‘Mission Accomplished!’ that’s what I would say as I stand here today having completed my tenure here at CG after 12 blessed years. When I completed my seminary formation never did I imagine that I would be posted back to the seminary – what more to become the rector of this house of formation – which has such a rich history, which has saints among its alumni. I thought that I had neither brains nor qualities to be back here. Anyway God’s ways are amazing! His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts.

(photos taken by Lilian)

It’s been a privilege ministering here – pasturing the seminarians who have freely offered themselves to formation! It’s also been tough – having to discern what God wants of His church and of these men. Over the years I have discovered that my work of formation was more than just expanding the seminarians’ minds, or imparting skills or nurturing virtues, it is about forming future priests. It is a vision that entails enabling seminarians to grow to become servant-leaders not of today but of tomorrow – with hearts resembling that of Jesus Christ.

Yet, seminary formation it not a ‘jalan sehala ‘i.e. from the formators to the seminarians. Formation has a reciprocating effect. The seminarians, fellow formators, staff and friends of the seminary have given me so much back for my own formation. I used to jokingly say that I have been sent back to the seminary for rehabilitation. As I leave this sacred place, I realize that this has actually happened in more ways than I can imagine.

To this end, I record my appreciation and gratitude to all of you who have been part of the fabric of my life here at the seminary – the Bishops of peninsular Malaysia; formators – past and present; the seminary staff; friends of CG and my dear seminarians for searching and working together selflessly! It has been a real Deepening of Discipleship through the Spirituality of Communion. In thanking all of you I have not forgotten the unpleasant side of me and for the pain and hurts that I have caused I honestly ask your forgiveness. I have fallen short of expectations in some ways and I accept my limitations.

As College General looks forward to continue on its great mission I am confident that our new rector Fr Gerard Theraviam will lead it to greater heights – from our camaraderie I know that he will continue to be remarkable.

As I bid my farewell I would like to remind ourselves that our God who calls us into existence is a good and glorious God! He loves us tremendously! He is true to His promises. May the Holy Martyrs of College pray for us!