Mission to Share with Others
We rejoice in the great gift of life. But as we grow older this gift is overshadowed by experiences of illness, pain, and loss. The certainty of an ever-approaching death often makes life itself seem meaningless.
God in Jesus Christ has wonderfully answered this prayer. Jesus, moved by the Spirit, inaugurated the Kingdom of God by healing, casting out evil spirits, calling all to conversion and offering forgiveness and the fellowship of love to all who believed his message. He surrendered to God’s will in all things. He endured the opposition of His religious leaders, physical suffering, loneliness and even the sense of being abandoned by His Abba as He was dying.
By Fr. Frank Hoare
May 1, 2016
Responding to the Need
I came to live in Fujisawa after getting married 58 years ago. I have been fortunate with my health. I have never even had a cold, and last year I had my first visit to a hospital.
By Saeko Yamaguchi
May 1, 2016
A Short-Term Mission Experience in the Pacific
Fiji for me will always be one of the most wonderful places in the world. I never expected to end up in Fiji, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean surrounded only by a vast expanse of water. It’s almost impossible to get further away from Ireland, my home country.
By Patrick O'Dwyer
May 1, 2016
Cuzco's Children
I have just came back from celebrating thirteen Masses in various distant communities, most of which are a three or four hours’ drive from the main church here in Yanaoca. I was on the road every day during this past week, traveling from village to village to celebrate these Masses because another Columban priest, Fr. Paul Prendergast (who is over 80 years of age), and I are responsible for the pastoral care of 130 communities. Jesus’ words to His followers, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” are indeed very clear to both Fr. Paul and me, as well as to the people of this province.
Fr. Youngln Kim
May 1, 2016
On Accepting and Being Accepted
In 2007 my father talked to me about the possibility of going overseas as a lay missionary. When I began to attend, with 20 others, the orientation program in Suva I had no idea what being a missionary might be about.
By Paula Matakiviwa
May 1, 2016Learning to Be a Missionary
My name is Nilton Iman, and I am a priest of the Diocese of Chimbote, a land blessed with the blood of the first martyrs of my country, Peru.
By Fr. Nilton Iman
May 1, 2016
Weakness and Failure Lead to New Understanding
Shusaku Endo, a Japanese novelist, died in 1996–almost 20 years ago. In Japan he is still featured regularly in television programs, magazine articles and exhibitions. Every bookstore still has an Endo section.
By Columban Fr. Barry Cairns
May 1, 2016
Help and Guidance
My name is Teakare Betero, age 28, and I have been with the Columbans for five years now. At the moment I am studying at the Pacific Regional Seminary. This seminary is the only place for theological study for the priesthood in Oceania (South Pacific).
By Teakare Betero
May 1, 2016
Small Pentecosts
You might call me a slow learner. I am 84 years old, and about 40 years ago a colleague recommended a book called “The Forgotten Spirit.” The title seemed only mildly interesting to me. I admit that at the time the Holy Spirit did not occupy the place of honor in my spirituality.
By Fr. Barry Cairns
May 1, 2016
"I Just Want to Share My Story and Know Someone Cares"
It has been nine years since I started working as a personal counsellor in a Boy’s Secondary School in Dublin, Ireland, and also nine years since I started working in The Capuchin Day Center for Homeless People in Dublin. As regards to the school I can see a great improvement over the years.
By Sr. Abbie O'Sullivan
May 1, 2016The Faith of the People
“What is it that keeps you going?” is a question that I frequently ask other Columban missionaries who live and minister in very difficult circumstances.
By Fr. Tim Mulroy
March 1, 2016
The Holy Spirit Alive in Us
I left Taiwan three years ago and returned for a two-month refresher course in Chinese Mandarin in March 2015. It was great to be back in a place where I am familiar, a place where I feel secure. It is fair to say that Taiwan is my place of comfort, my second home.
By Lilibeth Sabado
March 1, 2016
Education in Myanmar
For many years, the Columbans have been sponsoring the Education Commission of Myitkyina and Banmaw Dioceses, in Kachin State, Myammar, in their provision of boarding hostels and schools in the remote areas, where war and poverty are widespread.
By Fr. Patrick Colgan
March 1, 2016
Good Friday in Japan
When I was a very young priest just out of language school in Tokyo, my Japanese vocabulary was somewhat limited! To give me confidence and help me get the message across I used many visual aids in my classes with those preparing for Baptism.
By Fr. Barry Cairns
March 1, 2016
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.