By Herald Malaysia
PENANG – Twenty-nine young men from all three dioceses across Peninsular Malaysia participated in a vocation stay-in programme at College General Regional Major Seminary from Jun 13-15. The experience offered a valuable opportunity for those discerning a call to the priesthood to immerse themselves in seminary life and gain deeper insight into the diocesan vocation.
The programme began on Friday evening with Vespers, followed by dinner and an ice-breaking session led by the main organiser, Matthew Wee. The aspirants were then welcomed by Fr Ryan Innas Muthu, Rector of College General, who introduced them to the seminary’s formation process, centred around the four pillars: intellectual, spiritual, pastoral, and human. The day concluded with Compline at 10.30pm.
Saturday featured a full schedule of formation and fellowship. The day began at 6.00am with Lauds, guided meditation led by Fr Larry Tan, SJ., and the celebration of Mass. After breakfast, the aspirants joined seminarians in groups to carry out manual labour around the seminary grounds.
At 10.15am, the participants gathered in the auditorium for a session on vocation discernment conducted by Fr Cyril Mannayagam. He provided insight into the nature of the priesthood, methods of discerning a priestly vocation, and distinctions between diocesan and religious life. This was followed by small-group sharing sessions, where aspirants and seminarians exchanged their vocation stories.
In the afternoon, the aspirants took part in communal prayer, spiritual reading, and choir practice. At 4.30pm, a spirited football match on the seminary field offered a time for recreation and camaraderie. The evening continued with adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, Solemn Vespers, dinner, and a walking rosary around the seminary grounds. The day ended with a Q&A session, where aspirants posed questions to a panel comprising Fr Surain Durai Raj (Dean of Studies), and seminarians Lincoln Susah (2nd Year Philosophy), Daniel Anthony (1st Year Philosophy), and Marcus Leong (Initiation Year).
The final day began with Lauds at 6.30am, followed by meditation and Mass for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. After Mass, Fr Ryan and Matthew delivered concluding remarks, bringing the stay-in to a close over a final breakfast together.
The aspirants departed spiritually enriched and encouraged, carrying with them a deeper understanding of the priestly vocation and lasting memories that will continue to support them in their journey of discernment—whether in the near or distant future.
Testimonials
The College General Seminary stay-in program was such a well planned and organised experience. For me personally, it was such an eye opener because as a young man in discernment, there’s just so much more that I have not thought about. But this stay-in has truly been a God-sent. I believe that I will be able to make a decision with the Lord’s guidance. I’ve been trying to do it alone, but no, the brothers (seminarians) showed me that that way will never work. The decision must be made with God. He chooses you, not the other way around. I appreciate the hospitality that the brothers and Priests offered. Truly an amazing experience. Once again, thank you Brothers. —Joel Marcus Louis (Church of Christ the Light, Desa Jaya, Kepong – Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur)
Although the stay-in was only for three days and two nights, the experience was profoundly meaningful and spiritually nourishing. As a 19-yearold attending my fifth vocation stay-in—and this time in an actual seminary environment—I recognise how unique and grace-filled this opportunity was. The rhythm of prayer, community life, and quiet reflection allowed me to listen more attentively to the gentle promptings of the Lord, echoing the words of young Samuel: “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening” (1 Sam 3:10). It also renewed my vision and appreciation for the diocesan priesthood, reminding me of the sacred call to be configured to Christ the High Priest in loving service to His Bride, the Church. I’m profoundly grateful to the priest formators and seminarians for their joyful witness and fraternity— and on a lighter note, I was glad to have scored a goal during the mini football game, lol! This stay-in has deepened my desire to say with faith and humility, “Here I am, Lord,” and to continue discerning God’s will with an open and obedient heart. –Cliff Luke Wong, (Church of St Theresa, Gajah Berang, Melaka – Diocese of Malacca-Johore)
