COLLEGE GENERAL 360: A LIVING LEGACY

From September 29 to October 1, 2025, the alumni of College General (CG360) gathered at Mariophile, Penang, to celebrate 360 years of history, faith, and priestly formation. The theme of this milestone event was “Remembering with Gratitude, Fidelity, and Hope.” Approximately 250 participants, including bishops, priests, deacons, religious, seminarians, former priests, and former seminarians from Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Singapore, came together with their families to honour the rich legacy of one of the oldest seminaries in Asia.

The College General (CG) was established in Ayutthaya (Siam, 1665–1785), later relocating to Hon Dat, Vietnam (1765–1769), Pondicherry, India (1770-1782), and Malacca (1770), before settling permanently in Penang in 1802. The CG was founded by the Fathers of the Paris Foreign Missions Society (MEP). Since 1970, they have entrusted it to the Local Ecclesial Authorities, who have become the custodians of this treasured institution. Today, generations of priests across Asia proudly trace their roots to this “College of Martyrs.”

The CG360 celebration commenced on the Feast of the Guardian Angels, a reminder of God’s protection and guidance through the centuries. Archbishop Julian Leow, in his homily, expressed gratitude for the many martyrs and missionaries whose courage and sacrifice inspired CG.

Day two focused on fidelity. Bishop Bernard Paul spoke of fidelity as a daily commitment rooted in perseverance, humility, and love. Rev Fr Vincent Senechal, MEP Superior, shared the MEP Society’s dedication to establishing seminaries and training missionary priests who embrace cultures, learn languages, and accompany the People of God. Cardinal William Goh of Singapore deepened this reflection, reminding us that fidelity is not just about what we do, but who we become in Christ – living celibacy, obedience, and joy as a true witness of the Gospel.

Day three focused on hope. Cardinal Sebastian Francis, in his homily, urged us to be visionaries and dreamers, carrying forward a mission of hope in the Malaysian Church. The Rector of CG, Rev. Fr. Innasi Muthu, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the MEP Fathers, the local bishops, and benefactors who have sustained CG through generations.

The presence of the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Wojciech Zaluski, along with Rev. Fr. Jean L’Hour, MEP (aged 92), Emeritus Bishop John Ha, and many others, enriched the gathering with wisdom, sharing, reflections, and inspiring testimonies. These days reminded us that College General remains vibrant, resilient, and missionary at heart, carrying forward an “unfinished work” of evangelisation with steadfast perseverance until the very end.

I fondly recall the last Alumni gathering in 1995, which coincided with Archbishop Murphy Pakiam’s Episcopal Ordination, when I was a first-year seminarian. That celebration was truly grand and unforgettable. Yet, this year’s gathering touched me more deeply. It was not about splendour, but about reconnecting with roots, cherishing memories, and experiencing the joy of belonging to a larger tradition. It warmed my heart to see how the friendships and lessons learned at College General continue to shape lives beyond the Priesthood.

College General is more than a building or history; it is a living witness to martyrs, missionaries, and priests who inspire us to continue the mission with gratitude for the past, fidelity in the present, and hope for the future. When we sang the theme song of our celebration of CG360: “We rise, we rise, to lift Your Name. We live, we live, to shout Your praise!” – may this spirit guide us into the next chapter of the journey of College General.