Spiritual Formation

Spiritual formation forms the heart of life at Divya Dhama, helping seminarians deepen their friendship with Christ and discern their vocation.

Daily Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist is the center of life at Divya Dhama. Through the daily celebration of the Eucharist, seminarians deepen their union with Christ and the Church.

Liturgy of the Hours

Seminarians pray the Liturgy of the Hours each day, joining the universal prayer of the Church. This rhythm of prayer sanctifies the day and nurtures a spirit of devotion.

Prayers (Bhajans, Lectio Divina, Taizé, Processions)

Various forms of prayer such as bhajans, Lectio Divina, Taizé prayer, and devotional processions enrich the spiritual life of the seminarians. These practices help them experience different traditions of prayer within the Church.

Personal Prayer and Meditation

Time is set aside each day for personal prayer and meditation. This quiet encounter with God helps seminarians listen to His voice and grow in their relationship with Christ.

Eucharistic Adoration

Regular Eucharistic Adoration offers seminarians the opportunity to spend silent and prayerful time before the Blessed Sacrament. In this sacred silence, they deepen their love and devotion to Christ.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated regularly to encourage spiritual renewal and conversion. It helps seminarians grow in humility and openness to God’s grace.

Spiritual Direction

Each seminarian receives personal spiritual direction from a priest. Through guidance and discernment, they are helped to understand and deepen their vocation.

Retreats and Recollection Days

Retreats and recollection days provide moments of silence, reflection, and renewal. These periods help seminarians step back from daily activities and focus more deeply on their spiritual journey.

Ignatian Spiritual Exercises

The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises guide seminarians in deeper reflection on Scripture and the life of Christ. These exercises help them grow in discernment and attentiveness to God’s will.

Silent Retreats

Silent retreats offer a time of deeper prayer and reflection away from regular activities. In the silence, seminarians listen more attentively to God’s presence in their lives.

Guided Meditations

Guided meditations on Sacred Scripture help seminarians contemplate the mysteries of faith. These reflections deepen their understanding of God’s Word and their personal prayer life.

Discernment Practices

Discernment practices help seminarians reflect prayerfully on their vocation and life choices. Through spiritual guidance and reflection, they learn to recognize God’s call in their lives.

Intellectual Formation

The resident formators of Divya Dhama provide the core academic and formative instruction for the seminarians. Through their guidance, the brothers receive foundational knowledge in Scripture, theology, Church teaching, and essential aspects of priestly life.

• Introduction to the Old Testament

• Introduction to the New Testament

• Lives of the Saints

• Etiquette and Personal Conduct

• Vocation to the Priesthood

• Spiritual Direction

• Liturgy

• Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Creed

• English Grammar

• Public Speaking

• Liturgical Singing

• Spirituality of the Diocesan Priesthood

• Virtues and Commandments

• Creed and Sacraments

• Ratio Fundamentalis

• Marian Spirituality

• Documents of the Second Vatican Council

In addition to the resident formation team, visiting lecturers contribute to the intellectual and personal development of the seminarians by offering specialised courses.

• Western Music

• Spoken English

These sessions enrich the formation program by helping seminarians develop communication skills and artistic expression that are valuable in pastoral ministry.

Resident Formation Faculty

Resident Formation Faculty

Special Formation Courses

Throughout the year, resource persons and experienced facilitators are invited to conduct week-long formation programs that help seminarians grow in self-awareness, emotional maturity, and vocational clarity. These sessions complement the regular formation program and provide deeper insights into personal development and priestly life.

Orientation to Propaedeutic Formation - Bishop Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ

At the beginning of the formation year, an orientation program guided the seminarians through the purpose and significance of the Propaedeutic year. This orientation explained the objectives and offered valuable insights into the Scriptures and the journey of priestly formation.

Psycho-sexual Integration & Emotional Maturity

- Rev. Fr Victor D’Souza

Helping seminarians understand and integrate their emotions and sexuality in a healthy and responsible way for priestly life.

Enneagram

- Sr Carmelita, UFS

A reflective tool that helps seminarians understand their personality patterns and grow in self-awareness and interpersonal relationships.

Inner Child Healing

- Rev. Fr. Rony Pais SJ

It help brothers recognise and heal past emotional wounds, fostering inner freedom and maturity.

Introduction to Universal Values

- Mrs Dr Adelaide D’Sa

Workshops that highlight fundamental human values such as respect, compassion, responsibility, and integrity.

Personality Enhancement

- Rev. Fr Arun Lobo

Programs designed to strengthen confidence, communication, leadership, and personal development.

Multiple Facets of Sexuality

- Dr Leslie Lewis

Guided reflections that help seminarians understand the human dimension of sexuality and its responsible integration within priestly vocation.

Intensive Journal Writing

- Rev. Fr Francis Menezes SJ

A reflective practice that encourages deeper self-examination, prayerful reflection, and personal growth.

Vocational Discernment

- Rev. Fr Prashanth D’Souza SJ

Programs that help seminarians prayerfully reflect on their call to priesthood and grow in clarity and commitment. grow in discernment and attentiveness to God’s will.

Human and Community Formation

Community life at Divya Dhama helps seminarians grow in fraternity, responsibility, and emotional maturity through shared prayer, study, and daily living. We have various community activities such as:

• Recreation

• Games

• Fellowship Groups

• Liturgical Activities

Work and Responsibility

Seminarians also participate in manual work and shared responsibilities, such as cleaning, gardening, and cultivating vegetables and flowers.

These activities foster discipline, simplicity, and respect for the dignity of work.