By Evelyn Sabate, Columban Co-Worker
I’m Evelyn Sabate, and for eight years now, I’ve had the privilege of serving as an animator for Columban Mission Promotion and Fundraising Ministry here in the Philippines. Alongside this, I’ve been joyfully journeying with others in promoting vocations.
What began as a role has blossomed into a vocation—a sacred calling that continues to shape my heart and spirit.
Today, I open my heart to share how participating in Columban Regional Mission Unit (RMU) assemblies, Columban gatherings, and Society-wide synodal zoom sessions has not only deepened my understanding of our shared mission but also renewed my passion and purpose in this ministry.
As an Animator, I am entrusted with the beautiful task of promoting the Columban mission—through fundraising, engaging with our generous benefactors and mission partners, and nurturing vocations among the youth. I facilitate recollections, send daily prayers, and collaborate with parishes, schools and establishments to awaken hearts to the mission of Christ.
Since the beginning, I’ve immersed myself in RMU assemblies, area meetings, Monday gatherings, celebrations, and global Zoom sessions. These are not just events on a calendar—they are sacred spaces of communion. In them, I’ve found a wellspring of wisdom, encouragement, and shared purpose. Through prayer, storytelling, and dialogue, I’ve encountered the Spirit moving in our midst—reminding me that we are never alone in this mission.
Each gathering has been a window into the soul of our mission. I’ve come to see that our work is not merely about sharing faith—it is about embodying it. It is about building bridges across cultures, embracing diversity, and walking with those on the margins.
The global Zoom sessions have opened my eyes to the vastness of our mission. They’ve shown me that our local efforts in the Philippines are threads in a global tapestry of compassion and solidarity. These moments have taught me to live with humility, to listen deeply, and to act with courage and love.
Fundraising is not without its trials. There are days when resources are scarce, when misunderstandings arise, or when fatigue sets in. But in those moments, I return to the gatherings—to the prayers, the stories, the shared laughter and tears.
They remind me why I do what I do. They rekindle the flame within me. They assure me that every effort, no matter how small, is part of something greater. And so, I press on—with joy in my heart and hope in my hands.
These eight years have been a pilgrimage of the heart. I’ve discovered that this mission is not just what I do—it is who I am. It is a way of living the Gospel, of being Christ’s hands and feet in the world.
The fulfillment I feel is not rooted in success or recognition, but in the quiet knowing that I am part of a mission that brings light to others. I carry with me the strength of our shared journey, and I trust that together, we will continue to sow seeds of hope, faith, and love.
I thank God for the grace of this calling, and I pray that I may continue to grow in faith, in love, and in commitment to the mission entrusted to me.
Let me close my sharing with the timeless wisdom of St. Columban: “Let love guide our hearts in service.” May we continue to serve with hearts ablaze and spirits renewed.
Featured Image: Columban Co-worker Evelyn Sabate (third from left) with Mission Partners during their pilgrimage in Negros in November 2025.
