Vida Hequilan, Columban Lay Missionary, Taiwan

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In May 2026, I had the privilege of facilitating a recollection for our Mission Partners in Cubao, Philippines. Twenty-two participants gathered—mostly women, along with one husband and a proud grandson who had just been trained as an altar server.

The recollection began with introductions and a simple invitation: share a word of gratitude. What was meant to be a brief activity became a moving exchange, as many expressed deep gratitude for their friends in the group—for the support, encouragement, and the gift of belonging to the Church as Columban Mission Partners.

During one of the paired activities, participants were asked to share what they admired about their partner. Many spoke of friends who stood by them during times of loss and grief. I learned that many were widows, and they shared how regular visits, hugs, and even a simple “kumusta” (how are you) lifted their spirits. Their children often did not fully understand the depth of their loneliness, but their friends did—offering consolation, understanding, and encouragement to remain active in the Church. What they received, they also passed on to others.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world.” Truly, these women embody this call. Their salt is the flavour of compassion that preserves hope; their light is the warmth that breaks through isolation. Even in grief, they radiate God’s presence, passing on what they have received. They have allowed God’s light to shine through their faces, becoming living witnesses to God’s love.

I was inspired, and I hope you, too, are inspired by their example—to continue to add flavour to the lives of others with compassion and to shine with hope in times of darkness and uncertainty.

Loving God, You call us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We thank You for the gift of friendship and for the strength we find in one another. Bless our Mission Partners, especially the widows who continue to shine with Your love, bringing comfort, hope, and encouragement to those in need.

May we, too, share the flavour of compassion and the light of faith, so that others may see Your presence in us.

Amen.

Featured Image: Columban Mission Partners of Cubao with Vida Hequilan (2nd row, right) and Fr. Rolly Aniscal, SSC.