Vijnananilayam functions on the basis of close collaboration between Marymatha and St. Joseph Provinces of the Capuchins in India. Its origin goes back to the year 1984, when Bp. John Mulagada of Eluru diocese requested the Capuchins of St. Joseph Province to take over the administration of the Vianney College at Nidadavole — the diocesan seminary for Philosophy. As they themselves had a plan to start their own Philosophate and Theologate in Andhra, they readily accepted the Bishop’s request. Since then, together with the friars of the Custody of Andhra — now, the Marymatha Province of Andhra and Orissa — they became instrumental in the building up one of the largest ecclesiastical training centers in India for the formation of priests and religious.
In 1988, the Capuchins started their own seminary for philosophy, Vijnananilayam,in Janampet. The friars continued to cater to the diocesan students at Vianney College, which was also shifted to Janampet. Bp. Mulagada was always appreciative of the formation given by friars of St. Joseph Province and wanted it to be continued. He took a keen interest in the Institute and generously contributed to its growth. In the year 1990 the Department of Theology was introduced.
In 1997 the philosophy section was affiliated to Andhra University, making the students who complete their philosophy course at the Institute eligible for a secular University BA degree. In 2001 the theology section was affiliated to Pontifical Urbanian University, which issues a BTh degree to its successful students.In 1998 Vijnananilayam launched a biannual, Vijnanadipti, now under suspended animation.
So far 1114 students have completed their philosophy course in the Institute and 720 have completed their theology course in reparation for priestly ordination/religious profession.Situated in a socio-economically backward area, the Institute tries to instill into its students commitment to the cause of the poor.
