FLASH NEWS:

NEWS

Sacred Heart Theological College Begins Academic Year with Focus on Faith, Formation and Inculturation

Shillong

💖 Please note: This content is tagged as 'religious'.

Sacred Heart Theological College Begins Academic Year with Focus on Faith, Formation and Inculturation

10 August 2026

Formation,

News reported by: dbmnTv, Shillong

Sacred Heart Theological College (SHTC), Mawlai, inaugurated the academic year 2026–27 by celebrating the Holy Eucharist. The inaugural function emphasised theological formation, inculturation, and authentic Christian witness.

Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh of Shillong presided over the Eucharist and urged students to open themselves to God’s grace so that theological studies may deepen their friendship with Christ. Reflecting on the theme, “Formed by Christ, Guided by the Holy Spirit, Living in Hope,” he stressed that formation must move beyond knowledge to wisdom and produce compassionate witnesses of faith and hope.

Building on this, the Archbishop said, “Christ must remain at the centre of priestly formation,” and described the Holy Spirit as the primary teacher and guide. He encouraged students to begin their studies with prayer and invocation of the Holy Spirit, making theological education a “workshop” for forming good shepherds.

At the inaugural function, SHTC Director Fr Denis Lalfela, SDB, presented the Annual Report for 2025–26. He said the college 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 “Faith-Culture Dialogue: Fr. Sylvanus Sngi’s Theological Vision and Contribution to Inculturation.” He traced the development of inculturation in the Church and, in that context, highlighted Fr Sylvanus Sngi’s contribution to dialogue between Christian faith and Khasi culture.

He highlighted Fr Sngi’s writings on theology, spirituality, Khasi identity and inculturation, including his biblical commentaries. He also examined Sngi’s reflections on Khasi religious traditions, the concept of the “Visiting God,” and the relationship between Khasi religious values and Christian understandings of revelation.

He outlined Sngi’s reflections on the Trinity and Christology, as well as his interpretation of Khasi cultural symbols in light of the Christian faith. He also highlighted his contribution to liturgical inculturation through the use of Khasi language, symbols, rituals, and customs.

Fr John Zosiama, SDB, Provincial of Shillong and Chairman and Moderator of the SHTC Governing Board, then stressed that authentic theology must be rooted in prayer. He urged students to approach theological study as a responsibility rather than an academic luxury and to align their lives more closely with Christ, reminding them that Sacred Scripture is “the soul of theology.”

During the programme, Fr Zosiama also 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 Eucharist and function were attended by Fr Genesius Wanniang, SDB, Provincial Economer; Fr Denis Lalfela, SDB, Director; Fr Sunil Barla, SDB, Rector; superiors of neighbouring religious communities; faculty members, students and well-wishers.

Is this news useful to you?

3.00 / 5

Michael Makri (INS)

News Published by

South Asia Chief Editor

Join the Conversation

Your experience matters. Whether you’re a youth leader, educator, or simply passionate about making a difference—your insights add value that reporting alone can't capture. When you comment, you're not just reacting—you're helping shape a thoughtful, encouraging community.

Express your Views on News