As a staff member of the Columban Lay Missionaries (CLM), I have heard many of these stories, some of difficulty and danger, some heartbreaking, and others of disappointment. However, these stories are outweighed by stories of hope, inspiration, joy, gratitude and love.
One of the initial challenges I encountered was learning their national language, Urdu, which I found difficult because of the many rules to follow. As a student, I have to keep in mind the correct usage of male and female nouns and to learn how to pronounce words with nasal sounds.
I recently began my new ministry in Our Lady of Remedies parish in Malate, Manila. Although I am familiar with this parish, having visited it on many occasions, it feels different now that it has become my area of mission.
The passing of a stranger who became my family, brought me grief but I found peace in the belief that Analie is an angel now. She taught me how to be patient, to be courageous and to be ready when God calls me to rest in His arms. I pray that she finds eternal rest in God.
Liliani put her father’s name on her wrist to honor him and to let him know that he may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. The tattoo is a remembrance of the unbreakable bond of love between a daughter and a father. On the other hand, the tattooed name of Liliani’s friend on the latter’s wrist is a piece of art and a symbol of their friendship. That’s what’s in a tattoo.
One of the many joys of being a Columban Lay Missionary is the joy of immersing into a new culture and learning so much from the people with whom I share my faith and experience.
After 10 months of language studies and cultural exposure, I was finally sent on a mission assignment at Christ the King parish, Ba, in the western side of Fiji on August 4, 2018. The parish is located in the middle of the town, surrounded by the school, market, and other establishments.
Through all the hardships, all they can do is cry, and then continue to thrive on. I admire these women for having courage and resilience, and for being brave enough to take risks. They sacrifice their lives for their family and their children, knowing that when they return home, things will be different. For my part, I can only share my presence, listen to their stories, put myself in their place and empathize with them. At the same time, I am praying for them that God will give them more courage to continue living.
Kimbap is a very special dish for me because it symbolizes the friendships I have made with the Korean lay missionaries (LMs) who were assigned in the Philippines in the span of 27 years of work with the Columban Lay Missionaries (CLM)...We have not only rolled these seaweed rice to celebrate life but by our joyful rolling of these tasty creations, I feel that friendship has been bonded big time.
After a moment, she answered, “Remember whom you made your commitment to. Remember how you were given this opportunity. Remember who called you. Remember and pray.”
