COLUMBAN LAY MISSIONARIES - PHILIPPINES

A Vicious Cycle of Destruction

2011-11-27T22:35:00.000-08:00

by John Din, Columban Lay Missionary

First, there was the forest, logging came; bare lands appeared and mining companies came. What’s next? This idea has been in my mind when I revisited Midsalip in January this year to film and produce a short video on the struggle of the indigenous Subanens and the people of Midsalip against mining. My first visit to Midsalip was in the 80’s during the picket against logging companies. Talking about education, that has been the most educative experience in my life about the care of environment.

I had the privilege to attend to the court hearings in Aurora and Pagadian City and meet with all the accused, among them the Subanen leaders, Columban sister Patty Andonaire and Columban priest Sean Martin. Mining company has filed a criminal and civil case against them.

I spent a night in the picket area in Guinabot, Midsalip and had the chance to interview Ricardo Tolino, one of the Subanen leaders respondent to the case. Fruit of this interview is this video. Pagmina o Kasiguroan sa Pagkaon ug Kaugmaon? (Mining or Food & Future Security). In July the Mining Company managed to get a Temporary Restraining Order and has forced the picketers to abandon the proposed mining area. The drilling has started. The struggle now is to support the Writ of Kalikasan for the Zamboanga Peninsula.

The Writ of Kalikasan is a remedy available to a natural or juridical person, entity authorized by law, people’s organization, non-governmental organization, or any public interest group accredited by or registered with any government agency, on behalf of persons whose constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology is violated, or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or private individual or entity, involving environmental damage of such magnitude as to prejudice the life, health or property of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces. (Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases A.M. No. 09-6-8-SC Rule 7, Sec. 1)

I was assigned for seven years in Brasil and eleven years in Peru. Both of these countries have gone through the same pattern of destruction, first sending people to colonize virgin territories of forest, then came the logging business, cattle raising and finally the mining. Forests were denuded at tremendous speed, driving the indigenous people to death and to nowhere. After the timbers were cut, greedy corporate interest were turn to minerals, digging open pit mining, rerouting, killing and contaminating rivers. A desolate land, dried rivers, tons of poisonous mercury and cyanide were left to replace what was once the lungs of the earth. Amidst this destruction, human community continue to produce unknown martyrs for the defense of the forest and the indigenous people, among them Chico Mendez and Dorothy Stang who recently have shed their blood.

I have just returned to the Philippines after almost 18 years of being away as Columban Lay Missionary. The Philippines did not escape from this pattern of development. Mining companies have spent millions in propaganda to present a responsible “clean” mining, hiring private security guards, national and local government officials were bribed to promote their interest. Philippines have produced a lot of martyrs too, from media men and women, NGO leaders, religious etc.

Click this link for the video.

John Din at Baclaran Church

2011-11-23T22:36:00.001-08:00

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/18695320

Naanise Mounga, Lay Missionary from Tonga

2011-11-23T22:35:00.001-08:00

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/18550024

We too were asylum seekers

2011-10-26T01:45:00.000-07:00

By Gertrudes Samson, Columban Lay Missionary, Britain

When I first entered the Sanctuary, I noticed at once the beautiful tapestry hanging at the right side of its main hall. It depicts the Holy Family on a journey with Mother Mary riding on a donkey while carrying baby Jesus and with St. Joseph walking on foot beside them. I thought it was just a typical Christmas decoration, but it has a caption underneath it: “WE TOO WERE ASYLUM SEEKERS”. It depicts the Holy Family on their flight to Egypt to flee from the persecution of Herod who wants to kill baby Jesus. That tapestry then explained to me in a nut shell what the Sanctuary is about and the value of its work.

Gertrudes Samson (L) with co-workers Jayjay, Rose, and Fr. Patrick Sayles,

An asylum seeker is someone who is fleeing persecution in their homeland, has arrived in another country, made themselves known to the authorities, and exercised the legal right to apply for asylum. St. Chad’s Sanctuary, which is a partnership between the Salvation Army and Catholic Church, ministers to them and to others who are far from home. It offers friendship and hospitality to asylum seekers, refugees, and other migrants. We try to give them listening hearts, non-judgmental and compassionate hearts that respect human dignity irrespective of culture, faith, or background. The sanctuary is operated by just one full time manager, Sr. Margaret Walsh, and the rest are volunteers like me.

You might ask what else we do at the sanctuary aside from listening and talking with people. Actually we have many works. The following are only some of the opportunities I get to help out with in various ways together with other volunteers:

· sitting down with the asylum seekers in the English classes to help them catch up with the lessons given by the teacher especially during the drills or exercises;

· preparing and offering warm coffee or tea and biscuits for those who come to the Sanctuary;

· washing dishes;

· sorting and organising many piles of donated clothes to ensure they are clean and still useful and not rags;

· sorting and repacking donated foods and ensuring that they have not yet expired;

· distributing donated food bags, clothes, and household items to asylum seekers;

· recording data and statistics about the works of the Sanctuary,

· cleaning up the Sanctuary work areas and premises.

Honestly speaking, at the end of every day, I feel very tired because there is so much work in the Sanctuary, while volunteers like me are so few. But definitely, I AM HAPPY! –for the many people I have met from more than 80 different nationalities; for the loving friends I gained in the person of Sr. Margaret, other volunteers, and asylum seekers; but most of all, because of the opportunity God has given me to serve Him there… for Jesus said, “I tell you whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”. Although I was not born at the time when Jesus and His family were still asylum seekers, I know I am serving Him at the Sanctuary in the face of every asylum seekers that I meet. With that in my heart, I know… JESUS IS HAPPY WITH US TOO in St. Chad’s Sanctuary – my place of ministry.

Columban Lay Missionaries in Britain: L to R, Gertrudes, Jayjay, Nathalie, Rose, Nathalie's daughter, and Bernardita

Palarong Pang-Bokasyon

2011-10-23T23:35:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday October 22, around one hundred fifty representatives of the different religious congregations, youth of the different BECS, seminarians, and parish workers of the Diocese of Cubao gathered at the Ponciano Bernardo High School for a whole day of sharing, games, laughter, fun, fellowship and thanksgiving. Entitled "Palarong Pang-Bokasyon" (Vocation Games), this event was also meant to creatively promote vocation among the young.

The day started with a mass officiated by Columban Fr. Rolly Aniscal, and concelebrated by priests from other congregations. Mass was followed by Columban LM John Din sharing a vocation story which he entitled "a story within a bigger story". This story enumerated several people who went to Lima, Peru for different reasons. First there was Lucia and Maria who were originally from a rural area in Peru and due to poverty decided to move to the big city of Lima to seek greener pasture. When they arrived in Lima, they were surprised to see a Lima City very different from the Lima they had in mind. Lima was very dry, had no rain, no accessible water except that coming from the mountains, and no proper waste disposal system. Then there were Angelica and Francisco, a couple from Germany, who went to Lima to work as missionaries and ended on the same place where Lucia and Maria lived. They had lived through difficult times. In spite of the threat of political violence, they together with the community was able to form a Christian community which later flourished into a parish. Then there was Maria Nieto. Maria Nieto was a single, middle aged lady. Although Maria Nieto was not schooled, she wanted to find a solution to the worsening state of waste disposal in the community which resulted to the plague of cholera in the communities. Together with the collaborative efforts of the community members, with Angelica and Francisco, they succeeded in making fertilizer from the community domestic waste. The project of Happy Earthworm Ecological Center led by Maria Nieto was awarded by the Peruvian government, a recognition for its valuable contribution to the care of environment. Then there were Carlos and Alejandrina with their three children. They were committed to the formation of the parish communities. Another personality is a Filipina Lay Missionary who in 2000 was assigned in Lima, Peru and has been working with the women on the same community where Maria and Lucia live. It was certainly a place of encounter with the different stories of the different personalities who arrived in the same community at different times. They were part of the bigger story of the parish of Our Lady of Peace. Other missionaries came. They came from Australia, Germany, and other places. John Din ended his story by giving us the following questions to reflect on...

1. Who among the personalities in the story can you identify with? Why?
2. If you were to meet this person, what question would you like to ask him/her?

Each of these personalities had a story to tell and contribution to share. Each story does not only end in that person but becomes part of a bigger story. In that story, John Din did not say where he was. But John was surely in that story somewhere. And since John is now with us sharing among us his gifts, his values, his time, and presence, he becomes part of our own individual stories.

The questions we were asked to reflect on were shared in the small group. In my small group, one young girl shared how she admires Maria Nieto for doing what she did without expecting anything in return. Only someone with so much love in her heart could do a life-changing act, she mused.

The afternoon was marked with fellowship games mostly larong pinoy. There were different relays, egg catching, singing contest, and basketball.

At around 4:00, all participants were asked to form a half moon and volunteers shared their experience of the day. Gratitude and joy were two of the words mostly used by those who shared their experience. Everyone looked forward to having a similar activity soon.

The day culminated with a short prayer of thanksgiving and praise.

by Marivic H. Mercene
Staff Member
Columban Lay Mission - Philippines

Congratulations to the new LMCLT

2011-10-19T23:40:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the new Lay Mission Central Leadership Team (LMCLT). They are

Columba Chang, Coordinator

Lilibeth Sabado, Member

Serafina Vuda, Member

They will assume office beginning January 1, 2012.

Columba Chang was one of the six pioneer lay missionaries of the Missionary Society of St. Columban. She arrived in the Philippines from Korea in June 1990 and served here until she was re-assigned to Myanmar in 2008. Columba worked with various ministries in the Philippines the first being in the lakeshore town of Jalajala, Rizal and the last being with the HIV/AIDSs ministry of the Diocese of Manila.

Lilibeth Sabado came to Lay Mission in 2002 from working as a nurse in her native Pagadian City. In July 2003, she was assigned to Taiwan and has been passionately working since with the migrant ministry of the Society based at the Catholic Hope Workers' Center (HWC). After several years at the HWC, Beth became the Center's director until July 2009 when she came home to the Philippines for home leave. She has conducted seminars and workshops on migration issues to graduating college students in the focus areas of Mindanao.

Serafina Vuda is the present coordinator of the LMCLT currently based in Ireland. She worked in Chile for three years and then Peru for six years before her current post.

by Marivic H. Mercene
Staff Member
CLM - Philippines

Comings, Goings, Endings!

2011-10-14T00:48:00.000-07:00

I am always excited to write about comings. For a staff like me more lay missionaries mean work and I thank God for work. It's the endings I hope I will never have to write about. And I am glad I do not have to for now.

Let us start with the goings. There was RP 19 who left for Taiwan few months back. Reins, She and Jo, unfortunately had to wait awhile for their residence visa to be approved. I thank the Consul at TECO-Manila for her gentle ways when she informed us of new policy on missionary residence visa. It was a relief at that time for the application not to be refused outright. I apologize to the ladies at Windows 1 and 5 for asserting my right to be heard and express what I believe I went there for. We had a happy ending anyhow!

Owence Caggauauan returned to Fiji in August after seeking medical attention for a "woman" concern. We hope that you have recuperated or recuperating well in Fiji under Lanie Tamatawale's tender loving care.

Still for the goings. Lorelei "Lalay" Ocaya flew to Ireland on October 9, a day immediately following their signing of agreement. Nette Toledo will follow Lalay as soon as her visa is in order. They will serve in Ireland for another three years.

Comings: We are glad to have Jhoanna "Jao" Resari and Vida Amor Hequilan back after their second term in Taiwan. Jao and Vida Amor completed their re-entry process last October 11 and 12 at the Cenacle Retreat House with John Din. Vida Amor will take up a course on care giving scheduled to start in January 2012 in Manila. Surely this will equip her with the necessary tools to better respond to the needs of the people she ministers to. Vida Amor has finished signing her long term agreement in Taiwan.

by Marivic H. Mercene
Staff Member
CLM - Philippines

Renewal of Commitment of Lorelei and Lenette

2011-10-13T01:49:00.000-07:00

October 8, 2011, Saturday, was another special day for the Columban Lay Missionaries (CLM). On this day, Lorelei “Lalay” Ocaya and Lenette “Nette” Toledo, renewed their commitment as Columban Lay Missionaries with the Missionary Society of St. Columban. They signed an agreement for a three year mission in Ireland.

