Fr. Vijay Bonagiri was born on May 31, 1981 in Theretpalle, India. He was the eldest of the three in the family. After his primary schooling at Theratpalle he attended St. Alphonsus’ High School at Nalgonda, India. Then went to college at St. Ann’s Junior College at Nuzvid, India. Subsequently he entered seminary and studied philosophy at Vijnananilayam, Janampet and theology at St. John’s Regional Seminary in Hyderabad, India.

He was ordained a priest on April 14, 2008 by Most Reverend Govindu Joji for the diocese of Nalgonda. He served as parochial vicar, vice-rector a minor seminary, secretary to the bishop of Nalgonda and pastor in his native diocese.

The words that inspired me during my seminary life and as a priest were “Do unto others as you would have them to do you.” [Mt 7:12]. This Golden Rule of Jesus keeps me motivated each moment of my spiritual journey as priest. This taught me to treat everyone with respect and courtesy.