When we make new acquaintances, we immediately introduce our names after an exchange of warm greetings. Some would even go as far as telling us the meaning of their names. That is when our curiosity about the importance of naming a child in a particular culture is aroused. What’s in a name? By Michael Javier,
The sight of empty seashells in different shapes and sizes littered on the beach reflects the insatiable appetite of human beings for seafood. My Little Life Projects By Fr. Jude Genovia, SSC Fr. Jude Genovia lived and worked in Korea for the past 11 years. He is back in the Philippines and assigned to Malate
She remembered how Father Nick would attentively listen and share his time with the people in the parish. By doing so, Father Nick has participated in the people’s struggles, shared their hopes and joys, and celebrated their triumphs. In Testament to Fr Nick Murray’s Kindness By Mavic Mercene Staff, Columban Missionaries I joined the
The Philippines needs a law establishing a “Children’s Court.” With greater trust in the judicial system, more cases are being filed and tried ending in more convictions. The Philippines needs children’s courts Fr. Shay Cullen 31 March 2023 Every time I sit in a Philippine family court with the Preda social workers and the
Sincerity Toward God By Fr Elbert Balbastro, SSC The sacrament of reconciliation or hearing confession is one of the ministries that I appreciate the most. I am blessed to journey with the penitent and be reminded that God is always a loving and forgiving God who always embraces us when we return to him. As
We are called upon to repent on our sins, to turn away from the things that keep us from God, to acknowledge our weaknesses and to seek the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Remember, however, that Lent is not only about us but also about others. Act of charity in the season of
MANY STRINGS TO HIS BOW by Frank Hoare MSSC Our newest Columban missionary priest Fr Iowane Naio has already lived many different lives. He speaks five languages and has lived in five different cultures and will soon add to that. But his roots are in Namau Settlement about 10 km from Ba town on the Western
By Joan Yap “Continue the dream for the family despite what happened in my life. Even though I lost one hand, I still have another one. I won’t give up. Just keep fighting. I believe in God. He won’t forsake us. Let’s continue to trust in God and in ourselves that we can overcome all
By Fr. Elbert Balbastro, SSC Like any other vocation or calling, priestly life is also filled with challenges, difficulties and struggles. Yet, amidst the toils and rough roads on my missionary journey, I always maintain an unwavering optimism. Beyond those humps and bumps of life lies a profound joy that could only be found in
By Matang M. Rotitaake, Columban Seminarian My name is Matang, and I am 24 years of age. My biological parents are Moaniba Rotitaake and Tokanikaiatetaanga Tumeka. I was adopted by Maeke Batiata and Eritia Ibeata. I come from the island of Kiribati (pronounced as Ki-ri-baz), also known as Gilbert Island, in the Micronesian region
I am Lydio, one of the newly aggregated seminarians of the Columbans. This aggregation is a milestone in my faith journey. I am grateful to God, our mission partners, and the Columbans for their unwavering support and guidance. This aggregation signifies my commitment and responsibility as a temporary member. I’m in my fourth year at
By Hazel Angwani Hazel is from Bontoc, Mountain Province and is currently undergoing the Columban lay missionary Orientation program with Ma. Fe Corazon Arienza. I have always believed that life is full of choices, and that the circumstances that surround us in life are not for us to suffer in agony but to learn about