John Din warmly welcomed everyone who came to witness the event and rejoiced with us. Columban Father Darwin Bayaca, Regional Vice-Director, presided the Eucharistic celebration. Likewise, he represented the Society in accepting Lalay and Nette’s generous offer of service and assured them of the Society’s support. Although weather was not great this day, many friends of Lalay and Lenette came. Present too are the Columban seminarians, Sisters and Priests, active and returned Columban Lay Missionaries, and friends from Philippine Catholic Lay Mission.

Lalay and Nette thanked everyone specially the Columbans for their faith and trust in them and for helping them continue to realize their missionary vocation. They asked the Holy Spirit to help them be faithful to the responsibility of deepening their love for the Father by serving others.

Sumptuous dinner of Filipino food followed.

CLM Coordinator John Din welcomes everyone for the celebration.

Lalay signs her agreement

Everyone extends their hand to Lalay and Lenette for blessings

My Mission Story

2011-10-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

by Lenette P. Toledo, Columban Lay Missionary

Time passed by so quickly, unnoticed. It seems only yesterday when I came to Ireland and now my three years commitment to cross cultural mission is about to end. I feel that three years is so short! I am just beginning to find my way around, falling in love with the place and its people and soon I’ll be uprooted again. I know I’ll be missing my new friends in the community, my pastoral involvement and specially the people in my ministry. I feel sad but I am also looking forward to going home and seeing my family.

July 2010, Dalgan, during the REAP - Respond, Energize, Alive, Process Stress and Trauma Management

I was assigned in Ashbourne, County Meath. The first few months in my ministry were a challenge as I find my way around. I had to look, listen, and observe to understand and integrate myself in parish-community life. But I felt so rewarded with so many blessings! Asbourne is a vibrant community of hospitable, kind and generous people. The priests and the parishioners are very supportive, understanding and caring. All these made me feel at home. I sensed a strong presence of sincerity, commitment, sharing, hard work, and unity. I was touched by the humility and leadership qualities of our parish priest and curate. Their openness gave confidence and a good venue for the parishioners to share their thoughts and feelings. I felt so blessed to belong to such community and share my presence and support to the people.

Ashbourne is a diverse community and there was no ministry or apostolate waiting for me when I came to the parish. So I had to make myself available and flexible to answer whatever was needed. They said that “by being present missionary is already doing a mission through witnessing” but that wasn’t enough for me. I felt uncomfortable by just being there. I accept that “doing” something is part of my weakness. I can associate myself very much with “Martha” in the Gospel. I feel useless not doing something because I know that I have talents, gifts and abilities to polish! And to keep these talents, gifts, and abilities to myself is a sin. I’m afraid that one day God will ask me why I didn’t use the talents he has given me.

Nette (front row, left) with Columban Missionaries and partners
at Mayo Abbey en route to Knock to Croagh Patrick

After few months of listening and observing the parish life I started to find my ground. I volunteered to join the senior citizen’s meeting every Monday of the week and visited the confirmation class in schools. The confirmation class is part of the parents and teachers program which is a parish-based ministry. I found joy in helping the parish on liturgical celebrations and visiting the sick and the elderly in their homes.

During my three years in Ireland, I had ups and downs as well especially when members of my family (my parents, particularly my beloved father) in the Philippines were in and out of the hospital. During these times, I was comforted by God through the kindness, goodness, love and presence of friends. The unfailing support of the people around me gave me strength and inspiration in my missionary journey.

Easter 2010, Ireland, Baptism of RCIA candidates on Easter Vigil Mass

One of my more memorable opportunities is to attend a week of workshop and conference of RCIA (Rite of Initiation to Adult) in All Hallows, Dublin. I never had any experience giving formation to people who wanted to become Catholic so the whole experience was totally new to me. To journey with the people coming from different countries, religious background/beliefs and culture was a big challenge for me. I realised then how important my faith, culture and my being a Filipina are to me as missionary. Faith in God first and foremost is the most important recipe in mission. I know that I can’t do things by myself. Without Him I am nothing. My experience of walking with people from different cultures, background and races has enriched my life, my capacity and openness to listen and learn from their experiences. They have taught me to be more flexible, more loving, compassionate and kind. To walk with them was a humbling experience indeed! For that, I am truly ever grateful and I could proudly say that after three years “gratefulness is the language of my heart”! Everything is attributed to God! I know I’ll miss so many friends but I’ll bring all their beautiful memories in my heart when I leave. Thank you for such an enriching experience in my missionary journey! I can truly say that what matters most to me are not my accomplishments. Rather, it is my relationship with people that I value the most.

Lenette “Nette” Toledo of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, is the 3rd of 5 children. She is one of five members of RP17 who joined the orientation for Columban Lay Mission in June 2007 and in 2008 was assigned to Ireland for her first mission term. Lenette worked in Ashbourne, Co. Meath. One of the ministries she served was the Rites of Christian Initiation to Adults. Lenette is renewing her commitment as a Columban Lay Missionary and will return to Ireland soon for another three years of mission work there.

My life in Ballymun

2011-10-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

Ireland, February 2011

Lorelei “Lalay” Ocaya, of Cagayan de Oro City, is the youngest of 11 children. She is a graduate of BS in Development Communication and worked with the Year of Service Program of the Volunteer Center for Peace and Development in Mindanao from 1995 until she joined the formation program for Columban Lay Mission in 2007. During her first term in Ireland, she was assigned to the Holy Spirit Parish, Ballymun. She shares this story....

One of the joys I experience in my mission in the Region of Ireland is that I am able to have a glimpse of the lives of the people I work with which gives me the opportunity to journey with them making my life as a missionary more colorful and meaningful.

I was assigned in Ballymun, north side of Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. Ballymun, in the 60s when Ireland started to gain strength in their economy and became a member of the European Union, was the best place to live in. People from all over the country would love to live in this place because of its magnificent and superb high rise buildings like condos with a state of the art centralized heating system which has very spacious rooms and a little terrace where one can relax and enjoy oneself feeding birds and watching sunset during summer. Also during that time, Ballymun had the best shopping centre probably in the whole of Ireland. My parish priest, Fr. Gerry Corcoran, from the Archdiocese of Dublin, would fondly remember Ballymun as the favourite place to go for shopping where he can enjoy malling when he was in his early teen years. One of the elderly who lived in Ballymun for over 40 years quipped, ‘Ballymun was an ideal place to start a family’. Indeed, she raised her 3 boys in that environment.

However, Ballymun was not spared from the effects of what the technocrats called modernization. As the years passed by, Ballymun became a haven of illegal activities especially drug trafficking. Many became hooked on the substance aside from alcohol. Many families were broken and became dysfunctional. Children have seen all of these and cases of suicide with young people are widespread. Ballymun became a place where its own people don’t want to identify with because it has a bad reputation. Some Irish people especially those in the affluent strata of society are the ones who discriminate their own people. Young Ballymuners are reluctant to tell where they came from because of discrimination especially when they apply for jobs. They change their postal addresses. It is sad. A once heaven-like place became a haven of illegalities that made it a sore in the society. This is the environment I witnessed.

Ireland, December 2010, Lalay with other Columban Missionaries

My first few weeks in Ballymun was a bit scary in the sense that I am still adjusting to the notion that Ballymun is a tough place. I am used to going to different places in Mindanaw and am sure speaking of a tough place, Jolo is more than Ballymun. But I had a different sense maybe because it is a place where drug addicts are rampant and youth gangsters are prominent. I am not used to dealing with such a situation.

I challenged myself on this reality because when I chose Ballymun to be my mission area, I knew more or less the facts, I just have to deal with it and besides I have the feeling that there are other people out there who I can trust. Thanks be to God, He keeps me company and gives me people who are not only I trusted but who trusted and accepted me as one of their own.

I was basically involved in parish work at the Holy Spirit, a diocesan parish. I assisted in all parish activities especially in the spiritual preparation for first communion and confirmation of primary school children in the parochial school. I was also involved in the ministry of the Word and the Eucharist where I attend regular Friday mass at a nursing home and help the priest in the giving out communion. I joined in home visitation especially to elderly who are sick and homebound. I involved myself in the parish team and parish council and with a local ladies’ club of over 55s.

To maximize my time in Ballymun, I decided to help out in pre-school children ages 3-5 to develop their social skills and learn basic colours, shapes, rhymes, etc. in preparation for the ‘big’ school. Also in my first year, I helped in the after school remedial class called Aisling program for 8-12 year old children in their homework and other activities designed by the program, and helped organized a children’s choir for the ‘Do This in Memory of Me’ celebration of the Eucharist of the first communicants.

My experience in the mission gives me the opportunity to work with two extreme age groups (3-5 years old pre-school children and 60-90 years old elderly). I am very happy with this because I am able to develop the basic values of patience, appreciation of little things and being present in

Malate, August 2011, Lalay (front) and other lay missionaries
visit the boarding house of fellow LM Nani

the presence of people. I learned to love the elderly and recognize their contribution to healing my relationship with my mother, gives me the strength to ask forgiveness of all I have done which hurt my mother, and the assurance that I am forgiven. I know I am very incapable of dealing with children but the children in the playschool taught me to laugh more, being awed in their innocence and to have fun while learning about life. My interaction with them helped me a lot in the process of healing my inner child and being able to get in touch with it.

I am glad I have been able to participate in Christ’s mission in my own little ways as Columban Lay Missionary in the region of Ireland. I am happy that I was given the opportunity to be invited and being able to share my giftedness to Christ’s mission. There were very low and discouraging moments which made me disheartened and dejected yet God’s providence, boundless love and faithfulness are always present reminding me that there is nothing my God and I cannot handle together.

I am grateful that I am part of the Columban family in Ballymun. It broadens my understanding of servant-leadership and makes a difference in my life as a missionary. Sometimes, I see mission as quantity rather than quality and it makes me feel frustrated. It makes me judgmental and comparing myself to others. I am struggling to be more authentic, not to see mission as work per se but a continuous relationship with my God and His people – always hoping to build the kingdom He proclaims here on earth. I know I have only done very minute in the mission but I’m assured that quantity is not the measurement of my being a missionary and I still have a long way to go.

To end my story, I would like to share my ode to the Easter people in Ballymun which I made as part of my theological reflection in Easter of 2010.

“If Christ would Come and Walk this Earth once Again”

(title is adapted from a song)

He would be May on a wheelchair, desperate and in agony yet would get up to greet the new day;

He would be Jean bedridden anticipating for the body of Christ everyday;

He would be Kathy, a refugee hoping to have a life and future in a land foreign to her;

He would be Joyce, weeping mother for her two drug addict sons pleading people to pray for them;

He would be Bobot, an OFW working hard to give good education and good life for her son;

He would be Aideen busy grandmother gathering round friends to pray and listen to the word of God;

He would be Hannah beaming with smile infecting others, looking forward for her communion day;

He would be Trish and Marie, two elderly women gladly waiting for their time to come home to the Father’s house;

He would be all those who believe in Easter and become source of life to others...

CLM International Meeting

2011-07-28T00:59:00.000-07:00

July 3 - 16, 2011
Tagaytay City

The international meeting took off in the morning of July 3 Sunday with a tour of Malate Mission Center, followed by the Eucharist and lunch hosted by Malate Parish.

The international meeting, which was held at the St. Scholastica’s Center of Spirituality, Tagaytay City was attended by 12 lay missionaries representing each Columban Lay Mission Region/Mission Unit and Mission Team: Lanieta Tamatawale (Fiji), Columba Chang (Myanmar), Irma Cantago (Peru), Kyung Ja Lee (Korea), Sainiana Tamatawale (USA), Lilibeth Sabado (Taiwan), Angie Escarsa (Ireland), Gloria Canama (Pakistan), Nathalie Marytsch (Britain), Roberta Kim (Japan), Whoo Shin Kwak (Chile) and John Din (Philippines) ; Lay Mission Central Leadership Team headed by Serafina Vuda and members Gracia Kibad and Mauricio Silva; and Fr. Trevor Trotter of the General Council. The two week conference was facilitated by Mercy Sister Liz Murphy.

Fr. Arthur Leger, S.J., director of East Asian Pastoral Institute shared about the church in Asia and has provided input on leadership. Fr. Pat O’Donoghue, Regional Director of the Columbans in the Philippines spoke to the participants about the Columban Mission in the Philippines.

