the services of half a dozen priests and of another half a dozen lay teachers as visiting faculty.

Contact numbers: Rector: 8547666219

Vice-Rector: 9567642876