Reflections from My First Year as Secretary to the Regional Director

By Edward Robert Gallagher

When I began my journey as the Secretary to the Regional Director of the Missionary Society of St. Columban, I walked in with both excitement and apprehension. It was a dream fulfilled to be working not only with the Columban’s, but for the very mission I had long admired and tried to be a part of in various ways. I didn’t know what the year would bring, but I was ready to learn,  grow and serve.

Embracing New Experiences

From day one, I was immersed in the rhythm of missionary work, not only in the spiritual sense, but in the administrative heart of it. I managed correspondence, organized files, drafted letters and certificates, and coordinated meetings that kept our regional activities running smoothly.  Every document I typed, every phone call I answered, reminded me that I was now a vital part of something greater, a community bound by faith and purpose.

The nature of the work required diligence and patience, but it also called for creativity and heart.  I quickly learned that behind every request was a mission, behind every schedule was a story, and behind every meeting was a shared desire to serve God’s people better.  I found myself inspired not only by the people I serve but by the work itself.

Finding Friends and Family in the Workplace

One of the greatest blessings this year has brought me is the chance to meet incredible people – my new friends and colleagues. From the humble staff of our regional office to the priests and lay missionaries who have devoted their lives to the mission, each interaction has added a thread to the fabric of my new daily life.

I will never forget the kindness of those who patiently guided me through processes I was unfamiliar with, or the laughter shared during brief breaks and lunch breaks. These small moments, though often unnoticed, built the foundation of friendship and trust.  I came to realize that the people I work with are not just co-workers – they are my mission family.

A Window to the Mission: Synodal Tuesday Gatherings

Another enriching part of my role has been attending our regular Synodal Tuesday online gatherings.  At first, I thought these virtual gatherings would be purely procedural.  But as I listened to the updates from different areas – Mindanao, Luzon, and even our international missions – I was filled with awe at the diversity and dedication of our team.

Each meeting introduced me to new faces: lay missionaries, coordinators, managers, and Columban priests serving in all corners of the country and abroad.  Even through the screens, their passion for the mission radiated.  I witnessed how each one brought a unique voice to the table, and I learned how to listen, how to observe, and how to contribute meaningfully during the Conversations in the Spirit sessions.

The online meetings became more than just a duty; they became windows into the life of our mission across borders.  They helped me feel connected to something wider than myself  – something global, yet deeply personal.

Looking Forward

Looking back on my first year, I can honestly say it has been a time of growth, learning, and joy.  I entered this role with a deep respect for the Columban mission, and I am leaving my first year with an even deeper love for it and for the people who bring it to life each day.

I am grateful for every new experience, every friendship formed, and every lesson learned.  I know there is still much more ahead, but with the foundation of this first year, I feel ready to face it with faith, dedication, and a heart full of hope.

Here’s to more learning, more connecting, and more growing -all for the greater glory of God and the mission we share.