(ZENIT News / Barcelona, 09.18.2026).- The Inter-Diocesan Major Seminary (SMI) has begun the new academic year with more than 60 seminarians and 23 new arrivals. Of these new seminarians, 22 are young men starting the Introductory program — the preparatory phase of formation — this year, while the other is rejoining directly at the fourth-year level.
Prayer and Fellowship to Start the New Academic Year
On September 9 and 10, seminarians and formators gathered for the start-of-year retreat in Pareres, Sant Martí de Segaioles (Anoia), attended by Bishop Romà, the seminary delegate. The gathering provided an opportunity to align on the guidelines and organization for the new academic year, as well as to share moments of prayer and fellowship.
As the Rector of the Inter-Diocesan Major Seminary, Father Pere Oliva, points out, these gatherings «have also served to welcome the new seminarians joining the Seminary this year.» In this regard, he describes them as «a good way to kick off the academic year» and «a post-vocational gathering that serves as an initial welcome for the newcomers.»
During these days, Bishop Romà also led a retreat for the seminarians as part of the start of the academic year.
23 New Entrants, Six from Barcelona
The 23 new entrants to the Seminary come from various Catalan dioceses: six from Barcelona, four from Tarragona, four from Sant Feliu de Llobregat, three from Vic, two from Girona, two from Lleida, one from Urgell, and one from Tortosa.
Regarding the new seminarians from the Barcelona Conciliar Seminary, their Rector, Father Salvador Bacardit, views this as «a cause for joy and thanksgiving, given the serious response shown by these new arrivals.» He further asserts that it serves as «an encouragement for all of us in the Seminary community to continue our work in vocational ministry.»
For his part, Father Pere Oliva considers this increase in seminarians to be «a sign of hope and a clear response to the Lord’s call to many young men: to follow Him, proclaim the Good News, and work for the Church — the People of God.»
Discernment and Preparation Course
The 22 young men joining this year are beginning the Introductory course, which marks the initial stage of discernment and preparation in the seminarians’ formation journey. It is a preliminary educational program that allows the young men to prepare for subsequent stages of formation, deepen their understanding of the vocation they have received, and learn what the Church requires.
«It is a good time to reflect on the meaning of the vocation received, to appreciate what the Church asks of us, and to become familiar with the life of prayer and the pastoral purpose behind it all,» explains Father Pere Oliva.
This academic year, the Introductory seminarians will take up residence on Casp Street, while those in the Philosophy and Theology stages will reside on Diputació Street.
The Inter-Diocesan Major Seminary thus begins the new year «with enthusiasm and hope placed in the Lord Jesus, who guides all things toward life.» As Father Pere Oliva notes, «gratitude, challenge, and responsibility» are all present.
