With its long history, Cebu is undeniably the queen city of the South where the first seed of Christianity in the Philippines was planted. My first time in Cebu blessed me with new experiences when I became a delegate of the National Youth Day (NYD). Cebu: My Place of Firsts by Marvin Magat Marvin is

“The early disciples were called to be with Jesus (Mk 3:13) and then sent in His name (Mk 3:14). Like them, we find ourselves also called to be with him and with others in our missionary journey. Our Columban life together is the way we have been called into a deeper relationship with the Triune

The Columban Missionaries were instrumental in the evangelization of Botolan. I was a freshman student in school year 1957-1958 when I first met them. Botolan High School, where I studied, was still a private non-sectarian school at that time, but the Columban fathers had already started their work, with the help of the Student Catholic

But being part of the Columban family has given me fresh eyes and a renewed sense of optimism. It’s like slowly letting the sun shine in through the window after years of being adamant in keeping them shut. Soon enough, I’d be able to stand in front of it and wave to the world outside.

I thank God and Mama Mary for these “close encounters” with the Columban Missionaries. It is indeed a year to be grateful, being connected with the Columban Family since the late 1940s. MY GREAT COLUMBAN “CLOSE ENCOUNTER” by Sister Socorro Largo, RSM After the closing celebration of the Columban Missionaraies’ 100th year Jubilee in the mountains

Gloria is married to Leonardo Fallorina of Candelaria, Zambales. They have four children, all girls. She has been back from Japan (to the Philippines) since 2000. In her golden years, she is still actively engaged in church works in Valenzuela City, Bulacan. TREASURED MEMORIES WITH COLUMBAN MISSIONARIES (TM WITH CM) by Gloria Fallorina Gloria is