The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated at Assumption Intermediate Seminary in Kalaymyo, Kalay Diocese, on August 15, with Msgr. John Deng Cin Khup, Vicar General of the Diocese, presiding over the Mass.

The celebration brought together priests, religious sisters, seminarians, students, aspirants, and novices for the annual patronal feast of the seminary.

Homily on Mary’s Faith and Vocation

In his homily, Msgr. John reflected on the Assumption of Mary as a sign of hope and the promise of eternal life for Christians who remain faithful to God. He explained the Church’s teaching on Mary and emphasized her profound faith and trust in responding to God’s call.

Referring to the proclamation of the dogma of the Assumption by Pope Pius XII in 1950, Msgr. John explained that Mary’s assumption into heaven points to the Christian hope of resurrection and eternal life.

He particularly focused on Mary’s faith and complete trust in God. Although God’s plan seemed impossible from a human perspective, Mary believed in God and responded with her unconditional “Yes.” Her faith, he said, provides an example for Christians to trust God even when they cannot understand how God’s plan will be fulfilled.

Msgr. John also connected Mary’s vocation with the vocation to the priesthood. He encouraged the seminarians to imitate Mary by cultivating faith, obedience, humility, and total dedication to God’s will as they discern and prepare for their priestly vocation.

Vow Renewals and Eucharistic Celebration

The celebration also included the renewal of religious vows by five Little Way Sisters of St. Theresa, adding a special dimension to the feast. Their renewal of vows reflected Mary’s own total dedication and faithful response to God’s call.

Fifteen priests concelebrated the Mass, which was attended by approximately 100 people, including religious sisters, seminarians, students of St. Theresa, aspirants, and novices.

Seminary Formation Team

At the conclusion of the Mass, Rev. Fr. Paulinus Thang Muan Lian, Rector of Assumption Intermediate Seminary, expressed his gratitude to the priests, religious sisters, seminarians, students, and all the faithful who participated in the celebration.

Assumption Intermediate Seminary currently has three priest-formators and 17 seminarians. The formation team consists of:

• Rev. Fr. Paulinus Thang Muan Lian, Rector
• Rev. Fr. Ludovic Mathiou, Spiritual Director
• Rev. Fr. Augustine Ha Khui Om, Dean of Students

Fellowship and Thanksgiving

Following the Mass, the seminary hosted breakfast for the participants, concluding the annual patronal feast celebration with fellowship and thanksgiving.

The celebration of the Assumption at the seminary served as both a spiritual renewal for the seminarians and a public witness to the Church’s commitment to priestly formation in Kalay Diocese. For the seminarians, the feast offered an opportunity to reflect on Mary’s example of faith and trust as they continue their journey toward the priesthood.

By RVA Tedim Chin Service