A covenant document was produced to capture what took place during the two week meeting. The covenant document affirmed a renewed focus on the vision of the CLM, a spirit of true togetherness, sharing of good news stories, weaving of inspiring mission stories, and commitment to inspired leadership.

The meeting culminated on the 16th of July with the participants committed to implementing the covenant in our personal journey, collective CLM journey and region, mission unit and mission team level.

by John Din

Immigrant Spouses Journeying Towards Empowerment

2011-07-27T22:33:00.000-07:00

by Necita A. Fetalvero

Columban Lay Missionary, Korea, 2002-2011

Reality

The presence of immigrant spouses in Korea, together with the even larger population of immigrant laborers, has challenged the long-held homogeneous Korean society. With the recent rise in multi-cultural families, the government’s assistance program has helped foster acceptance of diversity and integrate multi-cultural families into the mainstream society. According to the latest marriage statistics, one out of ten couples is international marriage. This marriage is particularly relevant to two groups of men – never married men in rural areas and divorced men of low socio-economic status in urban areas.

Cita (rightmost side) with some Filipino women married to Korean men

It is a reality that an increasing number of women are joining the stream of international migration whether it is a marriage or labor migration for better economic opportunities. Another contributing factor for the rapid increase of international marriage in Korea is the institutionalization of marriage brokers both local and overseas. Korean side brokers take Korean men to a pre-arranged overseas site where potential brides gather and it takes less than a week for the selection and simple wedding ceremony. Most of these women are from China and the Southeast Asian countries. As the number of multi-cultural families increase, the level of problems faced by foreign wives and their children has also gone up. Most of these problems are commercialization of broker-arranged marriages, domestic violence, conflicts with in-laws, discrimination against mixed-raced children, culture shock and language barriers.

Response

The great need in the ministry to women and international marriage and the multi-cultural dimension of Columban mission has led me to respond to this call and challenge for my long term mission. It is taking active part of the challenge with the society as it moves towards the direction of shifting from one ethnic group to being multi-cultural and as a patriarchal society, being challenged by the empowering women of today. It was September 2009 when I started working at Ganghwa Gun Multi-cultural Family Center. Ganghwa is the 5^th largest island in South Korea and sits the estuary of the Han River on the west coast of South Korea, separated from the Korean mainland by a narrow channel, spanned by two bridges passable by public transport. North Korea is directly across the channel on the north coast of the island. There are about 65,000 mostly aging people in the island. About 300 families here are multicultural. They are engaged in farming and fishing. Vietnamese has the highest number followed by Chinese and Filipinos and the rest are other South East Asian women.

Cita during a demo on the preparation of Korean chili paste

Challenge

While I help at the center’s ongoing programs that facilitate adjustment to culture, agricultural training and education, Korean cooking and language classes, child-rearing program, home visitations and other family activities, I was deeply touched by the stories of these young women, accepting the whirlwind marriage and moving from their own cultures as they settle to an unfamiliar environment. Their stories of everyday lives, struggles, failures, learnings, hopes and dreams as immigrant wives are very inspiring. Even if language barriers and cultural differences oftentimes cause friction and conflict in marriage, they make an effort to speak for themselves without fighting but by negotiation. Even if the stereotyping belief of some family and the husband himself that these women were purchased for marriage, they prove themselves to be strong and they assert their cultural identity as immigrant wives and rights equal to a Korean.

Given a special task by the center to handle the individual and group counseling for Filipino women in their native language, I have come to appreciate the journey with them in their vulnerability and strength. They need much more than counseling so I started providing program on basic women’s orientation and leadership training for they are potential leaders. As we share our lives together I meet them regularly for our prayer and bible sharing to deepen their faith and at the same time their lives also deepen my faith. It is my hope and the goal of the center that what we have started with the Filipino women will also be organized for other immigrant women in the area.

My missionary life is enriched by my journey with women in their struggle for their integration to Korean family, culture and society and in their journey towards empowering themselves. I serve as little bridge for both cultures to walk on – Korean families and immigrant wives. I believe that mission in this particular ministry is not just prescribing change but rather journeying towards the direction of balance into our churches, into our families and into our society – rediscovering the feminine side of God in an all-male image of God in the society.

Necita or Cita, originally from Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines, has a degree in Psychology. She joined the Columban Lay Mission orientation program in 2001. During her first and second mission terms in Korea, she worked with the urban poor apostolate based at the mission parish in Seoul. She facilitated liturgies and did visitation to the elderly. She also helped in the after-school academy teaching English to the urban poor children. Likewise, she was also involved in Catholic scouting which assists youth programs in the parish and different schools. After her sixth year with the Columban Lay Missionaries, she gave herself ministering to the multi-cultural families in Ganghwa Island. Please read her reflections below.

Cita is now home for good after 9 years of mission work in Korea. She left the Columban Lay Missionaries to look after her aging and ailing parents. Her father was paralyzed due to stroke 20 years ago and whose condition deteriorated in 2010. Her mother is suffering from diabetes and scheduled for eye operation soon.

As we journey.... Reflections on Mission

2011-07-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

Reflections on Mission

Jubilee Article: Remembering the Columbans

2011-07-21T00:15:00.000-07:00

“Because the Columbans love us…” This was the reply of one (1) Kachin lady to a Columban priest when asked about the elaborate celebrations they gave to the Columbans when in fact there were other missionaries who came before them.

The people in Banmaw have never forgotten what it was like to be loved by them. They have remembered and remembered well with gratitude in their hearts.

L to R: Sr. Ashwena, Arlenne (this article's author), Sr. Mary, and Columba

This gratitude is shown in their prayers, in their stories and in the way they remember and celebrate the feast of St. Columban every year. During my first celebration of the feast of St. Columban in Banmaw in 2009, which coincided with their thanksgiving for the harvest, I was simply struck by the simplicity and generosity of the people expressed in many ways. I could only give a deep sigh of gratitude to God because all words fell short of what I personally experienced that day. What could have had the Columbans done? Or was it the people? Or was it something beyond them?

The celebration started with a holy mass. During the offertory, the manau dance was performed and I was invited to join – they provided me the dress. It ushered the offerers to the altar. It was a beautiful experience for me, as a Columban lay missionary, to be able to participate in their traditional offertory dance and being one with the people in offering thanks to God for the many blessings received including the gift of faith and mission. But it was the program that followed right after the mass that caught me speechless. The children from the different boarding houses (the boarding house is a program of the Catholic Church initiated by the Columban Missionaries) sang songs some of which were original compositions for the feast of St. Columban or for the Columban Missionaries. The life of St. Columban was read, as they always do during the celebration of his feast day. The offering of gifts moved me to be teary-eyed. People, young and old, men, women and children, carried sacks of rice, baskets of fruits, vegetables, etc. mostly from the produce of their own farms, bringing them to the stage as an offering of thanksgiving. The queue was surprisingly long. While watching these simple people lining up for their turn to offer their gifts, not so much for the product but for the meaning, sincerity and gratitude that came with it, with a heart full of unexplained feelings, I asked a local sister the meaning of this event. And she gave me an answer which will forever be etched in my memory and in my heart with joy and gratitude to God. She said that the Kachin people, especially those who have had experiences with the Columbans, are very much grateful to the Columban Missionaries for bringing to them the faith that they have now. As a sign of their gratitude for the love and faith they have received and for bringing God’s love into their land they offer to the church something of what they have. Since the priests, religious, catechists and lay leaders are fruits of what the Columban Missionaries had given to and shared with the people in Kachin land many decades ago, the people give their thanks to the Columban Missionaries through the present representatives of the church. They also give thanks to the local church for continuing the faith and for taking care of the people. And above all, they give thanks to God for sending them the Columban Missionaries whose seeds being planted many years ago continue to bear fruits up until the present times.

At that time, I was a witness to a great mission that happened 73 years ago. While being in that situation, I was also silently giving thanks to God for calling me to be part of the present mission.

Now, in the year 2011, the diocese of Banmaw has celebrated the 75^th Jubilee of the arrival of the Columban Missionaries to Kachin land and the 50^th Jubilee of the dedication of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on March 24-25, 2011.

It was a great celebration indeed for the local church and especially for the parishioners whose lives have been touched, in different ways, by the Columban Missionaries. Great was their joy when they knew that some of the Columban Missionaries were coming and one of them was formerly assigned to Banmaw. Colm Murphy represented the former Columbans assigned to Kachin land; Eamon Sheridan came as a representative of the General Council; the Columban Sisters were represented by Mary Dillon and Ashwena Apao; Columba Chang and myself for the Columban Lay Missionaries. People from different parts of the diocese came as representatives of their respective parishes or on their own capacity. Some had to travel for two (2) or more days to reach Banmaw parish where the celebration was held. Most of them were housed at the Banmaw parish halls and boarding houses. Food was provided for the people.

Leaders of the Manau Dance

The first day of the celebration, March 24, started with the Kachin traditional dance called the Manau dance, represented by the different ethnic groups of Kachin State. This dance is a “source of unity and solidarity, a bridge that links today’s Kachin people with their past. It is a chain that continues to bond lost relatives and friends. It is the medium that has kept reminding the Kachins of their origin and destination.” (taken from the thesis of Fr. John Zau Doi on “Manau Dance and Its Integration in the Liturgy of the Eucharist in the Diocese of Myitkyina, Myanmar”) It lasted for about two (2) jubilant hours. Colm Murphy, Columba and I joined the dance with our traditional Kachin dresses – Columba’s from Hka Hku tribe while mine was from the Jinghpau tribe. There were different kinds of booths selling different kinds of things – kitchen wares, traditional dresses, traditional handicrafts and artworks, traditional herbal medicine, food, drinks, religious articles, shirts, trousers, etc… A stage show in honor of the Columban Missionaries was held in the evening.

An exhibit showing some old pictures of the former Columban priests assigned to Banmaw and some of their works and activities, like the group who built St. Patrick’s Cathedral, were put on display – all with Burmese, Kachin and English captions. Many of the pictures were of David Wall’s brought to Banmaw by Colm Murphy. Some of the pictures belonged to the diocese.

Brochures in three (3) languages – English, Burmese & Kachin – about of the Columban Missionaries in Banmaw were given away. While working on these two assignments – the exhibit and the English leaflet, I gained more insights about the Columbans in Banmaw, especially their mission, work and the relationship they established with the people. This experience has deepened my sense of being a Columban lay missionary here in Banmaw and has gained for me deeper insights on the mission in Kachin land. As I sat down and reflected on the events unfolding before me, this insight crossed my mind: An open and generous heart begets openness and generosity.

The Manau Post

March 25, the second day, was the actual day of the celebration. A holy mass was celebrated with an estimate of about 5,000 people attending the celebration. The entrance procession was ushered by a Manau dance with the Kachin traditional instruments and the bagpipe being played together. The four Kachin Bishops: Archbishop Paul Zinghtung Grawng of Mandalay Diocese, Bishop Philip Lasap Za Hawng of Lashio Diocese, Bishop Francis Daw Tang of Myitkyina Diocese and Bishop Raymond Sumlut Gam of Banmaw Diocese, together with Eamon Sheridan and Colm Murphy lead the congregation. Together with them about some other forty-four (44) priests from the four (4) dioceses just mentioned concelebrated the mass. Archbishop Paul, the first Kachin bishop installed by Bishop Howe, presided the mass and gave the homily. During the offertory, the Manau dance was performed. Most of the songs that were sung during the mass were original compositions by the local people. I had the privilege of being one of the choir members to sing original Kachin Jubilee mass songs. It was great joy for me to be part in the preparation and celebration of this important occasion in the church of Banmaw Diocese. Being with them, staying with them late at night to practice songs, being one with them when reprimanded for bad singing practice and laboring with them was like walking with the people in their journey of seventy-five (75) years as a people of faith. They gave thanks to God for the love he has bestowed on them through the life and works of the Columban Missionaries in their land; I gave thanks to God for them for welcoming us into their homes with open hearts and for accepting us as we are.

