Herald Malaysia
PENANG – The three-day celebration, CG360, at College General seminary gathered nearly 230 participants — clergy, alumni who had returned to the lay state, former seminarians with their spouses, and current students.
Representatives from Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and Penang graced the occasion, together with members of the Paris Foreign Missions Society (MEP) Fathers, whose courage and vision saw the seminary’s foundation in 1665.
It was a true gathering of generations, uniting people from across regions and countries in thanksgiving for an institution that has remained a pillar of formation and faith for centuries. The theme, Gratitude, Fidelity and Hope, was deeply woven into the atmosphere of the three days. Gratitude for the rich history and legacy entrusted to them; Fidelity to the call of Christ and the mission of the Church; and Hope for the future, as new generations continue the journey of faith and formation. It was a thoroughly hectic yet fruitful program — daily Masses with the bishops, insightful reflections from former formators, alumni, and overseas guests, and opportunities for prayer, fraternity, and shared memories.
What made CG360 truly moving was the spirit of fraternity. Hierarchical distinctions melted away as bishops and clergy walked down memory lane, recalling their own seminary days — as young men discerning their vocation, as lecturers guiding others, or as rectors shaping the future of the Church. Laughter mingled with prayer as they reconnected with classmates and friends, some meeting again after decades apart. For a brief time, all were transported back to those formative years when, within the walls of College General, they first answered the call to the priesthood.
Day One: Gratitude
The celebration opened at Mariophile on Sep 29, coinciding with the Feast of the Archangels. For many, it felt like stepping onto sacred ground — a return to the place where their vocational journeys first began.
The day commenced with the Eucharist, presided over by Most Rev Julian Leow, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur. This was followed by a keynote address by Archbishop Wojciech Za?uski, Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia, who encouraged the alumni in their ongoing witness. Fr Prof Jean L’Hour, MEP, now 92, also offered his reflections on the founding ethos of College General — Amor, Labor and Pietas — the love, work, and devotion of the MEP missionaries who planted the seminary’s roots in 1665.
Archbishop Emeritus John Ha gave a moving reflection on gratitude, reminding participants that God Himself is deeply grateful for the lives of His people, and that gratitude should, in turn, shape every Christian journey. The current Rector, Fr Ryan Innasi Muthu, expressed thanksgiving for the seminary’s history and mission, linking its past to its continuing role in forming future priests.
The day concluded with Vespers, Adoration, fellowship, and entertainment—an atmosphere of joy that allowed alumni, clergy and seminarians to reconnect, celebrate their roots, and give thanks for God’s enduring faithfulness.
Day Two: Fidelity
On the second day, the focus turned to fidelity. Bishop Bernard Paul of Malacca Johore presided at Mass, inviting participants to rekindle their passion for vocation, remember their roots and history, relieve the burdens of others with compassion, and live in creative fidelity to God’s mission.
The morning continued with two enriching inputs. Fr Vincent Sénéchal, Superior General of the MEP, reflected on the enduring legacy of the seminary and the missionary spirit that has guided its journey across Asia. Cardinal William Goh offered a personal testimony on fidelity, drawing from his experiences as parish priest, rector, and bishop. He reminded participants that fidelity is not static but a dynamic response to God’s ongoing invitation—remaining rooted in Christ while responding creatively to the evolving needs of the Church.
In the afternoon, participants deepened their encounter with God through Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, before visiting the Penang Diocesan Museum and the historic Church of the Assumption. The day ended with Vespers, Adoration, and a meaningful walk through the grounds of the old College General at Kelawi Road — a heritage journey that stirred both deep gratitude and fidelity for the seminary’s legacy and mission.
Day Three: Hope
The final day turned to hope, the virtue that propels the Church forward. Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Sebastian Francis, president of College General, who urged participants to be visionaries and dreamers, carrying the mission of hope in the Malaysian Church.
After the Mass, rector Fr Ryan took the opportunity to express his heartfelt gratitude to the MEP Fathers, alumni, and all who had made the gathering possible.
This was followed by a panel sharing and storytelling of mission and hope by a panel of four distinguished alumni whose testimonies highlighted the diversity of paths shaped by the seminary. Their stories set the stage for the final spiritual exercise, led by Fr Simon Anand who invited participants to contemplate the unfinished painting, The Queenship of Mary by the late Fr Joseph Reutens, priest of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur and a revered artist. Fr Simon’s reflection highlighted that the mission of the Church is never truly complete, but a living, ongoing task entrusted to every generation.
Before lunch, everyone gathered at the seminary grounds to witness the blessing of the monument for departed alumni and martyrs, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that have shaped College General’s witness through the centuries.
The three-day gathering concluded with a gala dinner and fellowship, marking not only the end of CG360 but also a renewed call to mission. As one alumnus shared, the celebration rekindled the spirit of vocation, strengthened resolve for the journey ahead, and deepened gratitude for the seminary that has formed shepherds for 360 years.
Anchored in Gratitude, Fidelity, and Hope, CG360 was both a remembrance of the past and a forward-looking inspiration—a reminder that the seed planted in Ayutthaya, Siam, in 1665 continues to bear fruit for the Church in Asia and beyond.
Sharings
The testimonies of participants revealed the depth of the experience.
Helen Rayan from Kuala Lumpur, wife of ex-collegian Simon Rayan, described the occasion as “enriching.” Married for 33 years, she shared, “I now truly and fully understand what Rayan went through during his formation at CG. I will pray harder and encourage my two sons to consider offering themselves to the priesthood.”
Melvin Bosco from Ipoh, currently in his third year of Theology in Kuching, felt “privileged” to be part of the celebration. “It is most helpful in my journey of preparing for the priesthood,” he reflected. “It certainly paves the way forward for where we are being led.”
Ex-seminarian Ben Cheriyan George — better known as Ben George — said he was deeply touched by the passion and relevance of the addresses. Having completed his theological studies in 1982, he shared, “I am humbled by the CG360 experience. Archbishop John Ha’s reflection struck me especially, as he was once my Scripture professor in the 1980s.” – Herald Malaysia
