My synodality began with the Montfort youth

Nov 15, 2024

By Elvina Fernandez
Growing up in the small town of Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, a young Michel Dass was deeply influenced by two remarkable figures — the late Fr Mari Arokiam and the late Fr Phillips Muthu. Their reverent and heartfelt way of celebrating Mass left a lasting impression on him, sparking a desire to serve and lead within the Church.

“I was in awe of how Fr Mari led, especially during the six years I assisted him. Being a youth leader and an altar server from a young age brought me closer to the Church and gave me the opportunity to witness his leadership first-hand.”
This inspiration, along with his family’s support and his passion for helping young people, set him on the path to the priesthood — a calling he felt at just 17 years old.

Fr Michel’s journey began with daily rides on a motorbike, a gift from his father after he completed his SPM in 2003. He used it to travel to church and to the Montfort Youth Centre in Melaka, where he worked and later taught young boys. That motorbike eventually became his faithful companion when he was in the seminary in Penang.

“I used to travel 45 kilometres daily by motorbike to Montfort, so I was thrilled when I received my first car from the diocese after my ordination,” he shared.

During his time at Montfort, his days were dedicated to working with young people, focusing on student welfare and their language proficiency.

“Young people need help, and we must start now. I realised early on that they needed someone to spend time and truly listen to them, for hours, and offer them hope to emerge from the darkness. That's when my journey of synodality began.”

This experience paved the way for him to make a deeper impact — connecting with students on a personal level, being their friend, and spending time talking and listening to them.

“There was a time in my teenage years when I felt hopeless, like I couldn’t amount to anything. I didn’t want the youths there to feel the same sense of being lost. I reminded them that it’s crucial not to give up during your lowest moments, because if I had, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy my priesthood today,” he shared, hoping this message would be an eye-opener for other struggling youths.

On February 14, 2014, Michel entered the seminary, further deepening his commitment to understanding and supporting young people. He understood the significance of being a supportive listener and a source of strength, particularly for those frequently neglected or unheard in the Church. His mission became clear: to reach out to these young individuals, help them discern their calling, and offer them hope.

After his ordination, Fr Michel began his ministry at the Church of the Divine Mercy in Shah Alam, serving alongside Fr Alan Pereira, the parish priest at the time. “I learned what it means to be a synodal Church — being present in the parish, spending time with the community, and listening,” he shared, recalling Fr Alan’s guidance. Fr Michel continued his ministry with the same dedication, always making himself available to the people in the parish.

At the Church of St Anthony in Kuala Lumpur, where he currently serves as assistant parish priest, Fr Michel’s primary goal is to reach out to young people. “We’ve established a discernment group with 12 candidates exploring vocations. Fr Clarence Devadass and I will be meeting with them for a second time, sitting down together and helping them discern God’s calling in their lives,” he shared.

Fr Michel also recalled a pivotal incident during his time at Montfort that shaped his path as a priest. It involved a boy who had been very active but suddenly became silent after a teacher’s harsh, abusive words. “That moment taught me the power of words — how they can either inspire or wound deeply, leaving lasting scars,” he said. From then on, he vowed to use his words to uplift and encourage, rather than tear someone down.

“Montfort taught me to combine wisdom with intellect. I learnt how to integrate the two, and that helped me immensely during my seminary days.”



During his time in the seminary, Fr Michel learnt to integrate wisdom with intellect, balancing his responsibilities while ensuring that young people felt seen and heard. His journey, however, was not without challenges. He faced moments of doubt and hopelessness, but the support of spiritual directors, classmates, and his own determination helped him persevere.

“As a priest, I’ve made it a point to focus on the simple things, like asking people if they’re okay, noticing when someone hasn’t been around for a while, or even if they haven’t combed their hair or worn their makeup. These small acts of attentiveness can make a big difference in bringing them closer to the Church.”

He acknowledged that the priesthood is not an easy journey and that there will be times when one encounters discouragement. “I’ve been told that I wasn’t a suitable candidate or that I shouldn’t be ordained if certain people had their way. But there were also those who believed in me and encouraged me to pursue this path because they saw something in me.”

Fr Michel added that his spiritual directors gave him the strength to remain focused on God’s calling. “It’s not an easy path, but it’s not about what I want — it’s about what God wants from me.”

Today, as one of the ecclesiastical assistants for the Archdiocesan Single Adults and Youth Office (ASAYO), Fr Michel works tirelessly to ensure that young people have someone to listen to them and guide them on their journey.



As a priest, he understands that his mission isn’t about fulfilling his own desires, but about responding to what God wants for him. In embracing this divine plan, he has found joy in his priesthood and a purpose that continues to inspire and uplift the community.

“God chose me,” he said, and in his service, Fr Michel Dass exemplifies true dedication, compassion, and unwavering faith.