Sinaran 2009Sinaran 2009

“Change is the only constant.”

This understanding of Life was espoused by Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher who lived about 500 years before Christ. Looking back at the year that has been, it might seem that way in our community. We have become perhaps the smallest in terms of student numbers that we have ever been – a tide that happily is changing next year. People come and go, things are forever evolving and I guess I could easily be forgiven if I wished that things would just stop still for a moment, at least to enable me to catch my breath and admire the flowers.

Yet the reality is that things are meant to change – and we rejoice in the fact that we are being called to change for the better! Certainly this year, being small has enabled us to grow in fraternity and fidelity to each other. There was simply no possibility of being lost in the crowd! The continual call to deepen our discipleship has been something that has been seriously reflected upon and lived out in the context of our lives together which are intertwined with the many people who are part of the fabric of our lives, not just within the seminary grounds, but beyond as we reach out and are in turn touched by the world beyond our gates.

As disciples not only are we open to change, but also to be instruments of change within our milieu. As salt, light and leaven, we are called to be the change that we want to see in the world.

A big change that we will experience in our lives here at CG is that the man at the helm moves on. Fr Edwin Paul, our Rector, goes back to the pastoral field, although he will still come in to teach Philosophy in 2011. This is a change that we at CG are having to accept with heavy hearts – he has made a big impact in our lives and also the institution. We thank him for the gift of himself to us and bid him God’s blessings as he embarks on his next assignment. Our loss will be surely their gain!

Sinaran itself has seen a big change in its format. After a bumper issue last year, there was a temptation to just lie low and skip its publication with our low numbers – yet, we have been challenged to continue to reach out to the world, sharing something of our journey with you - albeit in a reduced size, although our outreach might be wider since it is also available on the internet.

In the midst of all the changes that we may experience in life, may we find our anchor in God. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). God’s constant love will see us through in the flux of our lives. Emmanuel – God-is-with-us!!!

Gerard Theraviam, Rev

DEEPENING OUR D I S C I P L E S H I P

by living inC O M M U N I O N

throughFRATERNITY & FIDELITY

One Last Time ...In baptism we are plunged into Jesus, into his dying and rising.A fire is lit, and the glowing coals of that fire spark a whole new life.The draft of our generous cooperation is always required to fan this promised future into flame,for it is only in the ashes of dying that the flame of the rising can be enkindled.

George A. Aschenbrenner, S.J.

Reflecting on the mission that was entrusted to me as a formator and rector, I must say that I have enjoyed every bit of my ministry here at College General. God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called! Therefore, my only response as I make my leave after these 12 amazing years is ‘Mission Accomplished!’ Yes, Abba Father, I have completed the mission You entrusted me and now I move as Your Holy Spirit continues to lead and direct me.

Over these last 12 years I have grown to discover that being a formator means more than just imparting knowledge, it is about forming future priests. It is a vision that entails enabling seminarians to grow to become servant-leaders of tomorrow with hearts resembling that of Jesus Christ. An enormous responsibility it is pastoring these men who have freely offered themselves to formation!

It is said that animals are trained but people have to be nurtured! In the seminary context this nurturing involves journeying with the seminarians as they strive to become more and more configured to the person of Christ - for it is in the ashes of dying that the flame of the rising can be enkindled. This was and is not at all easy!

For each of them - as the fire of zeal and love for Christ burns in them – we, the formators, have been called to be the draft required to fan this promised future into flames. It involves accompanying them, while assisting them to make their own discernment and commitment through the process of affirmation, encouragement, guidance, challenge and even correction. Guiding, challenging and correcting have been my forte. I am convinced that I have done this to my utmost ability,

by being honest to God, them and myself. In each seminarian, the essentials of priestly formation have to be met.

Yet, seminary formation is not a ‘jalan sehala’ i.e. from the formators to the seminarians. Formation has a reciprocating effect. Just as I have been sent to form the seminarians, the seminarians too have been given to me for my own formation. I used to jokingly say that I have been sent back to the seminary for rehabilitation. In the ‘call within the call’ one needs to continuously surrender to God and His promises. This has been true for me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. As I leave this place, I am even more empowered and zealous than I was at the start.

To this end, I record my appreciation and gratitude to the Bishops of Peninsular Malaysia for their trust in me; the formators - especially Archbishop Emeritus Anthony Soter Fernandez and Fr. Gerard Theraviam for their esteemed collaboration in our common mission; the seminary staff - for their commitment and dedication that they have shown at College General and most of all, my dear seminarians for accepting and nurturing me in my own vocation! To all who have supported the formation of our seminarians in big or little ways – to all friends of the seminary – I say Ribuan Terima Kasih.

As I look forward to my mission ahead of me I continue to praise and thank God for all of you who have been part of the fabric of my life here at the seminary. It has been a real Deepening of Discipleship through the Spirituality of Communion. As for our new rector Fr Gerard Theraviam who has to fan on the draft for the flames of new life - from our camaraderie I know that he will continue to be remarkable.

