In his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Pastores Dabo Vobis, Pope John Paul II wrote: “The vocation to priesthood has often a first manifestation in the years of childhood or in the earliest years of youth."
“And also, in some people who decide to enter the seminary later in time, it is not unusual to perceive the presence of the call of God in much earlier periods” (John Paul II).
Saint Thomas Aquinas explains the reason why Christ had a particular love for the apostle John: for “his young age”, and he says: “this lets us know how God loves in a special way those who join his service from early youth”. This is the reason why the Church established Minor Seminaries, an institution where young boys are first introduced to the priesthood; a place where those youth who show signs of an early vocation can study and prepare, to later on join the Major Seminary in pursue of their priestly vocation.
The goal of the Minor Seminary is to help young boys to have a better understanding of this lofty vocation, and help them make a sound decision after the discernment process. The work at this institution is priceless educational work: the youth receive middle and or high school education with a particular emphasis on the study of classical languages (Latin and Greek), as well as an introduction to other aspects of priestly formation: Catechism, History of the Church, some important elements of spiritual life, etc.
The daily life of a minor seminarian includes several activities such as sports, learning how to play a musical instrument, cultural tours, etc. They are directed by one or two priests of the Institute who work as supervisors of their spiritual and intellectual formation, and are normally accompanied by two other religious (Major Seminarians) who serve as their assistants.
The Institute provides a house where they live together. The lifestyle is similar to the Major Seminary but more suitable to their young age, where they have time for study, prayer and recreation. The students can visit their parents at home for important holidays or vacation, and their families can visit or contact them at any time.