When the entire island of Luzon in the Philippines was declared under community quarantine to control the spread of COVID-19, I was in my hometown — a small municipality in northern Luzon. Love in the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic Andrei Paz When the entire island of Luzon in the Philippines was declared under community …
God’s presence often appears when we least we expect it. We see God in the eager face of a child who is still capable of smiling amidst his suffering. We encounter God who comes to us as a piece of bread in the mystery of the Mass, which we often ignore. We sometimes forget how …
Holy week is always an important part my life because it is when I am most reminded of the passion and death of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is a significant event in the Philippines, where the population is predominantly Catholic. However, even in Pakistan’s small Christian community, the Holy week is also a highlight …
Praying, fasting and almsgiving: three words that gave me meaningful and substantial insights in my missionary journey here in Khipro, Pakistan. These have always been the three pillars of Lent. A Reflection on the Three Pillars of Lent By: Elbert L. Balbastro, SSC Praying, fasting and alms giving: three words that gave me meaningful and …
The village of Parola, Tondo is a shanty-town where the Pasig River and Manila bay waters meet. It has been five years since it was completely gutted by a huge fire. PEOPLE OF HOPE by: Fr. John Keenan, SSC The author is a Columban priest from Ireland who first came to the Philippines in 1966. …
Christmas always brings joy in my life. As a child, I always looked forward to the coming of that day. However, as time progressed, I realized that Christmas does not only bring joy but also an attached message with it. It is God, conveying and reminding me of my journey as a missionary. God’s Message …
People often think of hospitals as a place where only pain and suffering occur. Most people, including myself, would probably say that the hospital is the last place they want to be in. However, it is also a place where genuine love exists, as I discovered while working in the hospital apostolate. Hospital: A Sanctuary …
Fr. Chris Saenz is a native of Bellevue, Nebraska, and belongs to the Missionary Society of St. Columbans. He was ordained in 2000. He is presently assigned in the US. THE STRUGGLE IS THE PRAYER by Fr. Chris Saenz Fr. Chris Saenz is a native of Bellevue, Nebraska, and belongs to the Missionary Society of …
It has been a year since I’ve been to the village of Kanni in Mandalay division and still, not a drop of rain has fallen as evidenced in the dry canals and dry land. There is an urgent sense of desperation for the rain to come soon because many have prepared the land for planting …
As I continued my journey in this side of the world, I came to realize that despite the diversity of religions there is always a prevailing human factor that is common: the capacity to love, care and pray for each other. This insight dawned on me during my stay in my parish. Humanity: The …