A short program followed the mass with all the people still sitting inside the church. The Columban Missionaries were honored during the program. Much was said and done in appreciation for all the love and concern that the Columbans have given to the people in Banmaw. Great was their joy when Colm Murphy tried his best to deliver his message both in Burmese and Kachin languages. Eamon gave a short speech thanking the people for the love they have shown. Ashwena gave the message on behalf of the Columban sisters and the people were delighted to hear her spoke in her good Kachin language. And deep down, as I was listening to what was happening, I also felt like honoring them for their simplicity in living out their faith, in expressing their gratitude and in sharing their love. In their simplicity I saw the sincerity in their generosity. Their simplicity made everything beautifully great.

Arlenne (2nd from left) with the Kachin Group

After the program, a simple lunch with traditional Kachin food was served to the guests.

We witnessed in the afternoon a big number of people joining the 2^nd Manau Dance. Three of the Kachin bishops, some priests including Eamon, some sisters including Ashwena (Columban Sister), myself, plus the youth, men, women and children from the different Kachin tribal groups were dancing to the tune of the traditional Kachin musical instruments – drums and flute, with the “oldies” singing the more classical traditional songs and to the tune of the modern keyboard instrument with the youth singing a more modern upbeat Kachin song. It was a unity dance for the whole community.

A solemn procession followed the Manau dance which was then followed by a community dinner. Then a show was staged until late hours in the evening.

On March 26, Saturday, a thanksgiving mass was held early in the morning at 7am at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for all the people who prepared for and participated in the combined jubilee celebrations. Then following immediately the thanksgiving mass another mass in honor of the Columban Missionaries and all the other missionaries, especially the French Missionarie who died in Banmaw while on mission was celebrated by Eamon Sheridan at the graveyard where they were buried. The mass was concelebrated by Colm Murphy, the four (4) Kachin bishops and a good number of diocesan priests. The people still flocked to the cemetery despite the fact that they had already attended the thanksgiving mass. It was also drizzling at that time. It was a good time for many, especially for those who came from far away places, to pay visit to the Columban Missionaries whom they have loved and missed.

The joint Jubilee celebrations watered the fruits of the seeds that have been planted by the brave encouraging Columban Missionaries 75 years ago. It is hoped that by it the fruits will shed-off more seeds that will grow and continue to multiply and bear much more fruits… then Banmaw Diocese will not only be a vineyard of good and inspiring memories but of a faith that is alive and growing.

It is only with the love and grace of God that all things came to be, has come to be and will be.

Arlenne B. Villahermosa

Columban Lay Missionary

Banmaw Diocese

25 June 2011

RP19's Signing of Agreement

2011-06-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

After a long and uncertain wait for the visa of RP19, the day finally came when She, Reins and Jo finally heard what they have long waited to hear. "Please come back tomorrow afternoon for your visa." It was, as She recalled, the sweetest thing she ever heard in a looonng time.

Sherryl Lou Capili signs her agreement

So on Saturday, June 18, a Eucharistic Celebration was prepared in thanksgiving for God's many blessings. It was the day She, Reins and Jo signed their agreement for a three (3) year term as Columban Lay Missionaries to Taiwan. It was also a celebration to welcome Peruvian Ana Belma Flores for her second term in the Philippines, John Din as the new CLM Coordinator, and Monaliza Esteban (Baguio City), Liezl Ladaran (Cagayan de Oro) and Marjorie Engcoy (Ozamiz City), collectively known as PH20, for the orientation program.

Present during this celebration was Joan's mother whom everyone endearingly call Mommy Yap, She's mother who was celebrating her birthday that day and two brothers, Rein's father, sister and some nephews and nieces. Present also are returned lay missionaries Rheena Babanto (RP7, Korea 1998-2001), Marilou Borje (RP10, Peru 2001-2004), Necita Fetalvero (RP11, Korea 2002-2011), Violie Villaraiz (RP16, Korea 2007-2010), and Josie Manuel (RP2, Brazil 1993-1995). Presiding the mass is Fr. Darwin Bayaca, newly appointed Vice-Director of the Missionary Society of St. Columban,Philippine Region.

Reins, She, and Jo expressing their commitment as lay missionaries

During homily, Fr. Darwin encouraged RP19 to bring with them an empty bowl to Taiwan. This empty bowl represents their openness to listen to what other people has to say. Likewise, Fr. Darwin also encouraged them to bring an empty bowl when they come home after three years.

The three left for Taiwan today June 22. See more pictures here.

A Marathon of Goodbye

2011-06-17T00:22:00.000-07:00

by John Din, Columban Lay Missionary

18 years of working as missionary in Brasil and Peru, it is now time to move to a new home, my other “home”, my country the Philippines. I was almost seven years in Brasil and 11 years in Peru as Columban Lay Missionary.

Before my departure I had the chance to join a marathon together with thousands of runners from all ages. This being a 21 km marathon is called a half marathon. This is my third since last year, my last marathon in Peru. Before the beginning of the marathon, I had the feeling that I was in the right condition to run. Considering my own feelings, my physical state seems to be promising, and so I was very confident to finish the race. I always told myself to finish the race in my own time.

L-R: Columban Fr. Bernie Lane, John Din, Columban Fr. Tony Coney

I think it is the same with going on mission, I thought of the passion I had when I left the Philippines in 1993. I was very young then, full of ideals, faith and desire to share, to learn, to change, to fight, to fit in, and to live in a new place that one day will also become my home.

When I reached 10 km I felt that I have sufficient energy to continue and finish the race. Part of my satisfaction is to see the sign posts of 5km, 7km, and 10km. These convinced me that I was moving in the right decision. I suppose the same is true in my experience of mission. There were sign posts that indicated me to the direction of where I was going. In Brasil, the sign post was the pastoral afro and theater where I finally assumed the JPIC office in my last three years.

In Peru, the sign post was the hunger of the young people to something that gives meaning to their lives. They are looking for the church, looking for meaning, for the sacred, for the transcendence in the midst of poverty, violence etc. One is challenged to try ways to provide young people a space to meet each other, and why not use art, theater, music as an instrument for this search of meaning. Peru has made me discover my yearning for music, desire for encounter with the sacred with the traditional instrument from the Andes. I learned their music by teaching, and the music stayed.

The other sign post was the desire of Peruvians to be missionaries after receiving so much from generous Columbans who were here before us. They see something different with the Columbans, their closeness with the people; I have been a witness to that in so many ways. It has challenged me to do the same. It was helpful to see the different points where people serve water or energy drinks for all the runners. Faces of people continue to flash in my mind; Peruvians, fellow lay missionaries, Columbans , who have helped me replenish my energy.

Not to forget the positive effect of running together. Many times I ran with unknown companions of different ages. I could hardly talk with my co runners. However, one does recognize the look of solidarity. I was not alone in mission. I came with a group of four and finished with a group of two. I have found more groups all through the years.

On passing 15km I have started to feel the demands and the cost of nonstop running for more than one hour now. I have started considering the possibility of stopping and just walk. I know that if I give in to stopping it will be hard to start again. I had walked and then run again but never stopping except in places where one replenishes energy. I know that there are six kilometers more to go but it seems eternity when one’s energy is pushed now to the limit. I started saying to myself that this run is dedicated to all the Peruvians; my gratitude for all that has been and for all that will be from now on. At this point in time, faces of people flash in my mind. There were many of them, people who made impact because of their generosity, of their spirit of service, of their hospitality, openness to welcome strangers, resilience against hardships during difficult times and the spirit of gratitude as expressed in the way they celebrate. At this moment, it is like leaving the familiar to go back to another familiar. It is about going to another home.

At this point in time, memories of my families came too, everything that happened in the last 18 years that I was away from them. Gratitude for God for keeping my family not away from difficulties but for providing with means to go through difficult times, as he has done for me as well.

There was in the many memories a gratitude for all the Columbans in Brasil and Peru. If it was not for them, for those who have touched my life in different ways, some in positive ways, others not so, it would have been impossible to be me now, more trusting, faith in the spirit that breath where he or she wills. The spirit has breath the Columbans and will continue to breath where she wills. Gratitude for the trust they placed on me, on my capacity, as a lay missionary and as person. Gratitude for Columbans who see the best in every person, I have learned that grace too.

Peru, John with staff of the Happy Earthworm Ecology Project

All these memories have helped me go through the most difficult times in the marathon, especially that the last kilometers was a struggle uphill. It has taken its toll on my energy. Then I found myself that I was already passing the 20km mark towards the finishing line. This is my third marathon, the first two was very difficult, but this time there seems to be a difference, not that there was no tiredness and exhaustion, there was an extra strength fruit of the preparation that was taken, that still left on me to increase velocity and finish the last five hundred meters.

My missionary journey was not just a jump into the unknown, there was preparation there and it did work. It was hard to know what part of the preparation works, I think it was the sum of all the efforts to prepare and the accumulation of all the experiences in life that helped me cross the boundaries. I finished the 21 km at two hours and twenty six minutes.

May, 2011

John Din wrote this as his despedida article / reflection before he left Peru to be the coordinator of CLM-Philippines.

FIRE IN MY HEART

2011-06-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

- by Gloria S. Canama

“The fire which is in the sun, the fire which is in the earth,

that fire is in my own heart.” Upanishad

My childhood dream was always to be a religious sister. This dream seed must have been sown by the Columban missionaries, sisters and priests, who were my educators and friends from my early years. I was baptized by the late Columban Fr. Paul Cooney.

Gloria Canama in Pakistan

I tried to follow my childhood dream and joined the Daughters of the Assumption in Davao City, Philippines two years after I graduated college. I am the eldest of the family and my five siblings were still studying with limited financial resources. My mother’s strong resistance, the expected cultural family obligation didn’t stop me from leaving home to answer God’s call. I was happy and always grateful for my life with the sisters, but it wasn’t not for me. After two years, I made the difficult decision to leave. The long hours of bus-journey back home was spent crying and crying. I was fighting with God whom I felt abandoned me. Amazingly when the tears and strong emotions subsided, there was peace within me. Was it a similar experience of the apostles when Jesus calmed the storm? There was this inner knowing of Jesus very present and paining with me as I left the community I had come to love. In my life’s journey, I always go back to that faith experience, of God’s abiding presence and assuring love in my moment of desolation and confusion.

More years of searching God’s will, of how to respond the persistent call within, of how to live meaningful way of life. The Spirit who kept the fire burning in my whole being, eventually led me to PCLM (Philippine Catholic Lay Missionaries), the pioneering missionary group of the laity founded by the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. It was May 1986 when I left again my family and my teaching job. This time, there was no turning back. Since then, I have lived and offered myself as a lay missionary, my act of gratitude to the Source of all Life. Years with PCLM affirmed and strengthened my lay missionary vocation. By baptism am called to follow and participate the mission of Jesus. It was also my baptism of fire. I literally crossed rivers, seas and mountains, had same simple meals for days, had nothing extra to buy gifts on Christmas for my family. My cup was overflowing. I received more than I’ve given. I have found my pearl of great price. I’ve found a meaningful way of life and the fire within kept on burning.

Philippines 1990, L-R: Michael Martin, Gloria Canama, Michael McGuire, and Columba Chang

In 1990, I joined Columban lay mission and together with Pilar Tilos, Emma Pabera formed RP 1 (referring to first LM team from the Philippines). Why chose the Columbans? Partly, it was because of a special affinity with them. Not only had they been significant of my life formation, the Columbans I knew deeply inspired me by their commitment and way of mission especially their option with the poor, their passion for justice and the care of the earth. There’s deep resonance with my own passion and commitment in life.

We arrived in Lahore on a Mission Sunday. One of those synchronistic moments confirming my yes. When we experienced difficulties and doubted our decision, the three of us found it helpful to remember why we came. Being on mission is a gift from God, our magnificat in praxis. All three of us had long connections with Columban missionaries as friends and mentors. Now as Columban lay missionaries, we joined them as partners, sharing Columban life and mission and witnessing a new way of being church. Still, I questioned God. My yes was to life in mission as lay woman but only in the Philippines, preferably in Mindanao where I come from. How could I leave home for three years? Why Pakistan when there are Columban missions in other countries? In hindsight, it’s a blessing I didn’t know Columbans were sent on cross-cultural mission. A blessing in disguise that I wasn’t to know beforehand the many restrictions and difficulties we would experience in Pakistan especially as single women.

