Shillong, 29 July 2026: Sacred Heart Theological College, Mawlai, Shillong, organised a two-day Orientation Programme for the First-year Baccalaureate students on 28 and 29 July 2026. The programme was designed to welcome the new students into the theological academic community and to provide them with an initial orientation to the intellectual, spiritual, pastoral and liturgical dimensions of their theological studies.
Day One – 28 July 2026
The first day began with Morning Prayer and Meditation, followed by Holy Mass, breakfast and morning duties. The formal orientation programme commenced at 9.00 a.m. with the Inauguration and Initial Prayers, followed by a Welcome and Exhortation delivered by Fr. Denis Lalfela SDB, Director of SHTC. Fr. Timothy Gangmei SDB, Secretary of SHTC, then gave an overview of the programme and introduced the students to the purpose and objectives of the orientation.
The academic component of the morning was led by Br. Abraham M. Antony SDB, Chief Librarian of SHTC, who presented “Doing the Baccalaureate Programme of Studies: An Intellectual-Spiritual Orientation” in two sessions. The sessions helped the students understand the nature and demands of theological studies and encouraged them to approach their academic formation with both intellectual seriousness and spiritual commitment. This was followed by a session on Academic Standards and Requirements, conducted by Fr. Timothy Gangmei SDB.
The afternoon included recreation and personal activities, with games, time for bathing and rest, and tea. At 4.30 p.m., Fr. Edmund Gomes SDB, Professor Emeritus of SHTC, presented “The Pastoral Basis of our Study of Theology.” The session highlighted the connection between theological learning and pastoral ministry, reminding the students that theological formation is ultimately directed towards effective service of the Church and God’s people.
The day concluded with a session on Library Use and Best Practices, again facilitated by Br. Abraham M. Antony SDB. The students then had personal time and prayer before participating in Evening Prayer, the Rosary, supper and recreation.
Day Two – 29 July 2026
The second day began with Morning Prayer and Meditation, followed by Holy Mass, breakfast and morning duties. The academic sessions commenced at 9.00 a.m. with Fr. Joseph Anikuzhikattil SDB, Vice Director of SHTC, who presented “A Missionary Orientation to Theological Studies.” The session helped the students recognise the missionary character of theological formation and the responsibility of future ministers to place their studies at the service of the Church and society.
This was followed by a session on “The Importance of Liturgical Formation for the Priestly Ministry,” conducted by Fr. Sunil Barla SDB, Rector of SHTC. The session emphasised the importance of liturgical formation in preparing candidates for their future priestly ministry and in helping them participate meaningfully in the prayer and worship of the Church.
The next session, “Sustaining Orientation during Theological Studies,” was conducted by Fr. Stanislaus Chinliankhup, Rector of Oriens Theological College. It encouraged the students to maintain the spirit and values of the orientation throughout their years of theological formation, especially through perseverance, discipline, openness to formation and a continuous commitment to growth.
The programme concluded with a Concluding Session led by Fr. Denis Lalfela SDB, Director of SHTC, followed by lunch. The concluding session brought together the major themes of the two-day programme and encouraged the students to begin their Baccalaureate studies with dedication, openness and a clear sense of purpose.
The two-day Orientation Programme served as a meaningful introduction to the First-year Baccalaureate programme at Sacred Heart Theological College. It provided the students with a holistic understanding of theological studies by bringing together the intellectual, spiritual, pastoral, liturgical and missionary dimensions of formation.
Through the guidance of the various formators and resource persons, the students were encouraged to see theology not merely as an academic discipline but as a means of deepening their relationship with God and preparing themselves for faithful service to the Church and God’s people. The programme therefore laid a strong foundation for the students as they begin their journey of theological formation at Sacred Heart Theological College.
Reported by Br. James Gilbert Marbañiang Sdb
