The community of College General celebrated the Feast of Saint Jacques-Honoré Chastan and Saint Laurent-Marie-Joseph Imbert, including the 103 Korean Martyrs, on 21 September 2026 at the Sacred Heart Chapel, College General - Regional Major Seminary, Penang. The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang and President of College General, together with concelebrants Rev. Fr. Ryan Innas Muthu, Rev. Fr. Surain Durai Raj, Rev. Fr. Cyril Mannayagam, Rev. Fr. Larry Tan SJ, Friar. Cosmas Francis OFM and Rev. Deacon Paul Kang.
The celebration was held in the context of the College General’s Theme for 2026: “Walk Humbly, Celebrate Fraternity, Listen Deeply, Serve Wholeheartedly.” This theme emerged from the collective discernment of the formators and seminarians, who have embraced the vision of becoming “A Joyful Community of Disciples Rooted in Christ.”
Cardinal Sebastian in the homily, reflected on the richness of the theme, noting the many verbs and dispositions that challenge the community to move beyond words into concrete action. Drawing from experiences shared both at College General and during the Malaysia Pastoral Convention (MPC) in Sibu, Sarawak, especially through the ‘Conversation in the Spirit’, Cardinal highlighted four important dimensions of communal discernment: (a) the collective power of Silence prompted by the Holy Spirit; (b) the collective power of Words prompted by the Holy Spirit; (c) the collective power of Actions prompted by the Holy Spirit; and (d) the celebration of collective silence, words, and actions led by the Holy Spirit.
The Cardinal explained that when these elements are viewed together in the light of the First Reading from the Book of Wisdom (3:1-9), they reveal a deep connection between the witness of the College General Martyrs, the College General theme for 2026, the Feast Day celebration, and the broader journey of the Malaysian Church through MPC2026. This must be in our soul!
What makes it real and happening is the quiet Synodal Conversion taking place individually and collectively. Do we sense it? What is this conversion? Today’s Gospel reading of St Luke (9:23-26), assist in the three steps led by the Holy Spirit – renouncing oneself, carrying one’s cross and following Jesus.
Cardinal Sebastian emphasized that Christians should fear only one thing: sinning against and disregarding the promptings of the Holy Spirit. He described this as both a warning and an invitation. The warning is resisting the Holy Spirit's guidance, while the invitation is to embrace a life of intentional obedience and discipleship. To the seminarians Cardinal Sebastian exhorted them to ‘renounce yourself from being the centre but carry your cross, following Jesus’.
Concluding his homily, the Cardinal prayed that, both as individuals and as the Church in Malaysia and Asia, we may not become disobedient, isolated, or left behind, but instead choose to follow faithfully where the Holy Spirit has already gone before us. He encouraged all present to walk together on the path of a Synodal Church, united with the nine bishops of Malaysia and guided by the Holy Spirit. The congregation responded with a resounding affirmation: "Amen, Amen, Amen! Maranatha, Maranatha, Maranatha!"
College General Penang is also known as the College of Martyrs. A total of 47 alumnus of College General was martyred. Two MEP French priest-professors who lectured at College General, Saint Jacques-Honoré Chastan and Saint Laurent-Marie-Joseph Imbert were martyred on 21 September 1839 at Saenamteo near Seoul and canonized with 103 Korean Martyrs by Pope John Paul II on 6th May 1984.
Cardinal Sebastian also shared a personal reflection on his former seminary mate, Fr. Marcel Truong, a Cambodian alumnus who courageously chose to return to his homeland during the Khmer Rouge regime rather than go to safety of France, and who subsequently disappeared. The cause for Marcel’s canonisation, together with those of other heroic students, bears witness to College General’s enduring missionary spirit.
Saint Imbert’s final witness: On 10 August 1839, Saint Imbert and his Korean converts faced arrest. Realising that his capture was imminent, Bishop Imbert celebrated Mass before surrendering himself. After his arrest, the authorities tortured Bishop Imbert in an attempt to force him to reveal the whereabouts of the other foreign missionaries. Believing that surrender might spare the lives of his Korean faithful, he wrote to two missionaries who were in hiding: Fr Pierre-Philibert Maubant and Fr Jacques-Honoré Chastan. In his well-known letter, Bishop Imbert wrote: “Bonus pastor ponit animam suam pro ovibus suis”- The good shepherd gives his life for his sheep.
The Diocese of Penang have specially honoured the two French martyrs by dedicating a church in their name at Prai’s Chai Leng Park. The church named “Church of Saints Chastan and Imbert” established in 1995.
Rev. Fr. Ryan Innas Muthu, Rector of College General Regional Major Seminary, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the formators, seminarians, lecturers, staff, and all those who contributed to the meaningful celebration. He acknowledged their dedicated service and commitment to nurturing the seminary community in faith and fraternity. He also prayed that St. Imbert and St. Chastan would intercede for College General Seminary and the wider Church, inspiring everyone to remain steadfast in discipleship, missionary zeal, and faithful service to God’s people.
By Christopher Kushi