Over twenty years now since I first set foot on the “land of the pure”. My first years in mission had been purifying years. I came with excitement and confidence. “ I am a woman of experience. I’ve brought with me my faith, my lived-experiences of working to earn a living and my voluntary Christian community involvement. Moreover, I know the Columbans!” Learning the language alone was like being back in first grade, struggling and getting excited when I was able to read the word Lahore in Urdu script. My first big difficulty was the many don’ts in the culture to women, myself included. What I considered as a simple piece of cloth to cover my head was a cultural symbol if I am a good woman or not. The late Archbishop Armando Trindade of Lahore, on our first courtesy call to him asked us, “What are you three women doing here in Pakistan? How can you travel on your own in a very male-dominated society? How do you hope to empower Pakistani women?” We didn’t have the answers and honestly told the Archbishop with the assurance that we’d share with him our mission experiences. We did and in the process gained his trust and support.

Pakistan, Gloria Canama in one of the monthly mass and gathering for the Filipino Community

While on mission in my own home country, I was working closely with community leaders men and women alike. In Pakistan, I found myself in the midst of women sharing their deep aspirations to be treated with dignity and justice. My years in the Columban parish of Sheikhupura were very meaningful and fulfilling, a lived-experience of Jesus’ words “ I have come that you may have life, life to the full.” I left the parish over ten years ago now, yet I continue to be enriched with the continued friendship with some families there and the countless life-giving mission moments. A lasting gift of mission, a living well where I continue to draw water of joy, nurturance, strength and hope. On the other hand, I continue to share the pain of my women friends still carrying the multiple burdens of being women and of being poor. Many times I wonder if my presence, my journey with them had made a difference. Razia always assured me that I did have an impact in their lives. Many of them have educated not only their sons but also their daughters. Razia’s own daughter is now teacher with her in a village school for the children of brick kiln workers.

Joining the Columbans is a gift and a privilege but not without cost. Partnership in mission, especially 20 years ago was more an ideal, a dream. It took a lot to change attitudes, to be seriously valued as laity on mission and to be integrated in Columban life as partners in mission. Earlier on, LMs were often asked, “What do you do on mission?” There was no easy answer as many of us, if not all joined with no blueprints except the faith and commitment of a disciple to actively participate in the mission of Jesus.

Sometimes, the light within seemed to be flickering, dimming as I struggle to find seeds of hope and meaning in chaotic, worsening situations, locally and globally. A quote from Clarissa Pinkola Estes reasonates with my own experience, “ Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it.” It was sheer joy to be with Shaina, the 5-yr old daughter who calls herself “madam”. Her laughter was infectious and her gift, pair of socks gave me was priceless. A precious gift to be part of their lives even as I struggle with my own helplessness. I can partly identify with St. Paul who went through many trying moments in his missionary journey. I experienced sickness; deaths of Pilar, Pat and Tanvir; armed robbery in the Columban house, deportation from Karachi airport and the “given” challenges just by being here as woman, lay, part of the minority Christian community in an Islamic country which has been fighting against terrorism, violence, intolerance and the many forms of poverty and injustice.

Lay Missionaries Aniceta Budiongan, Aurora Luceño, and Gloria Canama visiting the tomb of Pilar Tilos

When I almost gave up this CLM journey, I realized that the cost to continue is nothing compared to the gifts I have been lavishly blessed with. I highly value this partnership, this sharing of Columban life and mission. It is indeed a pearl of great price to be part of peoples’ lives - with Pakistanis, with Filipino migrants in Lahore and the whole community of life. For the last fiver years I have worked full-time with the Columban JPIC focusing on ecological awareness and our ecological calling as members of the earth community. We had a strong JPIC team in Lahore, with Columban priest Tanvir (Tommy) O’Hanlon and Pakistani layman Aqif Shezad. Slowly, we were gaining momentum with more positive responses from different groups, including the commission of religious/congregational leaders. The team’s energy and creativity were in it’s height. My own immersion with the universe story, tilling and caring an organic garden, being inspired by the living witnesses of individuals and groups responding to care Mother Earth, these and daily encounters with life make the fire within flaring forth. Until the sudden death of Fr. Tanvir on the 6^th of June 2010. His death was just over two weeks after another great Columban missionary in Lahore, Fr. Pat McCaffrey died of heart attack. The shock and grief are shared by many. Tanvir had been a very close companion and partner in mission all my years in Pakistan and his death pained me to the core.

Two months later, I got news from home that both my parents were confined in the hospital. How long would I be tested? How could I bear all these? I cried to my God in the depths of my being. I couldn’t make sense of the recent happenings. Is it time to go home for good and be with my ageing parents? Five years ago I wrote in my journal, “I was crying most of the afternoon and night. I woke up the following morning feeling that I’ve risen.” This is still true for me now, even deeper. In my grief, concern with my ageing parents and own share of insecurity, there’s peace, courage, hope and gratitude. All is grace. I am not alone in the journey, never had been with my family, Columbans and the widening circle of co-creator friends with the earth community. It’s a privilege to be involved in ministries that I love and very happy to initiate, to be part of creative relevant responses to changing missionary challenges. There is this inner knowing that there is always enough cosmic grace not only to continue but to thrive and glow in my missionary journey. “Only in burning itself that a candle gives light”.

Reflections

2011-06-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

Jonah Jane "Jayjay" Enterina, lay missionary assigned in Britain, shares this short reflection from her silent retreat.

RP20 to PH20?

2011-06-08T01:43:00.000-07:00

Following the Department of Foreign Affairs move to use PH for Philippines instead of RP as initials to the Republic of the Philippines, the Columban Lay Missionaries - Philippines will also be adopting PH to name all upcoming Filipino Teams. The new group in orientation will then be called PH20. Previous groups, however, will still be called with the team names they have long been held such as RP1, RP2, RP3 until RP19.

Thank you.

Comings, Goings, Endings!

2011-06-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

There is never a dull day at the Columban Lay Mission House in Cubao, Quezon City. Every day is a new day indeed with many comings and goings. But sadly there are endings as well.

Let us start with comings!

PH20 is here. As their name implies, they are the 20^th team of Filipino LMs in orientation. They are Monaliza Esteban (Baguio City), Liezl Ladaran ( Cagayan de Oro) and Marjorie Engcoy. Read their profile here.

John Din on the left

We welcome with joy the appointment of John Din of San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur as CLM-Philippines Coordinator. His three-year appointment is effective June 1, 2011. John served in Brazil for six years from 1993, then in Peru for nearly 12 years. To you John, WELCOME! We hope that the next three years ahead will be as enriching as your experience in Brazil and Peru.

Fr. Colm McKeating with K13. L to R - Enna, Sunny, Juri and Eu

April 3 was a day to remember as we welcome with joy the arrival of four women from Korea. Collectively, they are called K13. They are Kim Sun Hee (Sunny), Shin Hyun Jeong (EU), Noh Hye In (Enna) and Park Juri (Juri). At present, they are on their second month of Tagalog studies. Enna is an English Literature and Education graduate from Mokpo University. While in Korea she worked as Sunday school teacher and was involved with the foreign workers ministry, HIV/AIDS Shelter and with the physically and intellectually challenged. Juri is a multi-media graduate and has worked as web site administrator. She was active in various ministries among which are the foreign workers and Seoul Station Study Room. Sunny is a social worker by profession and has worked with the Nursing Home for the Physically and Intellectually Disabled. Sunny also served in the foreign workers ministry and the Seoul Station Study Room. Eu is a registered nurse and has worked at Korea University Hospital and Chonnam University Hospital. Her ministries were with the HIV/AIDS shelter and clinic for the poor.

Marisol in yellow shirt

Ana Flores with the youth in Cagayan de Oro

Marisol Rojas and Ana Belma Flores are also back. We thank the Lord for their willingness to accept the challenge of another three years of mission in the Philippines. Both were assigned in the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro from 2008 until their home leave in December 2010. Marisol is now in Cagayan de Oro while Ana remains in Cubao,Quezon City until she completes her English language studies.

Goings!

Quezon City, Kyung Ja Lee, now back in Korea

In May 25, Kyung Ja Lee, who first came to the Philippines in October 2000, returned to Korea to take on a leadership role there as CLM Coordinator. In her 10 years here, Kyung Ja served in two parishes and with the Migrants Ministry. She was also a member of the Lay Mission Leadership Team for three years.

Endings!

RP17 with Fr. Michael Martin at the Jubilee Center, Malate. Front row, L to R: Lalai Ocaya, Epie Padao,
Lenette Toledo, and Virgie Tanate. At the back is Evik Quilab.

With sadness, we say goodbye to Marivic Quilab, Virgie Tanate and Epie Padao of RP17 as they take on a different path. RP17 just completed a three year term in Ireland and came home in April. Their re-entry program was held in Charles Borromeo in Tagaytay City.

Aniceta in Pakistan

Aniceta Budiongan of Loboc, Bohol, left after nearly 14 years on mission. She was in Ireland for six years and then returned to the Philippines as LM Coordinator and went to Pakistan in 2007 until 2010.

LMs during the 2009 annual meeting. From left: Maria Agustina (Peru),
Sainiana Tamatawale (Fiji), Antonio Salas (Peru), Ana Flores (Peru), Nani Mounga (Tonga) and Lusio Navelinikoro (Fiji)

Antonio Salas from Peru who was assigned in Mindanao completed his 3-year term in December 2010. Antonio is one four members of the first Peruvian team assigned to the Philippines. He is now back in Peru gainfully employed.

Carmela on right

Ana Carmela Capistrano of Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur has also left the CLM after almost five years of mission in Pakistan.

Fiji, Rowena D. Cuanico

After nearly 11 years as Columban Lay Missionary, Rowena D. Cuanico, who spent almost 8 years in Fiji and 3 years in the Philippines as CLM Coordinator, completed her term and has decided not to renew. Thank you Weng for your friendship and your commitment to the CLM. It has been a joy and honor working with you. Your wisdom and sense of humor have helped many of us through some rough times. We wish you well in your journey.

Columban Lay Missionaries in Orientation, PH20

2011-06-06T02:58:00.000-07:00

30 years old MONALIZA “Mona” ESTEBAN, of Loakan, Baguio City, is the 3^rd of 7 children. She is a teacher by profession, and so are her mother and two sisters. She is a graduate of the Mother of Life (MOL). She believes that it was in Mother of Life where her faith was really developed. Some of her closest friends are from MOL. Mountain climbing and watching adventure movies are some of her hobbies. Her co-workers find her organized in her work and always willing to learn. She came to Lay Mission from working as a classroom teacher in Sto. Rosario Sapang College, Bulacan.

25 years old MARJORIE “Marjo” ENGCOY, of Ozamiz City is the eldest of three daughters. She loves to sing, play the guitar and write prose and poetry. Her friends describe her as strong, flexible and always ready to lend a hand. Her family is active in Church work. Her father and sisters are members of the parish choir and her mother is a Gagmay'ng Simbahanong Katilingban (GSK) leader. She came to the Columban Lay Mission from working as an English teacher in Immaculate Conception College – La Salle, Ozamiz City.

39 years old LIEZL “Liza” LADARAN, originally of Bayugan City, Agusan Sur, is the 5^th of 7 children. She studied accountancy in college and worked with a food company in Cagayan de Oro City prior to joining the CLM. Her ability to easily make friends is her best asset that adapting to a new environment comes naturally for her. Her family describes her as godly, simple, and kind, among others. Liza wants to become a missionary because she wants to share her faith and her God to others.

Joan Yap's Mission Sending

2011-05-13T20:51:00.000-07:00

May 9, 2011 was a very special day for the faithful of Ipil, Zamboanga. On this day, one of their sons was ordained to the deaconate and another to the priesthood. And Columban Lay Missionary Joan Yap had her mission sending too. Below is a poem written by Joan. Read too her reflections found further down.

Mission Sending Rite

Lord here I am

Wanting to do your will

So weak and frail

Anytime it will break

Lord here I am

Happy with all the knowledge; and

Fear that I may not be enough for you

But your love fills the emptiness

Anxieties and fears trouble me

but you never give up on me;

am I in the right direction?

Touch always my heart

You are the source of everything

The light of my life

The meaning of my life

Hear me when I say

I surrender!

Empty me, I pray

For in you I find the fulfillment

And that would be the greatest gift

that I give to myself

and making you as my life.

Lord I am weak

I love you

And you love me

And this is what matters most.

