By Marge Condes

Being a volunteer at Our Lady of Remedies Parish, Malate, gave me first-hand experience of how the Columban Fathers, including lay missionaries, live out their mission. Although of varied nationalities, the Columban Fathers have one thing in common — they live simply, immerse themselves  in the community, and embrace  our country’s history and way of life. Their sincere desire to know, understand and serve the Filipinos is evident in their actions. I learned so much from both foreign and  Filipino Columban missionaries.

Seeing  through their eyes, I have come to appreciate even more the richness of Filipino culture and the depth of our Christian Faith. Most of all, I have witnessed their humility and sincerity in service – their willingness to sacrifice  the comfort of their families and countries to dedicate  their lives to mission. The quality of their service is a clear manifestation of God’s mercy and love for the least, the lost, and the last. I long to see the same kind of transformative action to touch the vulnerable areas of our country and other parts of the world – to spread the good news of the Gospel and to show that God’s Word is alive for humanity and for creation,  if only people listen and respond to it.

This is  why I wanted to be a Columban Mission Partner – to help spread this kind of love, even in a simple yet meaningful way. To my fellow mission partners and volunteers, let us continue what we have started in the Columban Mission. God bless us all!

Photo above: Malate Mission Partners after their recollection at the Columban Regional House in Singalong