On 1st December 2025, a distinguished delegation from the Catholic Church of Myanmar, led by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar embarked on a pilgrimage of fraternity to College General, Regional Major Seminary, Penang, Malaysia. Founded in 1665 under the visionary guidance of the Société des Missions étrangéres de Paris - MEP (Paris Foreign Missions Society). College General Penang remembers 360 years of gratitude, fidelity and hope, and as bastion of clerical formation for generations of Asia’s Catholic faithful.
The 30-member delegation was warmly welcomed upon arrival by Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang and President of the College General Penang. He was joined by the College General leadership: Very Rev. Ryan Innas Muthu (Rector), Rev. Fr. Surain Durai Raj (Dean of Studies), Rev. Fr. Cyril Mannayagam (Spiritual Father of the House), Rev. Fr. Stephen Lim (Pastoral Coordinator), Rev. Fr. Larry Tan SJ (Formator and Spiritual Director), and 20 seminarians who represent the living continuity of the Church’s mission.
Earlier at the ‘Great Pilgrimage of Hope’ gathering, Cardinal Sebastian Francis proclaimed that the Catholic Church of Asia is, at its very heart, a Church on pilgrimage – a living community building bridges between nations. “We are not strangers to each other,” he exhorted, “but humble pilgrims endeavoured to be instruments of Hope in Asia.” In the spirit of joy, Cardinal Charles Bo, invited all present to bear witness through everyday gestures that Christ may be known to more people. He invited the people to offer smiles to others. “Faith is a sweet message,” he reminded, “Let the Good News start with a smile,” affirming that evangelisation begins as art flowing from the heart.
The spirit of communion was beautifully evident in the welcome embrace by the seminarians and radiant smiles of the Myanmar delegation. The seminarians greeted them with a heartfelt rendition of “Hari ini Kurasa Bahagia (Today I Feel Happy),” setting a tone of friendship and togetherness. More than melody, the song is a welcome for brothers and sisters in Christ who had journeyed from Myanmar to Malaysia as Pilgrims of Hope. In response, the Myanmar delegation lifted their voices in “Golden Footsteps” a song composed by Bishop Maurice Nyunt Wai with a profound resonance to College General legacy, a place where countless footsteps of martyrs and faithful walked on the hallowed grounds.
The delegation visited the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, where Cardinal Charles Bo and the delegation paused in prayed. Today relics of 47 martyrs are enshrined in the college chapel including Saint Philip Minh. Generations of seminarians and priests have endured persecution and martyrdom, a legacy that has earned College General Penang, the hallowed title of College of Martyrs.
Cardinal Charles Bo was accompanied by Archbishop Mark Tin Win, Bishop Noel Saw Naw Aye, Bishop Maurice Nyunt Wai, Bishop Tin Wai, Bishop Stanilaus Min Ko, Bishop Wai Lin Htun, Fr. Dominic Thang Suan Lang, Fr. Martu, Fr. Naw Tawng, Fr. Peter Lian, Fr. Kyaw Thu Win, Fr. Htun Htun Naing, Sr. Rita Cing Don Niang, Sr. Van Nei Kim, Sr. Ja Seng, Sr. Premar Htay, Sr. Leh Leh Khaing, and ministry leaders Mr. Aung Saw Oo, Mr. Win Hlaing Oo, Mr. Kyaw Soe, Mr. Khaing Min Shein, Ms. Nant Su Hlaing Htwe, Ms. Aye Aye Nwe, Ms. Si Si Win, Ms. Naw Beh Ta Lay, Ms. Zin Zin Thu, Ms. Aung Kyaw Oo, Ms. Kyaw Khaing, and Ms. Tint Tint Maw.
In the Visitors Book, heartfelt words were inscribed by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Bishop Maurice Nyunt Wai, Bishop Min Ko, Bishop Noel Saw, and Archbishop Mark Tin Win, Bishop Wai Lin Htun expressing their gratitude to College General for the enduring role in the formation of countless priests from Myanmar. Adding her voice, Sr. Leh Leh, offered thanks for the warm friendship, invoking the intercession of Mother Mary for protection and concluding with a blessing: “God Bless Us All.”
By Christopher Kushi
