By Brother Andrew Ye
PENANG – College General marked the reopening of its seminary for 2025 with an Inauguration Mass on Feb 17 at 6.00 pm. The Mass, which signifies the beginning of the new Formation Year, took place at the seminary’s Chapel of the Sacred Heart.
College General, located in Penang, serves as the Regional Major Seminary where Malaysian seminarians pursue their studies in Philosophy. The Bishop of Penang, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, is the President of College General. He, together with Archbishop Julian Leow of Kuala Lumpur and Bishop Bernard Paul of the Malacca Johore Diocese, act as the custodians of the seminary.
Cardinal Sebastian presided over the Mass, joined by the Fathers of College General; who serve as staff and full-time formators at the seminary; as well as several priests from the Diocese of Penang. Some of these priests also serve as external formators and Spiritual Directors at the seminary.
College General welcomed 22 seminarians for this formation year, with individuals hailing from across Malaysia. Their seminary formation officially began following the Inauguration Mass. Additionally, five seminarians currently on pastoral attachment at various parishes in Peninsular Malaysia returned to join the celebrations. The clergy, seminarians, and staff were also joined by laypersons who assist in the seminary’s daily activities, for the Mass.
In his sermon, Cardinal Sebastian reflected on the day’s reading which was about Cain and Abel, as well as the consequences of good and bad decisions. “Good decisions lead to good outcomes, bad decisions lead to unfavourable outcomes,” he said.
After the Inauguration Mass, Cardinal Sebastian officiated the opening of the M.E.P. Fathers’ bungalow and residences, located next to the chapel. These buildings are situated in the historic section of College General, known as Mariophile (meaning “Lover of Mary”).
Originally serving as the rest house for the M.E.P. Fathers, who were the formators at College General since 1848, the bungalow and residences later accommodated Final Year and First Year seminarians at various times in the late 1980s. The space was briefly used as the seminary’s museum before undergoing recent refurbishments. It is now a dedicated residence for the first year seminarians, who will reside there starting this year.
Cardinal Sebastian Francis unveiled a plaque that highlighted the history of the bungalow, the seminary, and its connection to the M.E.P. Fathers. He was joined by the rector of the Seminary, Fr Ryan Innas Muthu, and the Initiation Year Director, Fr Joachim Robert, as they walked around the bungalow, blessing it with holy water.
After the blessing, all present gathered to celebrate the opening with fellowship. The evening concluded on a joyful note, as it also marked Fr Ryan’s birthday. A cake was presented, and the crowd gathered around to offer their wellwishes. – Herald Malaysia
