By Edward Robert Gallagher
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.”- Anatole France
From a young age, I was inspired by my father, who introduced me to the Catholic Church and to a member of the Missionary Society of St. Columban, a congregation I didn’t know existed at that time. One significant figure during my elementary years was Fr. Patrick Duggan, who left a lasting impression on me. He was the Parish Priest at Immaculate Conception Parish in Bo. Barretto in Olongapo City, where I grew up. He was also the one who gave me my First Communion although I attended a Methodist school. My father always brought me with him for Sunday mass at our nearby Parish church, which inspired me to become an altar server.
My early involvement with the church deepened as I served as an altar server for several dedicated Columban priests. The first was Fr. Vincent Lyons, followed by Fr. Richard Cannon. I had the privilege to meet and serve with them for a few years. Sadly, after a year or two as an altar server, Fr. Lyons died. After that, I had the opportunity to serve under the guidance of Fr. Francis Auburn whom I could say is one of the kindest and most generous priest I have ever known. I also had the chance to serve with Fr. Colm Rafferty, who was strict yet bubbly, and attentive to details when it came to church work. Fr. Sean Connaughton brought a light and funny approach in a nice way, and finally, Fr. Donal Bennett, who was both firm and gentle. Fr. Donal Bennett showed his confidence in me by giving me the responsibility of head catechist during my last year in serving at that parish. This experience strengthened my interest to work for the Missionary Society of St. Columban.
My initial aspiration was to become a Columban priest after graduating from high school. I can feel the burning desire inside me, and with that desire, I mustered the courage and submitted my application to the seminary. Lo and behold, my application was turned down. Trying to understand God’s message, I thought perhaps it was not for me to become a priest, and that He had another plan for me. Undeterred, when I met Fr. Bennett and some of the Lay Missionaries assigned in our parish at St. Anthony in Matain, Subic – Vitalina (or Lina as we fondly called her) and Mateo, both from Fiji – my initial aspiration was reignited. They inspired and encouraged me to become a Columban Lay Missionary, since I could not become a Columban priest. Given this opportunity and hoping for this possibility, again I gathered the courage to apply as a lay missionary.
There were actually two of us from our parish who applied: Angie Escarsa, a good friend of mine who is now a Columban Lay Missionary assigned in Ireland, and myself. However, this path also didn’t come to fruition for me, and I took it as a message from God that was not His plan for me. Despite these setbacks, my determination to work with the Missionary Society of St. Columban never wavered.
Years passed, and I found my purpose. I met my wife, who is also a catechist and a teacher, and God entrusted us with 5 beautiful and God-fearing daughters. As a family, we continued serving the Church. Our children became church youth leaders, and we became members of the Couples for Christ (CFC) and Christian Family Movement (CFM). I finished my bachelor’s degree and pursued my master’s degree as well. I thought this was where God wanted me to be. At this point, I thought that being part of the Missionary Society of St. Columban would remain a dream and a hidden aspiration. Then, Fr. Rolly Aniscal and Ma’am Eve Sabate came to our school for their mission appeal, where my wife and I were teaching. My wife was then the Christian formation coordinator, and hearing about this news brought a mix of emotions. Laid in front of me was an opportunity to become part of my long-sought-after dream. We became mission partners and were given the honor of becoming part of the great cause of the Missionary Society of St. Columban. I thank God for that chance that He had given me, igniting even stronger the passion and desire within me to be a part of this great congregation.
I was content and inspired, driven even to share the Columbans cause with our students and the whole school community. For five years, I dedicated myself to teaching in Catholic educational institutions. For five years, I was content being a Columban Mission Partner. Then came the news that the Missionary Society of St. Columban was hiring a Regional Secretary. Once again, I mustered the courage and, with ardent prayer, prepared myself for another potential turndown. I submitted my application.
I am now working as the Secretary to the Regional Director of the Missionary Society of St. Columban, Fr. Leo Distor. He was very considerate of my situation before coming here and gave me the chance to finally work for the Columbans. Achieving this was not an easy task. I was supposed to start working with the Columbans last year, but due to unforeseen events, it was again cut short as I was already working as a teacher in a Catholic school in Olongapo City. And again, I thought maybe I was really never meant to work for them, and that God might be telling me something else. However, I also remembered the quote, “God’s time is always the best time.”
This role, which I have held for just a month, allows me to contribute to the mission and values that have been close to my heart for so long. It is a fulfilling realization of a lifelong ambition, and I am grateful for the journey that brought me here. Please join me in prayer as I embark on the journey of fulfilling my lifelong dream.