Joan with Bishop Tonel and the clergy of Ipil

A LIFE OF THANKSGIVING

Joan Blaza Yap, Columban Lay Missionary

I remember before I resigned from the Social Action of the Diocese of Ipil, I shed so many tears because it was so hard for me to let go of the things that I was comfortable with. I have come to love my work and with the people whom I worked and served with.

I was inspired by the commitment of the many people here in the Diocese, from the priests and the lay, who have offered most of their life in building the church of the Diocese of Ipil. Life was not that easy for them - going to barrios riding in a habal-habal or sometimes walking for long miles. They to attend the needs of others so unselfishly rain or shine, giving seminars even to the point of leaving their family behind. They are undaunted by threats to their life, and all rejections, pains and difficulties, all for the sake of justice and peace. With and despite all difficulties, you can still clearly see the smile on their faces, a joy so simple and real coming from the grace that they have served God in their own special ways.

I am moved especially by the commitment of the lay as co-partners in building the kingdom of God here in the Diocese of Ipil. Their dedication to serve, respect and love their communities and generously offering their life for the church taught and inspired me, that Life will be more meaningful and fulfilling if we choose to share it to others. I will be forever grateful for the privilege to work with the people here in the Diocese of Ipil. My YES to God’s invitation is truly a gift from God, that I may partake in His mission and invitation to live my faith into action.

My experiences here in the Diocese of Ipil have opened my eyes to see God’s mysterious presence in different situations, from environmental issues and concerns to human rights violations especially against women, peace and order, poverty, health issues, youth. These all challenged me how to become an instrument of Hope and Love.

And now, offering my life to the Columban Lay Missionaries is a great blessing and gift to me. It’s an invitation for me to come to know who I am as a gift. It gives me an opportunity to better understand myself more, get hold of myself and most importantly, experiencing and acknowledging God’s unconditional love in my life. It’s a journey of love, an experience of forgiveness and of healing of wounds. My wounds become gift and a blessing for myself and for others.

Please allow me to share to you how (my) number Nine (works) for me as part of God’s mysterious plan in my Life. To start with, I was formed in the womb of my mother for NINE months with my twin sister. My parents at that time worked in the different ministries of the then Prelature and now the Diocese of Ipil. Then God gave me NINE wonderful people in life, my parents, who were the first missionary that I have come to know and who taught us that prayer and service come together. Then my 4 brothers and 3 sisters who showered me with their love and care become my community of LOVE. Then the meaningful NINE years with the Social Action Ministry of the Diocese of Ipil that formed and molded me to be a local missionary. Being with the Social Action Ministry nurtured my vocation to be of service to others because I was inspired by the sincere commitment of the people. And God is the God of Order who, before sending me to where God wants me to go, has blessed me with this Gift of NINE month- Orientation Program of the Columban Missionary. It’s a journey of knowing God through others, a journey of going deeper to myself with my God and finally, a journey of responding tp God’s love to others.

And as a fitting part of the Magical Nine in my life, it was Bishop Joy who chose May 9 as a date for my send off which is a a joint celebration for a gift of vocation for Lay Mission, Deaconate and Priesthood.

I am sure that there will be other significant events in my life associated with 9! As I am going to encounter my lucky number, I am holding on to Gods promise that He will be the one holding me. I am looking forward with awe and amazement to witness to God’s love. It comes from this great realization that when I start emptying myself, surrendering to God’s will because I Love God most, it is when I am given a new life. I realize that God’s will is simply Love.

What Jesus said to his Disciples; “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Good News to every creature” has become a deeply personal, more real and even bigger challenge for me to spread his Gospel of love to everyone I meet.

(I am Joan Yap, fifth child of the late Mr. Lito Yap and Josefa Blaza Yap. I am one of the fruits of the love of two people who offered most of their life to the Prelature and now the Diocese of Ipil. I am blessed by a family and by a circle of friends who, even when we were young, have already taught us how to serve and believe in God’s providence. I am now committing myself, after my sisters Jennifer and Jasmine, to a life of a Lay Missionary under the Columban Lay Missionaries of the Missionary Society of St. Columban.)

Sherryl Lou Capili's Mission Sending

2011-05-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

Sherryl Lou Capili had her mission sending on May 1, 2011 in San Antonio de Padua Parish, Silang, Cavite. Below is her reflection of her journey to becoming a Columban Lay Missionary.

She with her parish priest Fr. alvin and the Columban Fathers

At home, I am Che-Che but most of my friends call me She (pronounced 'Sheh'). I am the eldest among three. I had a different plan for my life before. When my father passed away when I was very young, I made sure to do my best in school so I could get high grades. I was thinking that the medals would be my ticket to get a nice job with a high pay so I could help my mother in sending my younger brothers to school. I was struggling to get better jobs as I tried one after the other. As a Mass Communication graduate, I dreamed of working for the giant television networks, film outfits, and famous charitable institutions. All these came true. I was also given an opportunity to teach on a part-time basis to college students while I was pursuing my graduate studies and working at ABS-CBN Foundation, all at the same time. Aside from these, I was also dreaming of traveling and doing some volunteer work and a short term exposure in Rwanda and in other challenging places where I could possibly do a video documentary film. At that time, I was not even familiar with the term “missionary.”

She delivering her thanksgiving speech

With dreams I’ve already fulfilled and with the bigger goals in mind, I felt that something was still missing. I was not into developing my spiritual life. I was not a practicing Catholic at all. In fact, I would only hear mass during Christmas, New Year, or during weddings and funerals. I was preoccupied with my earthly needs and desires. Everything was just about me, my public image, my achievements. I would only spend time for prayer when I needed something or when extremely happy for successfully getting what I want. For me, prayer was just an activity. In other words, I did not have a personal relationship with God.

With She's family

The turning point in my faith journey happened during a 3-day retreat I attended last December 2008 with the Singles Apostolate of the St. James Renewal Movement in Ayala, Alabang. Although I’ve been to Catholic schools during my high school, college, and graduate studies years, I was not able to take good care and nourish my relationship with God. Since then, I found myself actively participating in the community’s monthly prayer meetings and other activities and attending more retreats until God led me to Malate Parish where I read about the Columbans. After four fruitful years, I resigned from ABS-CBN Foundation, leaving what I considered as my second family and home in exchange for another uncertain journey with the Columban Lay Missionaries (CLM).

I never thought that it would be possible for my case to leave a wonderful job and the benefits I was receiving. I was anxious about so many things before I have finally felt the courage to just let go and trust in God’s plans. I felt at peace with the idea that I won’t be having an income and I had to redefine my role in the family. I came to that point when I was craving for this quest on what God has for me by living and sharing with people of another culture, creed, and race. I was excited to learn through them and see how God loves them and is present in them. Detaching from what I used to do, what I had, my comfort zones, and the people dear to me was difficult but realizing what the 9-month orientation program is about made me look forward to the brighter side of this new path.

Teaching at Malate pre-school

The orientation program gave me the chance to look back at my life experiences and I realized how God has been preparing me for this lay missionary journey. It was such a grace for me to see that those events that happened in the past 29 years, both painful and joyful, were part of His molding for me. Now I understand why God made me a catechist to children when I was in high school and college. Now I understand why God let me experience to be a teacher and relate with the youth. Now it is clear to me as to why I am really fond of meeting people from all walks of life. He has been refining my heart from being self-centered towards moving to others. He has been trying to win me back all the while, only that I was pretending to be blind and deaf to acknowledge his greater plans. I realized the wisdom behind the low paying jobs I had – it was to humble me and make me realize that relationship with people is more important than any amount I could withdraw from my ATM cards.

In a very candid conversation that I had with a group of friends several years ago about our plans, dreams, and goals I said, “I want to be very rich so I could give to many people in need.” Now, I discovered that I have been very wealthy since the day I was borne. That by being rich, I refer to having a very supportive family who is understanding enough to let me go and live in another country to share in Jesus’ mission; that my treasures are not the material things I have but my friends, co-workers, teachers, community, and other people who have been part of my joys and pains as well as my successes and failures; that I have wonderful gifts and talents from God that I can share and an open and humble heart to learn from others too; that I am extremely wealthy to the extent that I am drowning in God’s love and graces.

At Hangop Kabataan, a school for children with special needs

I am still in awe with what I have received from the orientation program. I am a recipient of the Columbans’ generous hearts in sharing their own experiences in mission. Being surrounded and guided by them made me more inspired in my discernment process. The experiences and learning are way beyond what I thought before I entered the CLM. I am very grateful to God for directing my heart to be here now. I thought I had the best plans for my life but indeed, God revealed to me that his plans are always the grandest. Aside from developing a deeper personal relationship with God, the most significant aspect of the orientation program was on self-awareness. I’m grateful to our group work and the 10-week Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program. The process was painful as I traced and discovered that how I react in a given situation has something to do with an experience in the past; that I was afraid to commit mistakes and I tried to block the feelings of sadness and anger by being independent and strong; that I wanted to control situations without realizing how I could affect others…but it was a good pain as I now learn and grow being able to manage my issues.

The Mindanao exposure helped me see clearer how it is to be a missionary: living with and listening to people, understanding their concerns and needs, sharing in their hopes and prayers, respecting their culture, giving them words of affirmation, sharing my own faith experience and God’s love to people I just met; responding to them when I had the means to do so and being humble to be silent and be pleased that my mere presence was enough. I have a growing respect for other people as I embrace the fact that we have our own histories. Our homestay at the Islamic City of Marawi and with a group of indigenous people in Bukidnon made me realize that despite the differences that we have in terms of cultural/religious beliefs, still we all share in some common pains and joys as human beings. Even if we have different languages or dialect, we have a common language, and that is love.

I have learned to slowly let go and let God – one thing that I found very difficult to say before. I never imagined that I could be courageous enough to say ‘yes’ to being a lay missionary as I temporarily leave my family, friends, and all other things I have held in my life. Although I still hold other dreams to fulfill, for now, my heart’s desire is to respond to this call of being a Columban Lay Missionary in Taiwan.

Attempting to create a dream catcher necklace at the Subanen Crafts, Ozamiz City

` The past nine months have been the most wonderful blessing that I received from God as he sent me the graces to be open and ready to know more about myself before I could minister to others. I have my weaknesses, limitations, and wounds that I may carry with me for the rest of my life but God always reminds me how he loves me no matter what. God tells me that when I go to Taiwan, I have my talents and gifts to share as well as my own wounds that could possibly be an instrument for others’ healing. God never gets tired of affirming me that he has chosen me and all I should do is to trust that his plans are the grandest.

Reina Mosqueda's Mission Sending

2011-05-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

A piece of bread…blessed, broken, and shared

Reina "Reins" Mosqueda had her mission sending mass in her home parish of the Immaculate Conception, Los Baños, Laguna on May 8, 2011. Reins is one of three members of PH19 who is assigned to Taiwan for mission work in partnership with the Missionary Society of St. Columban. Below is her reflection about her experience with a little girl and how this experience helped her grow and be a better person, woman and Christian.

Immaculate Conception Church, Los Banos

I had an experience that made a strong mark in my heart until this very moment. This experience has encouraged me more to serve other people. It has left a deep impact in my life that I will always be grateful of. While this happened 13 years ago during my last year in college, this is still very vivid in my memory. Every Sunday afternoon, I would join the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco in their apostolate in the neighboring town. We would gather the children and youth at the ground of the elementary school beside the Parish Church. We would play, dance, sing, teach catechesis and prepare them for the Mass. I was teaching a group of students from ages 11-13. They were few but very consistent in their attendance. I was happy being with them. Indeed, I was enjoying my apostolate.

Columban Fr. Darwin Bayaca expressing joy over Reins
generous offer to serve as a Columban Lay Missionary

Every December, we would give a Christmas Party for some children from all the apostolate centers of the Sisters. We would select children who were really financially poor. The party was going to be held in one big university in Quezon City. We traveled very early for almost two hours from Laguna. Since some of the children did not eat yet their breakfast, we knew that they would feel hungry as soon as we arrived in the place. We were so fortunate to have many sponsors from different food companies. A few minutes after we arrived, we started to distribute bread and drinks to the children. How beautiful to see volunteers helping in giving snacks and how the children would express their thanks! After the giving out of snacks, one Sister led the prayer before meal. Then we, the volunteers went around and assisted the children. One of my students caught my attention so I went to her and asked, “O Marilyn bakit hindi mo kinakain yang snacks mo?” Then I also asked her, “Hindi ka ba nagugutom?” I was struck by her answer. “Ipapasalubong ko po ito ate, sa mga kapatid ko” she replied. As she is holding the bread, I saw how happy she is. I saw the smile on her face and excitement in her heart because she has something to give to her siblings when she got home. What I did was, I gave her another bread and told her to keep the other one in her bag. I was astonished by her action. I cannot control my tears so I went to the corner and there I cried.

