Since the erection of the Diocese of Neyyattinkara in 1996 our students were sent to St. Vincent's Seminary, Kazhakuttom for priestly formation. Tha newly eracted diocesa felt the', need of clarifying its vision and mission for its future ministry. At this juncture the whole presbyterium and representatives of religious priests, sisters and of the laity met for this purpose at Kottiyam in February 1997. At this LIVING TOGETHER the great desire expressed and the decision taken to have a Minor Seminary of the Diocese to cater to the Spiritual needs of the Neyyattinkara Mission and to foster indigenous vocation to priest-hood. This cherished desire was fulfilled on 1st November 1997 with the blessing and Inauguration of St- Francis Xavier's Seminary at Ezhakode, Peyad by His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Vincent Samuel, Bishop of Neyyattinkara. Rt. Rev. Msgr. S. Thomas and Rev. Fr. Xavier Raj C. J. were appointed as its first Rector and Vice - Rector raspectively. In the academic year 1997 - 98 the tirst batch of students was selected for the Neyyattinkara Diocesan Seminary and these students were accommodated in Carmel Hill Monastery, Pangode till tha new seminary was blessed and occupied. In 1998-99 we started the Pre-degrae course for those who successfully completed the Juniorate Course. In academic year 2000-2001, we could start Plus Two (Humanities) as well as the Degree (Sociology) Courses. In November 2000, Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Peter was appointed as the Pro-Rector of the Seminary. In this academic year, 2001 - 2002, Rev. Dr. Vincent K. Peter is appoinied äs the Rector and Rev. Fr. Nixen Raj J. Xavier äs tha Prefect of the Seminary.