St Philomena College was founded by Msgr Antony Patrao who felt that a College in this part of the state would save the people of the inconvenience of moving to distant places for higher education. He set out to realize his dream and the mission was accomplished in the year 1958.
Since its inception, the Institute has lived up to societal expectations, turning out consistent and appreciable results in academic and non-academic fields. The institution does attempt to treat the primary stakeholders in 5 UG programs and 5 PG programs with a rewarding educational experience.
The Quality Assurance Framework of the institution has been developed to assure academic standards and enhance the quality of education. It underlines the institution’s commitment to excellence and improvement.
ISO 9001: 2015 Certified | Re-Accredited by NAAC at ‘A’ Grade | Managed by the CBE
Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha was born in Our Lady of Remedies parish, Kirem, near Kinnigoli, Diocese of Mangalore, on 27th April, 1964. After his primary and secondary education in his village, he did his philosophy and theology at St. Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore. He was ordained Priest on 6th May, 1991, for the Diocese of Mangalore. Later he obtained a diploma in Depth Psychology and Formation, from the Institute for Formators, Bangalore, in 1994. He also obtained a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Urbanian University, Rome, in 2005.
The title of his doctoral thesis is: “Revelation as ‘Self-communication’ of God”. Other than writing articles in national and international journals, he has also authored a book in Christian theology, titled: “The Church, Mystery of Love and Communion”, published in 2014 from the Urbanian University Press. As a professor of theology, he has guided many students in their Masters and doctoral studies.
During his tenure as priest, he served the Diocese in the following ministries: Assistant Parish Priest at St. Lawrence’s Church, Moodubelle (1991-1992); Assistant Parish Priest at Our Lady of Miracles Church, Milagres, Mangalore (1992-1994); Assistant Parish Priest at Our Lady of Dolours Church, Vittal (1994-1996); Teacher and Formator at St. Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu (1996-1999) and at the same time, Vice Rector of the same Seminary (1997-1999). From 1999 to 2005 he did his studies in Rome, and on his return he was appointed Professor at St. Joseph’s Interdiocesan Seminary, Jeppu (2005-2010), and from 2008-2010 also Vice Rector of the same Seminary.
Since 2010 he was Professor of Theology at the Pontifical Urbanian University, Rome. From 2011-2015, he was the Spiritual Father at the Pontificio Collegio Urbano De Propaganda Fide, Rome. On 14.03.2015 the Holy Father appointed him as Consultor of the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, and in July 2015 he was appointed as Adiutor Secretarii Specialis (Helper to the Special Secretary) of the XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops which dealt on the topic of family.
He was ordained bishop on September 15, 2018 at the Our Lady of Rosary Cathedral Grounds, Mangaluru. Bishop Saldanha speaks fluently in Konkani, Kannada, Tulu, English, Hindi and Italian. He reads easily in French.
He is known for his simplicity and listening capacity. He promotes participatory type of leadership. He has taken keen interest in building bridges between various religious communities and promoting green movement. The teachings of Pope Francis are highly prized by the Bishop and he has been drawing his inspiration from him.
An educational institute is not just a place to impart knowledge, but it is a place of formation of young minds. I am very happy that Philomena College, Puttur is completed 60 fruitful years of existence and meritorious service to the society in the academic year 2018-19. Ever since its establishment the College has made remarkable progress in providing quality education to students without any discrimination. Indeed, the students have excelled in academic, sports and cultural events. Since its inception thousands of students have passed out from the portals of the College to become responsible citizens of our country, it itself is great achievement. The NAAC has accredited the College with 'A' grade for the physical facilities and the record of performance.
I thank the Almighty for His graces and blessings upon this college over 6 decades and also acknowledge the dedicated services of the Staff and Students both past and present. I appreciate hard work and dedication of Staff in developing the potential of the students. Different activities conducted in our College speak for themselves about the integral formation the institute offers to its students. I always keen about the importance of educating students on human values. I have no hesitation to say that all-out efforts have been made in our College to instill human/ethical/Gospel values in the students. My vision is to take a step forward in this line and make our College not only an institute for secular studies but also a school for human/Gospel values