Diocese of Kurnool Inaugurates Renovated St. Mary's Junior College in Southern India

The Diocese of Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, southern India, inaugurated the renovated campus of St. Mary's Junior College on July 21, reaffirming its commitment to providing affordable education for students from rural and economically disadvantaged communities.

Bishop Johannes Gorantla, OCD, of Kurnool blessed the upgraded facilities and formally reopened the institution, one of the diocese's oldest educational centers.

Founded nearly 40 years ago, St. Mary's Junior College was established to make higher education accessible to young people who otherwise had limited opportunities to continue their studies. Over the years, the college has educated thousands of students, many of whom now serve as teachers, doctors, engineers, civil servants, and professionals across Andhra Pradesh.

The ceremony began with the blessing of a newly constructed entrance arch, where about 350 students welcomed the bishop. He later blessed the renovated principal's office, classrooms, science laboratories, administrative offices, and other campus facilities before unveiling a commemorative plaque recognizing financial support from the Italian Bishops' Conference, which helped fund the renovation.

The project included modernizing classrooms and laboratories, upgrading administrative offices, installing new flooring, ceilings, lighting, desks, and benches, and improving the campus infrastructure. Other additions include a mineral water purification system, a 30-kilowatt solar power installation, a new compound wall, and the entrance arch.

The inauguration brought together priests, religious, former faculty members, staff, students, alumni, benefactors, and local supporters. During the program, former lecturers were recognized for their years of service to the institution.

Addressing the students, Bishop Gorantla encouraged them to make good use of the improved facilities and to view education as a means of serving society rather than simply achieving academic success.

He also reaffirmed the diocese's commitment to ensuring that quality education remains accessible to deserving students regardless of their financial circumstances.

The celebration concluded with cultural presentations by students and a fellowship meal, marking the reopening of a college that has served the local Church and community for nearly four decades.