26 Seminarians Ordained Deacons from the Telugu Region at Hyderabad Seminary

Hyderabad, October 29, 2025: Twenty-six seminarians from the Telugu Region were ordained deacons at St. John’s Regional Seminary, Hyderabad on 28 October. Bishop Thelagathoti Joseph Raja Rao of Vijayawada, Secretary of the Telugu Catholic Bishops’ Council (TCBC), conferred the sacred ordination.

Ahead of this milestone, the candidates for the diaconate undertook a five-day spiritual retreat under the guidance of Archbishop Emeritus Mallavarapu Prakasham of Visakhapatnam. The retreat offered an enriching spiritual experience centred on themes of love, service, the importance of vocation, and the mission of the Church.

The ordination, observed with reverence and joy, marked a significant step for the seminarians as they dedicated themselves to serve Christ and the Church through the ministry of the Word, the Altar, and Charity. Though held as an internal seminary celebration, the occasion drew the prayerful support of well-wishers from across the region. The Holy Eucharist and ordination ceremony were broadcast live on Divyavani TV, allowing the faithful to join in spiritual communion.

The newly ordained deacons conveyed their gratitude to the TCBC Bishops, Fr. Marreddy, Rector of St. John’s Regional Seminary, Fr. Anand Andrew, Prefect of Liturgy, and all professors and brothers for their dedicated involvement and support in organising the celebration.

By Dn. Ravi Teja

Kurnool Diocese