In thanking all of you I have not forgotten the unpleasant side of me. At times I have appeared too demanding, even pedantic and I have sometimes slipped into being more of a trainer than being a formator - to all whom I have hurt and caused pain I in all sincerity seek your forgiveness. Peace be with you. Shalom!

My final words are: Know that our God who calls you and me into being is a glorious God! He loves us and constantly recreates us!

Fr Edwin PaulRector

The Changing Phases of

Edwin Paul

StudentSpeak

Anthony has been based in the newly-erected parish of St Thomas More in Subang Jaya, Selangor as part of his Regency Programme.

He also underwent two units of a course

on Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Assunta Hospital.

Anthony Liew San ChoyRegency Programme

As I look back on my journey for the past three years, I must admit that it has been challenging and inspiring.

Challenging because at different stage of the journey I had to make some changes in myself, be it the way I think and do things or the way I operate myself at any given situation. These changes were possible through my Spiritual Direction, Group Personal Dynamic Sessions, the advice from my brother seminarians and formators and finally, through my personal prayer.

Inspiring, because as I make every change I discover more of my true self, and through it I come to understand the whole dynamics that is present within me. Through these processes I have slowly unloaded the unnecessary baggage that I used to carry with me for a long time.

As I look forward I know it is a long journey ahead of me, but I am also aware that I am not on this journey alone. I go on this journey with God as my protector, Jesus as my companion, His Holy Spirit as my guide, with the constant intercession of Our Blessed Mother and all my family members and friends who are praying for me. I know it is not impossible but I continuously ask for the grace to persevere in all circumstances.

Kevin EruthayanathanSecond Year Philosophy

The journey in 2009 has been challenging and a liberating one for me. It has taught me to understand myself better and discover who I am more profoundly. This led me to greater acceptance of self and others. As I approach the completion of the first half of my studies my feelings have been mixed. I’m sad because I will be leaving the community which has been a platform for my growth but also happy because I’m completing one stage of formation. With my hands raised, I praise and thank God for all that he has done and blessed me with throughout the formation in CG.

Joachim RobertSecond Year Philosophy

Simon has spent 2009 in the Parish of St Francis Xavier in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. He has been involved in parish ministry as well as Campus Ministry, serving students at some of the colleges and universities in the Klang Valley. He also did a unit of Clinical Pastoral Educa t ion in Assunta Hospital.

Simon AnandRegency Programme

This year has been one of the toughest and happiest in my life. The toughest decision I had to make was to give up my family members and material comfort. However, having taken this very painful step, and spent a year here I feel relieved and happy as I have made the right choice.

I have come to know myself more and to realize that serving God is what I have been searching for all my life. Being the only Chinese in the seminary was a concern before I arrived, wondering

if I could fit in. The worry soon faded. Skin colour has made no difference at all. I have come to see College General as a family rather than just a seminary and to see the others in the community as my brothers.

My outlook on life has changed and I have grown!

Louis Loi Boon ChewPre-Initiation English Programme

I feel very good because I have grown in many areas this year according to our College theme, “Deepening our Discipleship through Fraternity & Fidelity”. Of course, there have been ups and downs throughout my journey together with the community, but these have moulded me another step in my formation.

There were some disagreements and squabbles with my formators and my brothers. All these are but a storm in a tea-cup and they helped me to build good relationships. Furthermore, I have improved by leaps and bounds in my prayer life. Although the community is small, we have helped each other to strengthen the unity among us.

James Pitchay, Pre-Initiation English Programme

StudentSpeak

YOUNG MAN,The Year of the Priest is a God-given opportunity to reflect on the life and ministry of priests…and to consider your own call to ministry in the Church.May you listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd inviting you to follow him. Be not afraid – take the first step and speak to someone about how you might like to spend the rest of your life!

Contact your diocesan vocation director or contact us at rector@collegegeneral.orgor visit our website at collegegeneral.org

IF WE FULLY REALIZED WHAT A PRIEST IS, WE WOULD DIE OF LOVE!

St. John Vianney, Universal Patron of Priests

A Blessed

Christmas and every good wish

for 2010from

the Rector, Staff and

Students of College General.

The Nativity – painted by the late Rev. Fr. Joseph C ReutensHoused at the College General Art Gallery

LABORPIE TASAMOR

1665

College GeneralJalan Cengai, Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Penang, MalaysiaTel: 00-604-8902002 Fax: 00-604-8992539Email: admin@collegegeneral.org Website:collegegeneral.org

Printed by Phoenix Printers Sdn. Bhd., No. 6, Lebuh Gereja, 10200 Penang, Malaysia.

Thanks A Million!This year we bid Farewell to persons who have helped us in our journey…• Mr Lee Chong Keat, who has been associated with the seminary for umpteen years,

the latest in his capacity as a member of the CG Finance Committee• Ms Evlyn Ambrose, our former Administrative Assistant• Mr Joseph Khoo, who looked after our badminton hall,• Mr Michael Lim who has helped us out with our maintenance

Fun inFraternity