By Michael Javier, Columban Lay Missionary The Columban house in Myitkyina, Kachin state, is located within the compound of Eden. It is surrounded by bamboo and a variety of trees that provide more than enough shelter for the different kinds of animals, including birds, snakes, bees, and more. There is also space for growing …
By Febie Gonzales, Columban Lay Missionary in Taiwan “Compassion is a language of God” -Pope Francis. When I asked, “Why did you choose to come to Taiwan?” Adi, an Indonesian caregiver, replied, “To earn money for my family, to provide for their needs and well-being, to send my children to school, and to have …
By Ana Flores, Columban Lay Missionary I met these women sometime 2011-2012 when we relocated some families affected by typhoon Sendong to the Mother of Divine Mercy Village in Opol. Some belonged to the TISAKA or Tingog sa Kasanag (voice of enlightenment) organization. From time to time, these women faced serious problems, and I often sought …
By Monaliza Esteban, Columban Lay Missionary in Pakistan I have been reflecting on my experiences in the tribal ministry – among both the Parkari Kohlis and the Punjabis. Over the past five years, I have witnessed diverse ways of life and I have even written a number of stories about them. These ongoing encounters have …
By Reins Mosqueda, Taiwan “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and …
By Lilibeth Sabado, Columban Lay Missionary In August 2023, I arrived in El Paso after a 6-month language immersion in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Then I underwent a seven-month tedious visa application process. This process included a trip to Manila in March 2024 for consular appearance, biometrics, and an interview. Upon returning, my religious visa granted me …
Stitch By Stitch: A Journey of Discovery, Connection, and Healing Read More »
By Angie Escarsa, Lay Missionary in Ireland “Preach everywhere you go and, if necessary, use words.” As Columban Missionaries, we try to live out the Gospel message through witnessing the love of God to others, especially in responding to our mission priorities of migrants, refugees, and biodiversity protection and restoration. In my experience, words …
by Gertrudes C. Samson, Columban Lay Missionary Bat Walk Recently, the Columbans in Solihull organized a Bat Walk. At first, I had second thoughts about attending because of the many horror films I have watched featuring bats. Those scenes had left me with persisting prejudice, and fear immediately crept in- “What if the bats …
To all Columban Lay Missionaries, It has been a privilege to be part of the journey of the Columban Lay Missionaries (CLM) for five years. I am truly grateful to the Philippine region, especially the lay missionaries, for the opportunity to be part of the Lay Mission Leadership Team (LMLT) as priest representative. Looking back, …
From the islands to the Philippines. My vocation story began in the beautiful islands of Fiji, where I was inspired by the work of the Columbans in my parish, and local church. I made a life-changing decision to join the Columbans as a lay missionary in crossing boundaries, culture and creed. I went through …
