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 the Columbans ended, our home remained a sanctuary for those  seeking counsel. We were entrusted  with the sacred duty of confidentiality: anything  we heard would remain in the confines of our home. Now that both my parents are  gone, may I summarize the lessons I learned through the acrostic COLUMBANS.

Christ-centered life was the ultimate aspiration instilled in me by my parents. My mother often reminded me that every sin is a reenactment of Christ’s crucifixion, encouraging frequent sacramental confession as a means of healing and reconciliation. My sister, in her innocent faith, once shared her food with a beggar, believing that the beggar could be Christ himself. My father attended Mass daily before his stroke.

Obedience to God’s will was another cornerstone of our family life. My mother often sought guidance from Fr. Edward Allen, a respected priest, and encouraged me to do the same. We would also attend Mass to discern God’s plan for our lives. Though I’ve always had a stubborn streak, often preferring my own way, I have learned firsthand the consequences of disobedience. True fulfillment comes from aligning our will with God’s, even when it requires courage and sacrifice. At times, despite our best efforts, certain things simply don’t happen. Perhaps God is testing our faith, strengthening our character, or simply reminding us of His ultimate authority.

Life of simplicity was a guiding principle in our family. We once lived in a humble nipa hut, a common dwelling in our community. Despite its modest appearance, our home was filled with love and respect. People recognized us not for our material possessions but for the character of those who lived within its walls. “Bata na sila ni Tyoy Basilio” (They are Uncle Basilio’s children.), a bystander once remarked to a  friend. As a child, I felt a pang of shame about our simple abode, but I also witnessed the profound truth that true worth is not measured by outward appearances.

Ultimate goal of our family is to attain eternal life in Heaven. To this end, my parents actively participated in various church activities. They enrolled in a formation program for Family Life Ministers conducted by the Diocese of Bacolod under the guidance of Msgr. Victorino Rivas. They were also involved in other organizations, demonstrating their commitment to using their time, talents, and resources for God’s glory. Though we cannot bribe God, they believed that their efforts would bring joy to our Creator.

Mindfulness. My father trained us to be aware of our surroundings, while both my parents emphasized the importance of greeting acquaintances. They also taught us valuable social skills through real-life examples. Before elections, we would engage in family discussions to thoughtfully determine the best candidates.

Benevolence. “If you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all – unless it is your moral duty to correct someone before it’s too late.” It’s important to give others the benefit of the doubt, especially when we haven’t witnessed the full context of a situation.

Accountability and responsibility were instilled in us from a young age. We were expected to begin studying on Sunday evenings and could only watch television starting Friday evenings. Weekends were dedicated to household chores, with each of us assigned specific tasks. I was responsible for washing the dishes every night. Reflecting on these experiences, I am grateful for the discipline and work ethic they fostered.

Nurturing relationships is a priority in our family. We were taught to remember birthdays and offer prayers for loved ones. My parents emphasized the importance of treating every person with respect and giving them our full attention.

Serve as instruments of salvation by praying for souls, inviting others to the Church, and sharing the faith through catechesis and fraternal correction. This journey of spiritual growth begins with ourselves.

Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation are core principles of the Columbans. In alignment with this mission, I invited representatives from the Columbans to participate in the second Pi Day celebration at the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) Visayas. John Din delivered a compelling talk on “Caring for Our Common Home: A π for a Meaningful Life.” Fr. Rolly Aniscal, MSSC, and Ms. Lily Faunillan also graced the event. A video featuring Fr. Brian Gore, MSSC, produced by the Philippine Artisan Visayas, highlighted his recent Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This partnership secured several hectares of land and provided livelihood opportunities for local communities. Fr. Gore also shared practical strategies for environmental conservation. This is rooted in St. Columban’s dictum, “If you wish to know Christ, embrace His creation.”

My mother’s journey as a catechist began when Fr. Michael Martin, MSSC, invited her while she was selling food at a town festival. Initially, she declined the offer. However, her regular interactions with the Columbans at a local store, where they often shopped, may have influenced her decision. Fr. Martin believed that her experience as a salesperson made her well-suited to share the Good News of Salvation with others.

Teaching mathematics may not have been my initial choice, but perhaps it was God’s plan for me. As Galileo Galilei proclaimed, “Mathematics is the language God used to make the universe.” Leonardo of Pisa, better known as Fibonacci, beautifully illustrated the patterns found in nature. Interestingly, the first four numbers of the Fibonacci sequence—1, 1, 2, 3—can be rearranged to represent the date November 23rd, which also happens to be the feast day of St. Columban. Pythagoras’s assertion that “All things are numbers” further highlights the profound connection between mathematics and the divine.

The logo of the Technological University of the Philippines prominently features the Pythagorean Theorem. Ironically, my journey into teaching mathematics began when my high school teacher assisted me in creating a lesson plan on the same theorem. This theme continued in my role as an adviser for the Math Society, where we adopted a logo based on the Pythagorean Theorem.

TUP Visayas, located in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, is one of the campuses of the Technological University of the Philippines, with the main campus in Manila and additional campuses in Cavite and Taguig. Established in 1977, TUP Visayas also has extension campuses in Sagay City and Binalbagan, both in Negros Occidental.

I joined TUP Visayas on November 11, 2019, after carefully considering other options. As an engineering and technology school, it initially presented a different image than I expected. However, I have since adapted to the environment and continue to push my boundaries.

When my father passed away on May 23, 2023, I returned to work on May 29. Years of experience had taught me to compartmentalize my emotions, so I forced myself to appear strong and composed in the classroom. Aware of my tendency to forget details when suppressing my feelings, I asked my students to document everything, including their attendance, in our group chats.

As Ernest Tan, a licensed guidance counselor and formation professional, wisely observed, “Only when our emotions are released and appeased can we begin to be objective. Notice that when we are still wrapped with our emotions, we cannot think straight.” Dr. Daphne Ong, a psychiatrist, echoed this sentiment during a Kasanag Study Center event in March. She likened unattended emotions to unfolded clothes crammed into a closet, eventually spilling out when there’s no more room.

The loss of our parents brought my siblings and me closer together. While physical distance can be challenging, we’ve found support from both personal and professional networks during vulnerable times. Despite the rise of artificial intelligence, I believe humans remain irreplaceable, as we possess the unique ability to offer empathy—a quality that machines cannot replicate.

Looking back, I realize that past failures, pains, and unmet expectations have ultimately contributed to my personal growth. Each day presents new challenges, and I’m grateful for the “COLUMBANS” values instilled in me by my parents, who continue to guide me on this journey.

That in all things, God may be glorified.

Lucille Arcedas (left) and other Mission Partners with Fr. Brian Gore during their recollection.

If you like this story, you might also want to read the story of another Columban mission partner. Click here to read.