About Us

The SHS Family Welcomes You

Sacred Heart Seminary, Poonamallee, Chennai, Tamilnadu, South India, is an ecclesiastical institution of the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore. She saw the light of day on 8 September, 1936 as a result of the apostolic zeal and pastoral daring of her Founder, Archbishop Louis Mathias, sdb.

The present seminary was at first the Military Hospital of the British, later it was bought by the Bishop of Mylapore from whom Archbishop Louis Mathias bought it. The main building and some other smaller ones could be anywhere between 120-125 years old. Over the years, some of the old buildings were demolished. A new and beautiful chapel was built and blessed in 1955, a big auditorium was constructed in 1972, a new, spacious library, the showpiece of the seminary was established in 1978 and a new residential quarters for brothers was put up in 2002. The campus with its big and small shady trees, and a well maintained beautiful garden, is literally a attraction for many, and a much-sought-after pilgrim and prayerful excursion centre.

The seminary was administered by the Salesians, with the collaboration of the diocesan priests for sixty-two years. In 1998, the Archdiocese took over the administration of the seminary, with a few Salesians on the staff. The seminary has offered 1550 Christ-like pastors to the Church, of whom seventeen are bishops and two Archbishops, of these the living are doing commendable service in various parts of India, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

The resident staff of the seminary is drawn from the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore, and from other dioceses where our past pupils are enthusiastically engaged in pastoral ministry.

Students from the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore and students belonging to the other dioceses in the neighbouring states of Tamilnadu, Kerala, Telangana and Seemandhra study at our seminary. Students from different religious congregations and other rites are also admitted.

The seminary formation consists of a six-year programme: two years of studies in philosophy and four years of studies in theology. On completing their studies in philosophy, the students go for a year of regency in the institutions and parishes of their respective dioceses and congregations.

We are fully convinced that formation needs constant renewal and updating to prepare pastors who will be able to respond adequately to the pastoral needs of the modern culture and life. Hence, the seminary goes ahead under the never failing protection of her patron, being deeply anchored on the pastoral slant of formation, with a marked accent on youth ministry and evangelical concern for the weaker and disadvantaged sections of our society.

The seminary remembers with profound gratitude her Founder, the pioneers, and very many benefactors, foreign and local, living and the dead, without whom the seminary would not be what she is today.