A New Seminary and New Beginnings

Fr Peter Patros — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 01:38:40 +0000

In July 2008, a historic event took place in St. Peter Diocese when the first Chaldean Seminary outside of Iraq opened its doors. A long time dream of His Excellency, Mar Sarhad Yawsip Jammo, the Seminary of Mar Abba the Great was opened in response to a group of young men who desired to become Chaldean priests. Over the years, the seminary grew until finally it became impossible for the compound to house all of the young men. Finally, after months of searching, a property was found that would accommodate the present and future growth of the Seminary of Mar Abba the Great.

On the evening of January 9, 2015, an altar was blessed in the chapel of the new Seminary. This landmark and joyous occasion was celebrated by His Excellency, Mar Sarhad Yawsip Jammo, as well as His Excellency, Mar Bawai Soro, Archdeacon Fr. Sabri Kejbo, the rector of the Seminary, Fr. Andrew Younan along with a number of clergy including, Fr. Michael Bazzi, Fr. Awraha Mansour, Fr. Fareed Kinna, Fr. Noel Gorgis, Fr. Michael Khosho, Fr. Peter Lawrence and Fr. Michael Barrota who came all the way from San Jose to share in this historic event.

The many donors who helped make the purchase of the new seminary possible were also present. After blessing the altar, Mar Sarhad went through the entire seminary, blessing each room with holy water and incense. Currently, there are 10 seminarians, four of which were ordained Deacons in 2014 and look forward to their priestly ordinations later this year.

May God continue to bless our current Seminarians and grant more vocations for the Church in His grace.

Seminary – Saint Matthew Assyrian Chaldean Catholic Church – Ceres, CA

A New Seminary and New Beginnings