Reins with her father

Marilyn was very active in our Sunday class. She comes from a poor and large family. Almost every Sunday, she would wear the same clothes. Maybe that was the only fine clothes she has. And sometimes if no one will take care of her younger siblings during that day, she would bring them to our class. She really loved to attend our Sunday school. Those were the few things I know about her. Even then, I admired her already because of her eagerness to learn about Jesus. But she inspired me because of what she did during the Christmas party.

Was she not hungry herself? Why think of others first when you are also in need? How come that in her young age she was already thinking of the needs of her siblings? She did not feel her own hunger. But instead she thought of sharing what she has with others. She has forgotten herself but remembered her siblings. How beautiful was her act of kindness and generosity! What moved her to do that? Those were the thoughts that were ringing into my ears. Yes this experience has disturbed me. I felt that there was something stirring deep within me. Many activities happened during that day but Marilyn struck me most. Her physical hunger didn’t stop her from doing an act of kindness to others. Truly, it was love that moved her to give, to share what she has without expecting anything in return. Pure and authentic love gave the child deep joy in sharing the bread.

The child did not only feed her siblings but she fed me too. Through her example, I witnessed a life with the Living Bread which is Jesus, himself – generous, kind and true. Like the Gospel passage that says “I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live forever…” (John 6:51). For me, Marilyn is bread from heaven. A person who in her young age is already sharing her goodness to others in her own simple ways. She doesn’t know how much she has encouraged me to do same. Live a life with God who sustains and nourish me in fulfilling his great plan for me every day. Having a deeper relationship with Him, “a relationship of trust, love and gratitude” is now my strong hold.

With this experience during college, I got interested in reading life stories of missionaries from different magazines placed in our library. There I came to know the Columban lay missionaries through Misyon magazine. Since then, I was inspired to be a missionary either as a nun, a married person or lay. Even though the desire was already there, it took me some years to discern. I was enjoying my work as a teacher for several years and I thought the desire to be a missionary will die away. I thought anyway that I am still serving God and his people through my work. But no, the desire did not die but even grew stronger and stronger everyday. Until one day I decided to resign from my work and look for a mission group. While searching, I knew that having a local involvement here in the country is one of the requirements. So I first joined a full-time volunteer group, the Jesuit Volunteers Philippines or JVP. I was assigned in Bukidnon for two years as house-parent, community worker, formator, and youth organizer. I worked with Deaf children and youth on my first year while on the second with the Indigenous high school students. I felt so blessed to be immersed with different kinds of communities that are in need and marginalized. I am not saying that I did not experience pains, difficulties and hardships during my JVP years but I looked at those as periods of grace from God. The experience helped me to grow and be a better person, woman, and Christian.

Reins with friends from JVP

A few months before the end of my last year in JVP, I did discern well whether to continue in becoming a missionary. Yes, I thought that two years in JVP would be enough. But God has his own plans in putting me to the path I wanted to walk on in life. God used different people and events in leading me to go back to my desire to be a missionary – a Columban lay missionary or CLM.

For almost two years I discerned again while I was working in an NGO (Non-Government organization) for the Deaf. Finally, I took the risk of applying to the CLM. Joy, excitement, fear, and anxieties were just some of the many feelings I had when CLM accepted me to the nine- month Orientation Program. I am blessed to be with two beautiful persons (Joan and She) in the orientation program. God is so good that he gives me graces that I needed during the program. The graces of openness, courage and joy helped me continue. The program provided us venue to discover more of ourselves as individual and as a community enriching different aspects of our lives. For me discovering one self to be freer in responding to the Living Bread is not easy. Personally, what I do really appreciate in the program is how I discovered my relationship with God. How my relationship with him affects my relationship with myself and others. And how will I sustain this relationship in my everyday life. And how will I be open to God to be used for his glory. Truly, the program and CLM community generously give me the support to respond to the call.

There is deep joy and gratitude here in my heart now that I am being sent off to the mission in Taiwan. I feel anxious, afraid and worried about my stay there but I will use these feelings to be my strength and good reminders to remain humble. I am now ready to be bread for others – blessed, broken and shared.

RP19 Parish Mission Sending

2011-04-19T00:11:00.000-07:00

Fr. Charlie O'Mahony shares his Vocation Story

2011-01-21T00:24:00.000-08:00

That thing on Stick and Different Angles of People's Generosity?

2010-12-08T00:14:00.000-08:00

- a reflection by Jeros G. Amparo, Columban Seminarian, Spiritual Year, on the evening of December 4

I was surprised when I learned that the CLM House is throwing a barbeque party that Saturday night. I thought it was a candid invitation for relaxation and perhaps a suitable night for Saturday gimmicks. Usually people come to this kind of party for chit-chats... take few drinks .. a way of getting out of routines and the noisy buzz of work but this time it was a different garden-barbeque party. It was a party for a cause. Something very simple yet heart-warming. The aim was ... to raise funds for the chemotherapy of Marifi since she has not been receiving support from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for her treatments. The gesture of the CLM people to orchestrate this event is in itself a gift and a lively way of animating Christ's charity for those who are in need and take note, not only lifting a hand to help but extending hands for a greater purpose. Isn't this what we are called for? To stretch ourselves and to find meaningful ways so that we can be of help to others. There was nothing extraordinary in this activity ... only that it was done with perfect love and genuine concern for others.

After the night I was left in awe with what I have experienced. I was reflecting back then and I realized how generous people can be in their resources, time and effort. How love and genuine concern can actually be seen in action. Selling all the barbecues and the amount of dole outs were not the most important things but the thought of sharing something precious for the healing of others, in this case of Marifi. I mean something precious like time, maybe canceling a personal date or getting a portion of your allowance or the whole of it or presence or a song or a dance or simply by saying "count me in".

That night .... taking each barbeque gave me an insight of how simple it is to actually be charitable...perhaps some may have experienced praying for Marifi's healing while eating, some may have actually sang because it was their way of expressing empathy, maybe saying "Marifi, kaya natin ito. Kasama mo ako." or someone may have danced all night long and may have actually been expressing a thought like, "Lord, I like to share my gift of health to Marifi" and many more .... the human expressions may be limiting but I believe the message was sent straight to the heart of everyone who was there.

In the final analysis of this event it is clear that we are called to show love for we have been created in love, from love and for love. Often time it is very easy to say "I am willing to help" but in fact it is seldom that we are there when the "helping act" happens. In this event many have expressed their support and were actually there to act it out and to fulfill a promise and to be one in praying for healing of Marifi. Maybe it is not only Marifi whom we helped but also ourselves. We have helped ourselves in a way that we have activated our capacity to love and to go beyond ourselves and to appreciate the gift of tremendous capacity to love and to show genuine care and charity for our fellowmen. Isn't this the reason why we all live? Isn't this the reason why we were created? Isn't this why we are Columbans?

So to the CLM people ....thank you for sharing that thing on stick.... and for showing different angles of our generosity....Keep it fiery...keep it smokey! Keep it that way...love on stick!

Dahil sa isang tasang tsaa

2010-11-23T19:02:00.000-08:00

Today November 24, Wednesday, a Baclaran Day, Rowena Cuanico shares to the thousands of believers and devotees to Our Mother of Perpetual Help about her experience as a Columban Lay Missionary in Fiji. Here she talked about her friendships that started, bloomed and were nourished with a cup of tea. Let us listen to her beautiful and inspiring story.

HAPPY FEAST DAY!

2010-11-22T20:05:00.000-08:00

On this feast of St. Columban,

may our spirits be renewed,

our passion for mission rekindled,

our friendships nourished,

              and the ties that bind us together
   be made more strong and firm -
   in the name of love and for Christ!

Happy Feast Day!

Columban Lay Missionaries - Philippines

Reflections on St. Columban's Day

2010-11-22T01:03:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

Since November 15, we - Formation House, Columban Sisters' Novitiate and the Lay Mission community have been having novena at the Formation House in preparation for the celebration of the feast of St. Columban.

I am honored and pleased to share with you my reflections for the 9th day of the novena.

Happy St. Columban's Day!

Rowena

------------------------------

When we first thought of joining the Columbans two or five or 15 years ago, how much do we know of the life of St. Columban? What particular qualities of St. Columban inspired us to join the Columban Missionaries? What is Columban himself? Or the founders – Bishop Galvin and John Blowick? Or was I encouraged by the life of a Columban priest, sister, or lay missionary or co-worker who was my role model? Maybe our answers are as varied as the number of people gathered here this morning.

Perhaps most of you are luckier than me for having had a personal experience with a Columban before you arrived at Rosario Drive. Because I never knew of any Columban before I joined Lay Mission. I have never met one. Maybe the closest I got were the columns of Shay Cullen that I used to read in the Sunday Inquirer. But when I was following Shay’s column, I never knew that he was a Columban. I discovered that Shay Cullen is a Columban only after I joined the Lay Mission. The voice of Mick McGuire was probably the voice of the first Columban I have ever heard. And that was when I inquired about the lay mission. But for most of you, you have some personal encounter or relationship with a Columban. And this personal relationship must have some influence in your decision to become a Columban missionary.

It took an Oblate bishop and a Carmelite sister to lead me to the Columbans. We went through the Catholic Directory of the Philippines and when we came across the page about the Columban Missionaries, they encouraged to me to give it a try. They did not mention anything about charism or spirituality. As true friends they were very concerned if I would be left out in conversations. They assured me that ‘you won’t get lost there’ since they are very committed to social justice issues. They were trying to assure me that I could contribute to the conversation because I have some understanding of social justice issues, and if I may add, from a technical perspective.

If I knew nothing at all about St. Columban when I first inquired about lay mission, what is that I have come to discover in his life, in the life of John Blowick and Bishop Galvin, and in the life of every Columban – lay missionary, ordained, student, Columban Sister, co-workers, benefactors that I have come to know and which have inspired me to stay?

For me it has been a privilege to have come to know the Columbans personally as well as to be inspired by the life of St. Columban, our founders, and Columbans who have gone before us. For the last 11 years friendships were born, nourished and nurtured. My faith has been enriched by the gift of the lives of Columbans – priests, sisters, fellow lay missionaries, co-workers, the people who care for us, and our benefactors. My missionary vocation has been deepened by meaningful and varied experiences on mission – from strangers becoming friends, amazing welcome and hospitality of the people, from learning the language, memorizing the names of the members of our parish community, being amazed by the uniqueness and richness of cultural and religious rituals, preparing an inculturated Hindi mass, attending Hindu rituals and living for four years with a Muslim family. My life has been coloured by personal and enriching relationships with Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Baha’i, Methodists, and the Filipinos who live in Fiji for their tremendous support and encouragement on mission. My sense of understanding of the world has been sharpened because I have been blessed with a new way of looking at myself, at others, and what is happening in the world today.

But there were times when I could not make a sense of what was going on and I simply wanted to pack up and go. There were times when I felt that I was needed more at home than here in Rosario Drive. There were times when I felt frustrated because I wanted to be nice and I couldn’t be nice. There were moments when I felt so tired because I thought I was superwoman and I discovered that I wasn’t Superwoman and will never be. And what is keeping me to stay? This might sound familiar. But I still have to say it. It must be in the name of love. It must be Christ.

Columbans and his followers endured many trials and difficulties. Food was scarce. They had to travel by foot and by sea for long periods of time. They were strangers. They were different. There was local opposition. There was tension in his own community. What kept them going? It must be love. It must be Christ.

Despite difficulties Columbans and his followers must have been experiencing something very profound and deep in their hearts. They were doing their mission in the name of love and for Christ. But their own personal experiences of Christ were being radiated into the community and to each other. By the sharing of their experiences of God, they were leading each other to Christ. The monasteries which Columban established produced many saints for the Church. Many Columbans in Mindanao, Malate, Myanmar, and China have also suffered death and persecution for the sake of the Gospel. Their lives were lived in and for love. Their lives were lived for Christ. And this is what our community life strives to accomplish - that we too are leading each other to Christ. Hopefully saints are now being born along Rosario Drive.

