Fr. Elbert Balbastro, SSC Being a missionary gives me the chance to live in a multicultural society where unity is achievable despite our differences in language, customs, culture, and viewpoints. Living here in Pakistan hais been a profoundly memorable experience that has left a big impact in my life. One recent experience that broadened my …
Embracing Diversity: Living in a Multicultural Society as a Missionary Read More »
By Fr. Shay Cullen, SSC The Filipino people, and especially the Christian churches have to take a truthful examination of conscience when faced with the shocking truth that at least 30,000 Filipinos were victims of summary execution, and many more suffered harsh imprisonment without due process when the rule of law was ignored during the …
When the prophetic voice of Father Picx spoke out Read More »
By Fr. Erl Dylan Tabaco, SSC There’s a saying that goes, “violence begets violence.” We are accustomed to it. We’ve heard it many times and even witnessed it firsthand. From the macro to the micro level, it seems that violence affects all of us. No one is immune. There is so much violence …
After separate processes of discernment, prayer and “Conversations in the Spirit”, the Columban General Assembly 2024 have elected the New General Council. They shall serve for a period of 6 years. SOCIETY LEADER: Fr. Andrei Paz was ordained in December 7, 2009 in his hometown in Bangar, La Union, Northern Philipines. He served in …
By Jao Resari, Columban Lay Missionary Every December 1, World AIDS Day is observed globally. Some might wonder why, despite over 40 years since the first reported AIDS case, significant progress in medical research, and effective treatment enabling people with HIV to lead long and healthy lives, AIDS remains a public health challenge. In the …
A Gift of the Columban Spirit By Fr. Jude Genovia, SSC In the summer of 1995, I had to leave for Japan as part of my First Mission Assignment (FMA). This cross-cultural assignment outside the Philippines marked the realization of the next phase of my vocation discernment. A significant aspect of this cross-cultural journey occurred …
By Fr. Kurt Pala, SSC “Wa alaikum wa salaam! Eid Mubarak!” Mufti Irfaan greeted me back. This day is Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr is a festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. This is the third Eid that I had visited him and his family. …
By Michael Javier, CLM When the Covid 19 pandemic and the political conflict happened in Myanmar, many people suffered economically, physically, mentally and emotionally. Among the most affected were the young people who wanted to finish their education in order to get a high-paying job. However, the pandemic and political conflict prevented them from …
“Pasundayag Pasalamat Alang sa Pagpadayon” By Bernie Durangparang, Mission Animator for Mindanao On February 17, 2024, the Columban Missionaries in Cagayan de Oro hosted a cultural showcase titled “Pasundayag Pasalamat (Columban Mission Padayon)” to express our gratitude to the Mission Partners for their generous support over the years towards the Columban Mission. The showcase highlighted the different cultures of the …
By Lily Faunillan, Columban Mission Animator I cannot forget the lovely sharing and conversation I had with Ms. Rosa Bandiola, one of the Columban Mission Partners from Isabela, Negros Occidental. Born on December 14, 1944, she is now almost 80 years old. Ms. Bandiola embodies determination, compassion, passion, and dedication as a teacher. For forty-four …
