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 …
I am Lydio, one of the newly aggregated seminarians of the Columbans. This aggregation is a milestone in my faith journey. I am grateful to God, our mission partners, and the Columbans for their unwavering support and guidance. This aggregation signifies my commitment and responsibility as a temporary member. I’m in my fourth year at …
By Hazel Angwani Hazel is from Bontoc, Mountain Province and is currently undergoing the Columban lay missionary Orientation program with Ma. Fe Corazon Arienza. I have always believed that life is full of choices, and that the circumstances that surround us in life are not for us to suffer in agony but to learn about …
A faith born in the shadows cast by a single candle in a tightly curtained room of a small farming village in China emerging from the repression of the Cultural Revolution in the early 1980s blossomed on February 4 in the chapel of the Columban Seminary in Manila, as Peter knelt before Bishop Honesto Ongtioco …
