Life in the Parel Seminary began before cock-crow. At the stroke of the bell at 5:25 am, the Seminarians were to be on their knees, offering the day to God – ‘Hoc Signum, Surgamus et Offeramus’ they would say which can be translated as ‘This is the call of the great King!’
The Seminarians would then dress briskly and head to the Chapel to recite their morning prayers in common. This was followed by Meditation before the Blessed Sacrament. The Holy Eucharist was then celebrated after which Fr Rector would greet the brothers – ‘Dominus Vobiscum’ meaning ‘The Lord be with you’.
Morning Prayer was succeeded by a quick breakfast and some private study time. At around 9 am the seminarians would proceed to their respective classrooms for lectures. Classes were held from 9:10 am up until 12:40 pm. Likewise, the Parel Seminarian had to devote three hours of private study every day. Exams were conducted twice a year in oral and written format.
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Fr. Warner D'Souza is a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Bombay. He has served in the parishes of St Michael's (Mahim), St Paul's (Dadar East), Our Lady of Mount Carmel, (Bandra), a ten year stint as priest-in-charge at St Jude Church (Malad East) and at present is the Parish Priest at St Stephen's Church (Cumballa Hill). He is also the Director of the Archdiocesan Heritage Museum and is the co-ordinator of the Committee for the Promotion and Preservation of the Artistic and Historic Patrimony of the Church.
