History of Divya Dhama

Divya Dhama is the formation house of the Karnataka Regional Propaedeutic Seminary, dedicated to the initial stage of priestly formation for seminarians from the dioceses of Karnataka. The Propaedeutic Year marks a significant and foundational step in the journey towards the priesthood, preparing candidates spiritually, humanly, and intellectually before they begin their philosophical studies in the Major Seminary.

Responding to the vision of the Church as articulated in Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis (The Gift of the Priestly Vocation), the Bishops of the Karnataka Region took the initiative in October 2020 to establish a Propaedeutic Seminary for the region. In its initial phase, the program functioned for three years at the campus of St Joseph Inter-diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore, providing formation for seminarians from various dioceses.

The Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis clearly emphasizes that this stage of formation should take place in a community distinct from the Major Seminary, within a house dedicated specifically for the Propaedeutic Year (no. 60). In response to this directive, the Bishops of the Karnataka Region came together to establish a separate formation house for this purpose.

A generous contribution made this vision possible. Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi, graciously offered a spacious building that had previously served as a minor seminary in the Diocese of Udupi. Situated within the parish jurisdiction of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle, the building was renovated and prepared to serve as the new regional Propaedeutic Seminar

The seminary functions under the guidance of the Karnataka Regional Bishops, with
Most Rev. Dr Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, serving as the President;
Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, as the Chairman; and
Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao, SJ, Bishop of Shimoga, as the Deputy Chairman.

The day-to-day formation of the seminarians is entrusted to a dedicated team of formators consisting of the Rector, the Administrator, and the Spiritual Director, who accompany the brothers in their journey of discernment and preparation for priestly life.

After extensive renovation under the guidance and supervision of Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, the Bishop of Udupi Diocese, the formation house was formally inaugurated on 18 September 2023. The seminary began its new chapter with 20 seminarians representing 8 dioceses of Karnataka.

Today, the Karnataka Regional Propaedeutic Seminary serves seminarians from ten dioceses across the Karnataka region. Inspired by the directives of the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis (nos. 59, 155), the seminary seeks to provide a solid spiritual foundation, foster greater self-knowledge, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the faith and the life of the Church.

The guiding vision of this stage of formation is beautifully expressed in its motto:

“To know Christ, to know oneself, and to know the Church.”

Divya Dhama Regional Propaedeutic Seminary, Udupi

St Joseph Inter-diocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore

St Lawrence Church, Moodubelle

Visit by Ex-Chairman Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldhana

Visit by Vice-chairman Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