Vocation

A One of a Kind Ordination

Elbert, a newly ordained deacon of the Missionary Society of St Columban, from Oton, Iloilo, shares his reflection about his diaconate ordination experience at this time of pandemic. A One of a Kind Ordination by Elbert Balbastro Elbert, a newly ordained deacon of the Missionary Society of St Columban, from Oton, Iloilo, shares his reflection …

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Growing up in Christ; Keeping the Flame of Love, Hope and Peace Alive

In our quest for building one Christ-centered learning community, we need to consider the generational difference among us youth. There are other factors that challenge our Christ-centered youth ministry from flourishing.   500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines “Growing up in Christ; Keeping the Flame of Love, Hope and Peace Alive” Jay-Ar Ramirez Assistant …

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Faith + Love = Unity

The Philippines, an archipelagic country composed of 7,600 islands, breeds diversity in culture, language, tradition, and customs. Inevitably, such diversity could sometimes lead to misunderstandings, form a regionalism perspective, and disunity.   Faith + Love = Unity by Elbert Balbastro, Columban seminarian from the Philippines The Philippines, an archipelagic country composed of 7,600 islands, breeds diversity …

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Faith and Gratitude

“It is hard to imagine how my life would be without the missionaries who came into the country. I am grateful because I am now harvesting the fruits of their labor. “ Faith and Gratitude by Elbert L. Balbastro Columban seminarian My fondest memories while growing up are mostly from my involvement in Church activities. Every night, we had …

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Dialogue Through the Heart

“In my journey of dialogue with other religions, I have embodied the insight that dialogue entails listening but I could only understand deeply by using my heart.” DIALOGUE THROUGH THE HEART by Elbert Balbastro, Columban seminarian The compassion of Jesus towards the Canaanite woman in the Gospel of Matthew is one of the biblical stories …

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