Suvidya College, Bangalore

Suvidya College, inaugurated on June 5, 1984, serves as the formation house of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) in India for philosophical studies. Initially, it began as a common philosophate for the Province of Visakhapatnam and the Vice Province of Northeast India. Later, it developed into an inter-provincial philosophate, serving the Provinces of India and East Africa.

The institute had a very modest beginning, with only a small number of students and minimal staff. However, its importance in the formation of MSFS seminarians soon grew significantly.

On January 24, 1992, Fr. Emile Mayoraz, the Superior General, issued a decree stating that “Suvidya College shall be a formation house for philosophy students of the whole Congregation, especially of the Indian Provinces.” Following this decree, students from all the Indian Provinces of the Congregation began to be sent to Suvidya College for their philosophical studies and formation after completing their novitiate in their respective provinces.

The institute offers a three-year programme of philosophical and pastoral formation, supported by the service of several visiting professors and lecturers, both MSFS and non-MSFS.

At the same time, students are enrolled in a secular university to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree. The academic year is divided into three terms:

• The first two terms are devoted entirely to philosophical studies.

• The third term focuses on secular academic studies.

The formators and staff members of the institute are appointed from the different MSFS Provinces of India, ensuring shared responsibility in the formation of future missionaries.

Contribution of the Northeast India Province

The Northeast India Province has consistently contributed personnel to the formation ministry at Suvidya College. Several confreres have served the institute in various capacities over the years.

• Fr. Sebastian Paredom served as Vice Rector (1987–1990).

• Fr. Abraham Mullenkuzhy, who had been a regular visiting professor since the beginning, served as Resident Professor (1990–1992) and later as Rector (June 1994–2000).

• In June 1992, Fr. George Panthanmackel joined the staff of Suvidya College and later became the first Doctor of Philosophy prepared for the institute. In 1993, he was appointed Dean of the college.

• Fr. Joseph Kunjaparambil served on the staff from 1994 to 1997.

• Fr. Emmanuel Uppamthadathil joined the institute in June 1997 and was later sent for doctoral studies in 2001. After returning in 2006, he served as Dean until April 2014.

• Fr. George Parampukattil, during his tenure as Provincial, served as the Chairman of the Governing Body from 1997.

• Fr. Francis Poovelil (2001–2004) and Fr. Jose Thekkel (2004–2010) served as Finance Officers of the college.

From March 2009 to March 2010, Fr. George Panthanmackel worked with IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) as the Coordinator for the formation of the B.A. Philosophy syllabus. After completing this assignment, he returned to Suvidya College and later served as Rector from 2012 to 2014, until he was appointed Provincial of the Northeast India Province.

• Fr. Roy (Dominic) Karakkattu served on the staff from 2011 to 2014, before leaving for doctoral studies in Philosophy in England.

• During his tenure as Provincial, Fr. Francis Thadathil served as the Chairman of the Governing Body from 2012.

• Fr. Joseph Thazhathukunnel and Fr. James Pattarakalayil served the institute as Spiritual Director and Dean, respectively.

In 2019, Fr. Sabukuttan Francis was appointed Rector of Suvidya College. However, after serving for a few months, he was appointed Provincial of the Guwahati Province.

At present, Fr. Philip Thomas Kizhakkumpurathu serves as the Rector of Suvidya College, continuing the mission of philosophical formation for the congregation.