As College General marks 360 years of priestly formation, three generations — past and present — reflect on how Asia’s oldest seminary continues to shape hearts, faith, and service.
By Joseph Masilamany
When alumni and clergy from across Asia gathered in Penang to celebrate the 360th anniversary of Malaysia’s premier seminary, there was more than nostalgia in the air. Beneath the laughter, hymns, and shared memories lay a quiet truth — that this seminary, known for centuries as the College of Martyrs, continues to form men of faith who walk in the footsteps of those who gave their lives for Christ.
Founded in Ayutthaya, Siam, in 1665 and later moved to Penang, College General has withstood persecution, war, and exile. Yet, its mission endures: to form priests grounded in the Gospel and alive to the realities of Asia. For many, returning to its grounds for the celebration is a return to their spiritual home — a place where faith was refined and friendships forged for life.
Among those touched by this living legacy are Kenneth De Souza, a former seminarian turned lay leader; Hilary Patric Narcis, an alumnus who continues to serve as a lay minister; and Ashvin Andrew Xavier, a current seminarian who carries the torch of discernment and service. Each, in his own way, bears witness to how the College of Martyrs has shaped their spiritual, intellectual, and human journey.
Into timeless sanctity
“When I first arrived at this seminary on the hill in 1991, I was immediately struck by its history and the diversity of those journeying with me in vocation,” said De Souza. “It felt like stepping into something sacred and timeless.”
Adapting to seminary life, he recalled, was not without challenges. “The early morning climb to the chapel under dim lights was difficult at first, but it soon became a cherished part of my routine. The real joy came from community life — the shared meals, laughter, and evening rosary walks that bound us as brothers.
“One person who left a lasting impression on me was the formator, Msgr. James Gnanapragasam. As a scripture lecturer, he brought the Word of God to life in our daily experience. And as rector, he embodied both firmness and gentleness — a leader whose strength was always tempered by compassion.
“As seminarians, we were constantly aware that College General was known as the College of Martyrs. To walk the same grounds where saints and martyrs once walked was humbling. It deepened my spiritual outlook, reminding me that faith, when lived fully, demands both courage and surrender. At my lowest points during formation, I would draw inspiration from the relics of the College Martyrs in the chapel.
“College General taught me to think critically, to lead with confidence, and to recognise the blessings I had often taken for granted. Even though I did not pursue the priesthood, the seminary has shaped how I pray, reflect, and live as a husband and father of three. It taught me to move from the head to the heart — to see life through the eyes of faith. This helps me as a layman, a husband, a father of three and also as an RCIA coordinator today.
“It’s also humbling to know I’m part of an institution with over 360 years of history. When I reflect on that legacy — the sacrifices, the resilience, the faith — I see College General as a sacred ‘delivery room’ that has birthed generations of priests for the Church in Asia.”
‘A calling of some sort’
Another former seminarian, Hilary Patric Narcis, who joined in 1979, believes that everyone who entered the seminary experienced a ‘calling of some sort.’
“Life at College General was a rhythm of prayers, Mass, classes, games, manual labour, and prayers again, with meals in between,” he recalled. “The community sustained me amid the stresses of study. Of course, there were disagreements, but overall, there was friendship and support. The greatest treasure I hold is the friendships I made among my peers and clergy — bonds that remain after 35 years.”
“To be a seminarian at College General was akin to standing on the shoulders of giants. To be formed in an institution that has martyrs as its foundation is both a privilege and a daunting task. The character developed in me at College General prepared me for life outside. I never truly left my call. Today, I continue to serve the Church through youth ministry, catechetics, basic ecclesial communities, and as a Sunday School teacher.”
Legacy of martyrs – a living guide
For Ashvin Andrew Xavier, a first-year theology student, the legacy of the martyrs remains a living guide. “The martyrs gave credible witness throughout their lives, especially through their deaths. To be formed in an institution built on such a foundation is both a privilege and a challenge — to emulate their example in giving witness to the love of Christ in my own life. Their courage inspires me to live authentically and challenges me to step out of my comfort zone.”
He said, “Priestly formation covers four pillars — human, intellectual, pastoral, and spiritual. The pastoral experiences open our hearts to the joys and sorrows of the people of God. We bring these experiences to prayer and to philosophical reflection. That integration prepares us for the realities of ministry in today’s Asia.”
Asked how the memory of the martyrs is kept alive in daily life, he answered simply: “By faithfulness. The martyrs were faithful to Christ even unto death. We honour them by being faithful to prayer, to formation, and to the people we are called to serve.”
Looking ahead, he said: “After my formation, I hope to be a priest — and more importantly, a man — who is constantly discerning God’s loving presence in life, listening to His call to love Him and others deeply and truly.”
From De Souza’s reflective wisdom to Hilary’s enduring service and Ashvin’s youthful zeal, the story of College General endures — a living flame passed from generation to generation. Three men, three journeys — all bound by one enduring truth: that formation in faith never truly ends, and every call, once answered, continues to echo through time — sometimes in one clear path, sometimes through many unexpected ones.
