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 …
In the morning of the same day, both Elbert and Jerry became permanent members of the Missionary Society of St. Columban. Congratulations! As we welcome them with joy and thanksgiving, we also continue to pray for them in the next stage of their missionary journey. Diaconate Ordination of Elbert Balbastro and Jerry Lohera On …
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“In this article, however, I’d like to talk about the process, my intended symbolism and my short reflection on the mural that I painted on the entrance door of the Martyrs Chapel of Columban Formation House and Lay Mission Center in Seoul. The painting is entitled St. Peter and St. Paul’s Embrace of Peace.” Speaking …
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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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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 …
“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 …
All Souls Day is a significant day in the Roman Catholic Calendar. It is a day of prayer and remembrance for the departed souls of our dear families and relatives and is usually observed withshared meals and visits to the cemeteries. My All Souls Day Experience in New Bilibid Prison by Mosese Yacalevu Mosese, from Fiji, is …
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“When I prayed, I would often be reminded of Saint John of the Cross when he was imprisoned in a pitch-black cell for a long period of time. What gave him strength to survive was focusing on the tiny chink of light that came into his cell each day.” Finding God during Our Times of …
During a Columban seminary formation, the study of philosophy is followed by a spiritual year program. It is different. This is a non-academic year where there are no exams, and all throughout the period, the seminarian is especially guided by prayer. Mosese Yacalevu from Labasa, Fiji, shares his personal reflection of the thirty-day retreat that …
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“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 …
