A reflection on First Mission Assignment By Lydio Mangao, Jr., Columban Student in Chile Each week, I make it a habit to visit the nine chapels of the Columban parish of San Mathias in Bajos de Mena, Santiago, where I have been sent, choosing one or more at random. Riding a bicycle, I would …
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 …
By Fr. John Boles, SSC “If Columban Mission is a “mad thing to do,” then nothing could be madder – or more inspiring – than three members of the Collier family.” Let me tell you why. When Jesus’s own family heard about this, they said, “He’s out of his mind” (Mk. 3:21). It’s not surprising that …
By Fr. Ji Kwangkyu, SSC I grew up in a family that didn’t practice religion. When I was young, I thought there was no God. I am not proud to admit it, but I used to say negative things about religion because I was filled with anger. However, I stand before you now as a …
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 …
By Mosese Wasai Mitchell Yacalevu In this present time, as I sit to write a few words of reflection, I find myself surrounded by extreme heat and humidity. The once abundant wells and streams are drying up, leaving water sources scarce. The grasses are turning pale, and the forest cover are diminishing. People resort …
MANY STRINGS TO HIS BOW by Frank Hoare MSSC Our newest Columban missionary priest Fr Iowane Naio has already lived many different lives. He speaks five languages and has lived in five different cultures and will soon add to that. But his roots are in Namau Settlement about 10 km from Ba town on the Western …
By Joan Yap “Continue the dream for the family despite what happened in my life. Even though I lost one hand, I still have another one. I won’t give up. Just keep fighting. I believe in God. He won’t forsake us. Let’s continue to trust in God and in ourselves that we can overcome all …
By Fr. Elbert Balbastro, SSC Like any other vocation or calling, priestly life is also filled with challenges, difficulties and struggles. Yet, amidst the toils and rough roads on my missionary journey, I always maintain an unwavering optimism. Beyond those humps and bumps of life lies a profound joy that could only be found in …
By Matang M. Rotitaake, Columban Seminarian My name is Matang, and I am 24 years of age. My biological parents are Moaniba Rotitaake and Tokanikaiatetaanga Tumeka. I was adopted by Maeke Batiata and Eritia Ibeata. I come from the island of Kiribati (pronounced as Ki-ri-baz), also known as Gilbert Island, in the Micronesian region …
