By Marivic Mercene In the Philippines, fair skin is often seen as the standard of beauty. From whitening soaps and lotions to countless advertisements, the beauty industry thrives on the idea that being maputi (fair-skinned) means being more attractive or successful. This mindset traces back to our colonial past, when lighter skin was associated …
By Marjorie Engcoy One of the last things I remember doing in Fiji was starting a livelihood program for women – though quite unintentionally. Unintentionally, I say, because it wasn’t something I planned for, not even remotely. I was pressured into it by expectations; in other words, I was forced. My heart was not …
A Reflection on The Miracle of Five Loaves and Two Fish Read More »
By Mosese Yacalevu, Columban Seminarian As a steward of God’s majestic creation in all Her boundless beauty and wonder, I remain ever grateful for the natural flow of life around us. Here at the Columban International House of Studies in Manila, one thing that continues to amaze and inspire me is what I fondly …
By Fr. Kurt Zion Pala, SSC It has been two years since we last hosted the Student Leadership Camp, and much have changed since then. While most parts of the world have already recovered from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Myanmar (formerly Burma), sadly, has not. While the world is slowly recovering, Myanmar …
By Fr. Shay Cullen, PREDA Founder The election of Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old Augustinian missionary to Peru, as pope on May 8 signaled a clear desire among his fellow cardinals for continuity in the urgent reforms and renewal of the Catholic Church initiated by his predecessor Pope Francis. Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, …
The Migrants’ Son and Missionary Who Became Pope Leo XIV Read More »
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 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 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 …
