Welcome to the Seminary and Theological Institute of St John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs
NEW COURSES 2026
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History of the Seminary
The story of the Seminary in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain was born out of the inspiration of Pope Benedict XV, whose pontificate spanned the years 1914–1922. This vision continued during the pontificate of Pope Pius XI (1922–1939) and was echoed again in the heart of Pope Pius XII (1939–1958).
The persistent call of these three Popes for a local seminary—understood as the will of God—was fervently pursued by Archbishop Ryan and received with openness by five young men: John Mendes (16), Joseph Daly (16), and Andrew Joseph (16), all from Siparia; Francis deMatas (15) from Maracas; and Urban Peschier, who, at just13 years old, came from the Royal Chartered Borough of Arima.
These five became the first residents of the seminary, which was placed under the care and tutelage of the Benedictine community. Special recognition must be given to the Benedictines, who were instrumental in laying the foundations of the seminary. The first rectors were Fr. Bernard Vlaar, OSB (1943–1948); Fr.Leo Van Leeuwen, OSB (1948–1953); and Fr. Idelfons Schroots, OSB(1953–1970). The Benedictines not only initiated the seminary but, from 1943 to 1960, fully supported its operation. They provided the buildings, library, and staff—without charging for maintenance, salaries, or library grants. As such, the seminary placed no financial burden on the Archdiocese during that time.
Rooted in Faith.
Formed in Christ
The Seminary’s Mission can be articulated as follows: through a synodal formation built on human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral pillars, the Seminary forms men configured to the heart of Christ to become shepherds who witness to the Divine mystery and incarnate the Gospel values in the Caribbean.
The Theological Institute’s Mission is articulated as: a synodal tertiary level institution that forms missionary disciples through theology, philosophy and integral human development for vocation, healing and being a prophetic witness to incarnate the Gospel values in the Caribbean
Support Our Mission
The Seminary operates as a not-for-profit institution and relies on the generosity of the faithful to sustain its mission. It costs approximately TT$75,000 per year to train each seminarian, covering tuition, accommodation, psychological support, and more. Your contributions—whether financial, spiritual, or in-kind—help shape the future leaders of the Church
Events and Celebrations
Testimonials
I was part of a group who decided straight out of A Levels we would choose Theology as our first degrees…some classmates went on to other fields…but I am very happy to say I remained in the field of religion. Studying at the Seminary (Theological Institute) has been one of the most life-changing experiences for me. It has truly empowered me to see faith and our church as way more… exploring philosophy, history, pastoral counselling, the bible. For this I am forever grateful for my experience studying at the Seminary. It has moulded me into the person I am today
Brian Charles, Graduated 2011, Teacher III Religious Studies, St. Mary’s College.
My experience at SJVUM was truly unforgettable. I embraced this novel experience with an open mind and received more than I could have imagined. I was thrust into a world of knowledge and ably guided by some of the most student friendly teachers I have ever met (till today). There were many academic, personal and religious challenges as well; nevertheless, as some teachers ably reminded us that we were ‘reading’ for OUR degree, so we had to earn them. As a lay person then, it was a real eye-opening experience and my encounters with Caribbean personalities and cultures was undoubtedly remarkable.
At SJVUM I was afforded the opportunity to study abroad for one semester at Concordia in Montreal through the UWI Foreign Exchange Programme. I can say without reservation that the quality of studies which I was exposed to at SJVUM had proven to be more than adequate in preparing me to meet the demands of my experience abroad. As a result, I have come to appreciate that this humble Caribbean institution, despite its small staff, could deliver quality taught courses that were on par and as rigorous as those offered at larger institutions possessing more international prestige and resources. Doing theology has opened up new worlds to me, in my case intellectually, spiritually and physically.
Nyron Rolingson, Office of the D.P.P., attorney, Graduating student ’12’
Theology was my second choice of study. I did not get to do psychology – my first choice. My plan then was to start to do theology for a year and then switch to psychology. However, fortunately for me I fell in love with theology passionately. I learned that theology was about life and prepared me life. Studying theology broadened my entire world-view. I had some fabulous professors at the seminary like the late Sr. Diane Jagdeo, OP who challenged me to put theology into practice, that is “faith seeking understanding.” She also challenged me to think systematically, critically and outside of the box. It is due to theology that I led me to be a sister and now a parish administrator, which is a very broad field of ministry.