Contact Details
Claret Nilayam
Medchal P.O.
R.R. Dist.,
Andhra Pradesh, INDIA
(+91) (0)8418-222 467
E-mail: claretnilayam@yahoo.com

Year of Foundation:1993

Inception and Development
Claret Nilayam, the first year minor seminary for the aspirants to the Congregation has a history that traces back to 1982. In those days, it served both as a mission centre, providing pastoral care for the two Catholic communities and also as a farmhouse. Once the presbytery and the boarding house at the interior village, Basuregady were ready, the missionaries moved to there. In 1993, the farmhouse at Medchal was renovated and converted into the Minor Seminary. On 16 July 1993, on the Foundation day of the Congregation, Claret Nilayam Minor Seminary was opened. The House is situated about 35 kms. north of Hyderabad, beside the National Highway No. 7. The first batch had 14 students, at the guidance of Frs. Thomas Varakukalayil and William Pudota, the formators.

Vocation Promotion and Formation of Minor Seminarians
The missionaries here are engaged in recruiting prospective candidates to minor seminary. From its inaugural year in 1993, the minor seminary has had an average strength of 10-12 candidates every year. Now there are candidates not only from Andhra Pradesh but also from other parts of the country. The one year program include introduction to religious life, community orientation programs, study of the biography of the founder, Catechism, Learning of English language etc. At the completion of the first year, candidates are sent to Claret Niketan, Belgaum for the rest of the minor seminary programme.