Establishment in Malleswaram

St. Peter's Seminary, popularly known as St. Peter's, was established on 8th Cross, Malleswaram in 1934 by the Foreign Mission Society of Paris (Société des Missions Étrangères de Paris – MEP). The seminary's origins trace back much further as it evolved from the "Grand Séminaire" of Pondicherry, which was established in 1778.

The Move to Bangalore

The decision to relocate the seminary from Pondicherry to Bangalore came in 1928 when the Bishops of the Province recognized the need for better accommodation due to the division of dioceses and growing number of vocations. Bangalore was chosen for its milder climate, and the transfer was completed in 1934. The seminary received its name in honor of St. Peter the Apostle, as the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle funded a substantial portion of the building's construction.

Official Recognition and Affiliation

Initially, there was uncertainty about the seminary's canonical status, but Rome officially declared St. Peter's Seminary a regional institution in 1942, cementing its role in clergy formation. The institution was later affiliated with the Pontifical Urban University of Rome in 1962, further establishing its academic credentials.

Architectural Presence

The seminary building itself is an impressive three-story stone structure featuring neoclassical architecture with projected stone bands at all levels. This architectural design reflects the institution's significance and permanence in the region.

Continuing Mission

Today, St. Peter's continues its mission of training Roman Catholic priests in theology, maintaining its important role in religious education that spans nearly a century.

Source:

• https://www.stpetersseminary.org/

• https://stpeters.org.in/?option=com_content&view=article&id=22&Itemid=6

• Discovering Bengaluru, Meera Iyer. (190).