History
Since its existence in 1943, the Seminary has offered theological and philosophical training to seminarians. Intellectual formation is one of four pillars of formation for persons preparing for the priesthood. In 1970, the Seminary became a Regional Seminary and at the same time, entered into a relationship with the UWI, St. Augustine and became an affiliate institution of the UWI. The vision for the Seminary then was for its ordinands to be fully immersed into the Caribbean reality in which they were expected to serve and the UWI with its aims and objectives outlined as being a premier learning institution within the Caribbean context, was seen as the best option for its students. In 2010, the Seminary closed its doors to the formation of persons preparing for the priesthood but remained open to serving persons interested in pursuing a Theology degree. Soon after, it started to become known as the Theological Institute. It operates as a (quasi) Theology department within the UWI. Thus, a student of the Seminary pursuing a degree in Theology is considered to be a student of the University.
Staff
The building holds the offices for the following staff members: the Dean of Studies, Dr. Adanna James (2022- Present). Dr Adanna James is the second female Dean of studies (after Sr. Diane Jagdeo [1983-86]) but the first lay woman to hold the position. Other persons who have held the position have been Rev. Dr. Eddy Bermingham, S.J. (2006-2011), Rev Dr Arnold Francis (2011-2021) and the longest serving Dean, Dr Everard Johnston (1996-2006). The Principal, Fr. Jason Boatswain holds overall responsibility for the Theological Institute.
The building also houses the Executive Assistant (Ms. Tinnelle Allen), the Administrative Assistant (Ms. Sherette Almandoz), the library administrator (Dr. Everard Johnston) and the librarian assistant (Ms. Kyler Patrick).
Students
The Theological Institute accepts different categories of students. Primarily, the Seminary houses seminarians training for ministry in the Archdiocese of POS and other AEC countries of the Caribbean. Although these seminarians represent different dioceses in the Caribbean, they may originate outside of the Caribbean. Presently, the majority of seminarian students originate from African countries. There is one student who originates from India, one student from Suriname, two students from Haiti, and one student from Aruba. There are five students from Trinidad & Tobago.
The ‘Academic Block’
The Theological Institute is housed at the “Academic Block.” This building is located on Mt. St. Benedict just at the base of the incline to the Benedictine Abbey. This building was chosen because it had not been in use for some time. The then rector of the Seminary, Fr. Joseph Harris, CSSp. who served as rector from 1994-1999, saw it as an opportunity to separate the academic side of priestly formation from the main Seminary residential building. The building is owned by the Abbey of Mt St. Benedict and had served different purposes over the years such as the Monastery’s “Rest House” and a cafeteria providing simple meals and snacks for pilgrims to the Abbey. During the years 1995-96, the Seminary entered into an agreement with the Abbey for the building to form the site for studies.
The Seminary also housed a library which was relocated from the Seminary residence in 1996 and renamed and dedicated to the memory of two men who during their lives, were linked to the history of the Seminary and its library and who were among the first three (3) graduates of the Seminary, Fr. Frederick Patience and Fr. Edward Theunissen, O.S.B.. The library is now known as The Patience-Theunissen Memorial Library (PTML).
Non-seminarians (Religious)
Religious non-seminarians are also accepted and include members of Roman Catholic religious congregations (men and women). These students do not reside at the Seminary and follow their own formation processes with their respective communities. The Seminary has had students who belong to religious congregations, such as the Benedictine and Spiritan communities.
Lay students (BA Theology)
The Seminary also enrolls other lay persons, both Catholics and non-Catholics. Currently, there are four lay students registered for the BA Theology programme. Students have come from denominations such as the Moravian, Anglican and Presbyterian as well as the Spiritual Baptist tradition while the majority are Roman Catholic.