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). Their collective desire for the establishment of a local seminary found expression through Archbishop Finbar Ryan, whose dedication and perseverance led to its eventual realization.

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 de Matas (15) from Maracas; and Urban Peschier, who, at just 13 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.

Following a Solemn Votive Mass of the Holy Ghost, celebrated coram Archiepiscopo at 9:00 a.m. on January 19, 1943, the Minor Seminary of St. John Vianney and the Blessed Martyrs of Uganda was officially blessed and opened. To commemorate this historic event, the names of all benefactors and supporters were inscribed in a golden book for perpetual remembrance.

One notable early graduate was Kelvin Felix, one of the first non-Trinidadian seminarians. He was ordained a Sub-Deacon at the Abbey Church of Mount Saint Benedict on March 21, 1955, followed by ordination as a Deacon on February 25, 1956, and as a Diocesan Priest in Dominica on April 8, 1956. His clerical journey continued as he was appointed Archbishop of Castries in 1981, and later became the first Cardinal from the English-speaking Caribbean, proclaimed by Pope Francis on February 20, 2014.

As vocations increased, the original seminary residence became insufficient to accommodate the growing number of men in formation. Plans for a more spacious and hospitable facility were set in motion, and on September 25, 1960, Archbishop Finbar Ryan blessed the foundation stones of a new building. Two years later, on July 2, 1962, the Chapel of the Seminary of St. John Vianney and the Blessed Martyrs of Uganda was solemnly consecrated.

From its early days, the Seminary was envisioned as a regional institution, and it soon began admitting seminarians from across the Caribbean. By 1968, the student body had grown to 52 candidates, representing the dioceses of Castries, Georgetown, Paramaribo, St. George’s, and Port of Spain, as well as the Benedictine, Spiritan, and Sons of Mary Immaculate religious orders.

In 1970, under the leadership of Fr. Michel de Verteuil, who served as rector from 1970 to 1978, the Seminary was officially designated a Regional Seminary by the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC). That same year marked a significant academic milestone: the Seminary was affiliated with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and accepted as the Department of Theology within the University’s Faculty of Arts and General Studies.

Over the years, the Seminary has played a central role in the formation of local clergy across the Caribbean. By 1993, fifty years after its establishment, it had produced more than 100 priests serving throughout the West Indian Church.

In April 2010, the Seminary once again became an Archdiocesan Seminary, as the Regional Seminary Board formally transferred authority back to the Archbishop of Port of Spain. While the call to the priesthood continues to face challenges, the Seminary remains deeply committed to its mission: to form men grounded in the heart of God, prepared to shepherd His people not only in the Caribbean, but wherever they may be called.