Formation in Mt. Carmel Petit Seminary, Fort Kochi Commemorating the Fourth Centenary of the Erection of the Diocese of Cochin, foundation stone was laid for the new Minor Seminary on 28th December 1957. And on 11th February 1960 the new building for the Mount Carmel Petit Seminary was blessed by His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Alexander Edezhath, first native Bishop of Cochin. In the past 52 years (1960-2010 JUNE) 566 candidates joined in Mount Carmel Petit Seminary for priestly formation, of which 130 became priests, 349 discontinued during the formation period and 87 are on formation in different levels (42 major seminarians and 45 minor seminarians). The Minor Seminary Formation in the Diocese of Cochin is done in three levels and in two seminaries: 1. Initiation Course at Holy Cross Seminary, Aluva. 2. Pre-University Course (Plus Two Course) at St. Joseph’s college, staying in the Mount Carmel Petit Seminary. 3. Degree Course at Aquinas College staying in the Mount Carmel Petit Seminary. Spiritual Formation: Prayers, Daily meditation, Bible reading, Rosary, spiritual directions, regular confession, Monthly Recollection and Annual Retreat are included for spiritual development of the seminarians. Spiritual Directors animate the seminarians in their spiritual life. Seminarians are given personal and common spiritual conferences.