GSIT established
The Good Shepherd Institute of Theology was officially erected and affiliated with the Pontifical Athenaeum Jnana Deepa, Pune, enabling the Seminary to confer the Baccalaureate in Theology.
ABOUT US
"I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding."
– Jeremiah 3:15
The Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, situated in the historic village of Rachol in South Goa, is the Major Seminary of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. With a rich legacy spanning over four centuries, it stands as one of the oldest and most significant centers of priestly formation in Asia.
Founded by the Jesuits in the early seventeenth century, the Seminary has played a pivotal role in the spiritual, intellectual, and cultural development of the Church in India. Throughout its history, it has served not only as a center of theological education but also as a place of evangelization, scholarship, and service.
Guided by its motto "Luceas sicut Luminare" — "That light may always shine" — the Seminary seeks to form future priests who radiate holiness, wisdom, and compassion in service to the Church and society.
Today, through the four pillars of formation—Human, Spiritual, Intellectual, and Pastoral—the Seminary prepares candidates for priesthood to become faithful shepherds, capable leaders, and dedicated servants of God's people. In 2023, the establishment of the Good Shepherd Institute of Theology further strengthened its commitment to academic excellence and priestly formation.
Our Legacy for more than four centuries, the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol has contributed significantly to the life of the Church in India. From its historic beginnings as a Jesuit institution to its present role as a leading center of priestly formation, the Seminary continues to uphold a tradition of academic excellence, spiritual depth, and pastoral commitment.Notable moments in its history include the establishment of the Archdiocesan Seminary in 1762, the visit of Swami Vivekananda in 1892, the introduction of the Apostleship of Prayer in India in 1884, and the erection of the Good Shepherd Institute of Theology in 2023.
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."
— Matthew 5:14
OUR
Vision
To be a beacon of faith and formation, preparing servant leaders who illuminate the world with the light of Christ.
OUR
MISSION
To form future priests through human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral development rooted in the Gospel and the traditions of the Church.
OUR
CORE VALUES
"Luceas sicut Luminare" - "That light may always shine"
A commitment to forming priests who radiate holiness, wisdom, service, and hope to the world.
The Four Pillars of Formation
Human Formation
Developing mature, responsible, and compassionate leaders through community life, discipline, service, and personal growth.
Spiritual Formation
Deepening the seminarians' relationship with Christ through prayer, liturgy, spiritual direction, retreats, and sacramental life.
Intellectual Formation
Providing a solid foundation in Philosophy and Theology, enabling future priests to understand, explain, and defend the teachings of the Church.
Pastoral Formation
Preparing seminarians for ministry through parish experiences, missionary outreach, catechesis, charitable works, and service to diverse communities.
Historical Timeline
New Academic Block inaugurated
A modern Academic Block and Auditorium were inaugurated.
Swami Vivekananda visited
Swami Vivekananda visited the Seminary Library to study Christianity and engage in discussions with the professors.
Apostleship of Prayer started
The Apostleship of Prayer was introduced for the first time in India at Rachol Seminary.
Archdiocesan Seminary established
The Archdiocesan Seminary for the formation of diocesan clergy was officially established under the patronage of the Good Shepherd.
Telescope used for first time in Asia
Jesuit astronomer Fr. Venceslaus Pantaleon Kirwitzer used a telescope at Rachol Seminary, marking one of the earliest recorded uses of a telescope in Asia.
College inaugurated
The Church and College were inaugurated and dedicated to All Saints, becoming an important center for education, evangelization, and missionary formation.
Foundation stone laid
Foundation stone for the Church and College at Rachol was laid by the Jesuits.