A New Path
Life begins at forty! That's what Fr. Tony Coney was about to discover as his plane touched down in Lima. As a newly ordained Columban priest he had said goodbye to his family and friends in Ireland and had traveled to Peru to begin his mission there on his fortieth birthday.
As a dedicated altar boy, this was a way of life Tony might have imagined for himself when he was ten years old, but by the time he had turned twenty, it no longer seemed even a remote possibility. By then, he had given up all religious practice, had no regular employment due to his failure to complete his …
In So Many Words
I have come that you may have life and have it in abundance. (John 10-10)
Fr. Bobby Gilmore
June 1, 2018
It Was a Beauty-ful Day!
When I was growing up, I really didn't like reciting the Holy Rosary.
Sherryl Lou C. Capili
May 28, 2018
Why Visit the Prisoners?
Why visit the prisoners? It seems that it would be a fearful activity to engage in. Columban Sister Joan Sawyer bravely looked that fear in the face and visited prisoners. Eventually, she lost her life in an uprising in a Peruvian prison.
Fr. Tom Glennon
May 23, 2018
Mother's Love
In 2012, while I was working in a parish among the aboriginal people called Atayal in the mountains of Taiwan, we organized a pilgrimage to the northern Philippines (where I am originally from) as part of the celebration of the parish's 50th foundation anniversary.
Fr. Andrei Paz
May 21, 2018
Selfies, Smartphones and the Holy Spirit
What was the first thing you did when you entered the church today? I assume you dipped your finger in the holy water and made the sign of the cross. Making the sign of the cross affirms our faith in the Most Holy Trinity.
Fr. Kurt Zion Pala
May 16, 2018
Fostering Hope for Aboriginal Children
I live and work in a mountainous area of Taiwan with aboriginal people. The majority of them are pomegranate and orange farmers who also cultivate a variety vegetables which they sell.
Sihyeon Bae
May 14, 2018
The Ladies Who Are Called Maria
In my new parish assignment, I am blessed to have met wonderful ladies who were named after our Blessed Mother. I would like to share my experience with them.
Nana Maria
Marjorie Engcoy
May 9, 2018
Bread and Wine
On Saturday August 12, 2017, I officiated at the wedding of my grand-nephew Killian to his bride Jenna. The wedding took place in the parish of Notre-Dame de Bresse-Finage, in Burgundy, France.
Fr. John Marley
May 7, 2018
A Memorable Mission Journey
For more than a year, I spent most of my time visiting the elderly while on mission in South Korea. I would say that meeting the different types of elderly people is interesting and enjoyable but requires a lot of energy and a peaceful mind and heart to be able to listen to them.
Jenanydel Nola
May 3, 2018
In So Many Words
Some days when it feels that God is far from us we may begin to harbor a real doubt: Is there a God at all? Am I fooling myself giving time day after day to pray and nothing seems to happen? Others who don't believe at all do well, are happy and live life to the full.
Sr. Redempta Twomey
May 1, 2018
A Taste of Mission Work in the Andes
Aminiasi and I arrived in Lima on May 20, 2016, for our pastoral experience called FMA (First Mission Assignment). We arrived during winter, above all, at midnight. The first thing I experienced was the cold breeze as soon as I went out of the airport.
Teakare (Tex) Betero
May 1, 2018
A Home for All
This year, as Columban missionaries look back on one hundred years of mission, we recall with gratitude our accomplishments in various distant lands. However, this centennial year also reminds us to recognize those who have who have played a major role in our mission story close to home. One of those dedicated missionaries here in the U.S. is Sr. Corona Colleary, a member of the Missionary Sisters of St. Columban.
Almost 50 years ago, Sr. Corona was a key person on a team that oversaw the transformation of a disused seminary in Silver Creek, New York, into a modern and beautiful retirement home, St. Columban's on the Lake. Since then she has dedicated her life to ensuring that this Home is …
Homelessness
Since the St. Joseph church compound was close to the central bus station, many homeless men came there. Some requested food, while others slept under the verandahs. When winter came and work on construction sites halted, their numbers increased significantly.
Fr. Timothy Mulroy
April 23, 2018
The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.