Shillong, 8 August 2026: Sacred Heart Theological College (SHTC), Mawlai, inaugurated its new academic year 2026–27 on 8 August with a solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist and an inaugural function centred on theological formation, inculturation and the call to become authentic witnesses of Christ.
The day began at 9:00 a.m. with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, Archbishop of Shillong, and offered in honour of the Holy Spirit. The celebration was attended by Fr. Genesius Wanniang, SDB, Provincial Economer of the Shillong Province; Fr. Denis Lalfela, SDB, Director of SHTC; Fr. Sunil Barla, SDB, Rector; superiors of neighbouring religious communities; faculty members, students and well-wishers.
Reflecting on the theme, “Formed by Christ, Guided by the Holy Spirit, Living in Hope,” Archbishop Victor called upon the students to open their hearts to God’s grace. He stressed that theological formation goes beyond the acquisition of knowledge and must lead to a deeper friendship with Jesus. Faith, he noted, should transform knowledge into wisdom and form persons capable of becoming witnesses of faith and hope.
The Archbishop emphasised that Christ must remain at the centre of priestly formation, while the Holy Spirit is the primary teacher and guide. He encouraged students to begin their studies with prayer and an invocation of the Holy Spirit, so that theological education may become a workshop for forming good and compassionate shepherds.
He urged the students to take seriously every dimension of their formation—prayer, study, discipline, purity, humility, charity, excellence, fraternity, pastoral service and holiness—and reminded them that theological studies should not be pursued merely to pass examinations, but to proclaim the Gospel, serve the Church and bring people closer to God.
The inaugural function followed at 10:30 a.m. in Sngi’s Hall, with Fr. Sunil Barla welcoming the gathering and acknowledging the presence of religious leaders and representatives of various congregations.
Fr. Denis Lalfela presented the Annual Report for 2025–26, highlighting the achievements and activities of the college. He reported that the institution currently has 5 M.Th. students, 96 B.Th. students, 42 ITLR students and 19 student-deacons, who are scheduled to undertake their Pastoral Course in February and March 2027.
The inaugural address was delivered by Fr. Kenny Nongrum, SDB, on the theme “Faith-Culture Dialogue: Fr. Sylvanus Sngi’s Theological Vision and Contribution to Inculturation.” He explored the development of inculturation in the life and teaching of the Church and reflected on the theological contribution of Fr. Sylvanus Sngi, particularly his efforts to foster a meaningful dialogue between Christian faith and Khasi culture.
Fr. Kenny highlighted Fr. Sngi’s writings on theology, spirituality, Khasi identity and inculturation, including his biblical commentaries, which he described as a significant platform for dialogue between Christian faith and Khasi culture. He further explained Fr. Sngi’s understanding of Khasi religious values, the concept of the “Visiting God,” the Khasi religious tradition as a preparation for the fullness of revelation in Christ, and the parallels he identified between Israel and Khasi traditions.
The address also examined Fr. Sngi’s theological reflections on the Trinity, Christology and the relationship between Khasi cultural symbols and Christian faith. Particular attention was given to his understanding of the seven pillars of Khasi religion and their fulfilment in the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church, as well as his contribution to liturgical inculturation through Khasi language, symbols, rituals and customs.
Concluding his address, Fr. Kenny called for the continued promotion of inculturation so that cultures may be brought to their fullness in Christ and people may draw ever closer to God.
Addressing the gathering, Fr. John Zosiama, SDB, Provincial of the Shillong Province and Chairman and Moderator of the Governing Board of SHTC, stressed that authentic theology is rooted in prayer. He reminded the students that serious theological study is not an academic luxury but a responsibility, encouraging them to configure their lives ever more closely to Christ. He also emphasised that Sacred Scripture is the soul of theology, urging the students to cultivate a life of prayer alongside their academic pursuits.
During the programme, Fr. John Zosiama released two publications: Liturgical Significance of the Khasi Traditional Healing by Fr. Raphael Risterland Maiong, SDB, and Hynñiew Tylli ki Rishot-Blei by Fr. Johny Eapen, SDB.
The inaugural programme concluded at noon with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Fr. Timothy Gangmei, Registrar of the College.
The inauguration set a meaningful tone for the new academic year, reminding the SHTC community that theological formation is ultimately a journey of encountering Christ, listening to the Holy Spirit, engaging faithfully with culture and preparing to serve God and His people with wisdom, compassion and hope.
Reported by Cl. Hubert Tynshain Lyngdoh
