By Mavic Mercene, Communications Team Member In February of this year, Regional Director Fr. Leo Distor, Mission Promotion Coordinator Fr. Rolly Aniscal, Mission Promotion Animator Evelyn Sabate, and I had the privilege of being warmly welcomed by Fr. Roque C. Villanueva, the parish priest of St. Joseph Parish in Olongapo City, Zambales. As we …
By Evelyn Sabate, Columban Mission Animator for Luzon One of my most significant experiences in mission promotion and fundraising is witnessing generosity everywhere – even in the simplest moments, like riding a jeepney. One Sunday morning, I attended the 9:30am mass at Our Lady of Remedies Parish in Malate, the only Columban Parish in …
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 Marge Condes Being a volunteer at Our Lady of Remedies Parish, Malate, gave me first-hand experience of how the Columban Fathers, including lay missionaries, live out their mission. Although of varied nationalities, the Columban Fathers have one thing in common — they live simply, immerse themselves in the community, and embrace our country’s history …
By Sr. Virginia Mozo, SSC When I returned to the Philippines after working with refugees in Mexico, I had a month at the foot of Sierra Madre (the longest mountain range in the Philippines) to reflect and discern my future ministry. I felt so blessed to be surrounded by such a majestic and beautiful …
By Fr. Elbert Balbastro My mom has always held a special place in my heart. Though we are far apart, our interconnectedness will always remain – like an umbilical cord that binds us and makes us one. Through my parents, especially my mom, I came to know Jesus Christ. She taught me how to pray …
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 Lucille S. Arcedas I believe my journey as Columban Mission Partner began even before I was born. My parents worked closely with the Columban Fathers; my mother was a catechist, and my father as their driver. Later, they trained in Family Life Ministry, guiding couples to sacramental marriage. Even after their formal association with …
Mathematics of Faith: My Journey as a Columban Mission Partner Read More »
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 …