I have realized that the Columbans are not very good at promoting themselves. I have never seen an old t-shirt, advertising the Columbans.T-shirts with Columban designs are a latest phenomenon. And now we are into blogs and Facebook. I have the feeling that the Columbans are not good in promoting themselves because they are promoting Christ. Just as we are exiles for Christ, we are promoters of Christ by the witness of our lives.

I can name a good number of reasons why I feel like celebrating today. Of course – the very life of St. Columban is worth celebrating. And there can be some other reasons. How the Maynooth Mission to China has evolved or has transformed itself over the years could be one of the reasons.

Most of the early followers of St. Columban were men, monks. And the Society was founded as a clerical society. Yet it is fascinating journey on how the Society has embraced and responded to the call of the times. From a clerical society, the Columbans have also embraced and affirmed the role and mission of women in the Church through the Columban Sisters. And about 25 years ago, maybe very much ahead of its time, the Columbans, in the spirit of Vatican II, affirmed the gifts and the vocation of lay people and the role they play in the missionary work of the Church.

Aside from lay missionaries, we also work closely with lay people as co-workers, mission partners and our generous benefactors and friends. And what does this working together mean to us? This working together is a concrete manifestation of our desire and commitment to witness to a way of being church, of ordained, religious and lay, men and women, single, couples and families working together for the building of God’s kingdom. We are a community of faith, coming from different cultures and family backgrounds that try to bear witness to the values of the kingdom in a culture different from our own. This has not been easy. This requires a lot of commitment and hard work from all of us. On this feast of St. Columban, the effort, dedication and desire of each and every Columban to try to be faithful to the call and to the Gospel give me more than enough reason to celebrate today.

The seeds of faith that Columban has planted in Europe have been bearing fruit in places which even he himself has never imagined. He simply planted and planted. What an attitude, maybe he never worried if his labour would bear any fruit at all. Maybe the word success was never in Columban’s mind. He simply did what was asked of him. Maybe the migratory birds brought the seeds from Europe to Tonga, Korea, Balingasag, Midsalip, Peru, Pakistan and Fiji. Or maybe the winds must have been so strong that it swept the seeds off to far distant places. Columban’s labour bore fruit in these places, thousands of miles away from his monasteries. As we look around and come to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the peoples and cultures present in our community, this gives me another equally good reason to celebrate today.

During the last nine days we have followed St. Columban as a pilgrim for Christ on his missionary journey to different parts of Europe. We have come to know him and naturally, Christ. But through our praying together, sharing and our fellowship we have also come to know each other more deeply. And for me this is also worth celebrating. And celebrate indeed we must in love and for Christ.

Happy Feast Day!

PRAYER TO ST. COLUMBAN

2010-11-19T00:05:00.000-08:00

O Blessed Columban, in your zeal for the extension of Christ's Kingdom and the salvation of souls, you spent your life in suffering and exile; assist and protect we humbly implore you, the missionaries of our day, who have devoted their lives to preaching the Gospel throughout the world. Obtain for them that prudence and fortitude by which beset your path, and that firm faith and ardent charity which enabled you to endure gladly the privations of this life for the love of Christ. Assist and protect us also, dear St. Columban, so to live for God's glory that wehn our pilgrimage through life is over, we may enjoy with you the eternal rest of heaven, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Happy November Birthdays!

2010-11-18T17:07:00.000-08:00

Arlenne Villahermosa (Myanmar), 7

Carmela Capistrano (Pakistan), 9

Gracia Kibad (Ireland), 9

Joan Yap, 22

Irma Cantago (Peru), 25

Dear Friends,

Apologies for being late in posting this birthday greeting. For those whose November 2010 birthday came and went before this greeting came, I hope you had lots of fun. I wish you all a healthier year ahead with less stress and more reason to stay happy and healthy.

Mavic

20 GLOWING YEARS

2010-11-01T23:51:00.000-07:00

RP1 : Pilar Tilos (in pink), Emma Pabera (in blue) and Gloria Canama (in white) during their first year in Pakistan

It's been 20 years since Mission Sunday 1990 when two teachers from Negros and a former Missionary of what is now known as the Philippine Catholic Lay Mission (PCLM) tearfully said goodbye to their family, friends and the whole Columban Community in the Philippines to serve the people of Pakistan. Pilar Tilos, a music and physical education teacher, served in Pakistan until her untimely demise in January 1995. Emma Pabera, a high school principal, completed one term and continued to work with the Columban Lay Mission as a member of its formation staff. She retired in 2006 to be with her aging father. Gloria Canama, the third member of the team, went on to continue what they, collectively known as RP1, started. Except for a three year stint as Lay Mission District Coordinator in Mindanao, Gloria spent most of her Columban missionary life in Pakistan working with Filipino migrant workers, Pakistani women, and with ecology issues.

During the mass celebrating her 20 years as a Columban Lay Missionary, Gloria expressed how her passion to serve was fired by nothing but LOVE, i.e, love for the people she journeys with, love of Pakistan, love to the Columban Lay Mission. Later that evening, a mini-concert was spontaneously held in her honor.

Gloria returned to Pakistan the following day. And to borrow her own words, "I've never been used to saying goodbyes... so am still befriending the pain of leaving home and the familiar... the pain and grief of coming back to Lahore and once again feeling the absence of Pat and Tanvir... I do need your prayers."

Please see photos here.

PAGMAMAHAL

2010-10-21T20:02:00.001-07:00

Pagmamahal ( A response to God's Love)

Pagmamahal mo Panginoon

Wagas at kay dakila

Binibigyang kasiyahan naulila't mga dukha

Mga bisig Mo at ang banal Mong mukha

Walang hanggang pagmamahal ang sa ami'y ipinakita.

Paano ko maipadarama, ang pagmamahal sa iba?

Sa simpleng pagtuturo at paggabay sa mga bata.

Alam ko Panginoon, laging nariyan Ka.

Patuloy na nagmamatyag at kumakalinga.

Pagsubok man ay dumaan at lungkot ma'y maranasan

Patuloy kong aalalahanin, pagmamahal Mong walang hanggan.

Buong-pusong maglilingkod, di Ka iiwan.

Ipamamapuri ko ang Iyong kadakilaan at pangalan.

Sa mga pagkakataong ako'y nahihirapan

Ako nawa Poon ay laging gabayan,

Panghawakan Mo ako hanggang kasalukuyan

At huwag Mo akong hayaang kama'y Mo'y iwan,

Huwag Mo akong bitiwan.

- by Maricel Ritual

(Maricel Ritual is a 23 year old catechist from the Diocese of Manila)

My weekend with the Lord

2010-10-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

The previous weekend has given me a different "high". While everyone at the Columban Lay Mission House was rejoicing and dancing as they celebrate Fiji Day, I was at the Cenacle Retreat House rejoicing as I spend "My vacation with the Lord". This weekend seminar-retreat with the theme "On work as Profession and Vocation" was facilitated by Nina Robledo and Linda Mercado, Auxilliaries of the Cenacle. With me are seven beautiful people. Sisters Evelyn and Chris of the Oblate Sisters of the Redeemer both work with abused children and prostituted women. Mirasol, Cathy and Maricel are catechists of the Diocese of Manila. Shiela is an IT professional, with two masters, and who has practically gone around the world because of her work. Melda is an elementary school principal, textbook writer, and currently working on her masters . Then there was I, Mavic, a staff member of the Columban Lay Missionaries for 18 years, a committed mother of three, a faithful wife. There may seem a variety of tasks we were engaged in but we were there with one common goal, i.e., to discover how to live out our work as human beings. It was also a reminder that we are indeed God's great work of art and how He continues to nourish and nurture us with His love and graces.

During this weekend retreat, I had been amazed by my sharing partner's faith. Maricel Ritual is a 23 year old licensed teacher who became a catechist when she was only 19. For me she was an epitome of so much hope and promise. She is best symbolized by the season of spring when so much new life and beauty abound. In response to God's love, Maricel wrote a poem which she entitled "PAGMAMAHAL" or LOVE. I can't find words in English which best capture the picture and feelings she hope to convey so I thought it best to share it in its original Filipino form.

(Thank you to the LMLT for giving us LM staff opportunities for discovery , learnings and growth. Likewise, thank you to the Missionary Society of St. Columban and its benefactors for their generosity and kindness. )

Pope Benedict XI's message for World Mission Sunday 2010

2010-10-15T00:51:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Greetings of peace.

This is to share with you Pope Benedict XI's message for World Mission Sunday 2010.

May we all have a meaningful and enriching celebration.

Take care.

Weng

Pope’s Message for Mission Sunday:
"Building Ecclesial Communion is the Key to the Mission"

October 18, 2010

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The month of October, with the celebration of World Mission Sunday, offers diocesan and parish communities, Institutes of Consecrated Life, Ecclesial Movements, and the entire People of God, an occasion for renewing their commitment to proclaim the Gospel and give pastoral activity a greater missionary character. This annual event invites us to live out the liturgical, catechetical, charitable, and cultural means by which Jesus Christ calls us to the table of His Word and the Eucharist, to delight in the gift of His Presence, to form us in His school, and to live united to Him, Our Master and Lord, with ever greater awareness. He Himself tells us: “He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him” (Jn 14:21). It is only from this encounter with the Love of God that transforms our existence, that we can live in communion with Him and among ourselves and offer our brethren a credible testimony, giving reason for our hope (cf. 1 Pet 3:15). A mature faith, capable of entrusting itself completely to God in a filial manner, nourished by prayer, meditation on the Word of God, and study of the truths of the faith, is the condition necessary for promoting a new humanism, founded on Jesus’ Gospel.

Also, in October, many countries resume their various church activities following the summer vacations. The Church invites us to learn from Mary, through the recitation of the Holy Rosary, how to contemplate the Father’s loving plan for all men and to love them as He does. Is this not, as well, the meaning of the mission?

The Father, in fact, calls us to be beloved sons in His Son, the Beloved, and to see ourselves as brothers in Him, the Gift of Salvation for a humanity that is divided by discord and sin and Revealer of the true face of that God who “so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16).

“We wish to see Jesus¨ (Jn 12:21) is the request made to the Apostle Philip in the Gospel of John by some Greeks, who have come to Jerusalem for the Passover pilgrimage. This resounds in our hearts as well in this month of October, which reminds us that the commitment and task of proclaiming the Gospel belongs to the entire Church, “missionary by her very nature” (Ad Gentes, 2), and calls us to become advocates of a newness of life, formed by authentic relationships, in communities founded on the Gospel. In a multi-ethnic society that experiences increasing forms of solitude and alarming indifference, Christians should learn to offer signs of hope and become universal brothers, cultivating the great ideals that transform history and, without false illusions or unnecessary fears, work to make the planet a home for all peoples.

Like the Greek pilgrims of 2,000 years ago, so too the men of our time, perhaps at times unconsciously, ask believers to not only “speak” of Jesus but to “make Jesus visible,” to make the Redeemer’s Face shine in every corner of the earth before the generations of the new millennium and especially before the youth of every continent, who are privileged recipients and subjects in the proclamation of the Gospel. They should perceive that Christians bear Christ’s word because He is the Truth, because they have found in Him the meaning, the truth about their life.

These considerations regard the missionary mandate that all the baptized and the entire Church have received, but that cannot be fulfilled in a credible manner without a profound personal, communal, and pastoral conversion. In fact, the awareness of the call to announce the Gospel not only inspires every individual believer, but all the diocesan and parochial communities, to an integral renewal and to an ever greater openness to missionary cooperation among the Churches, to promote the proclamation of the Gospel in the heart of every person, every people, culture, race, nationality, in every place. This awareness is heightened through the work of the Fidei Donum priests, consecrated men and women, catechists, and lay missionaries, in a constant effort to promote ecclesial communion, so that the phenomenon of “interculturalism” may be incorporated into a framework of unity in which the Gospel is leaven of liberty and progress, a source of fraternity, humility, and peace (cfr. Ad Gentes, 8). The Church, in fact, “is in Christ like a sacrament or as a sign and instrument both of a very closely knit union with God and of the unity of the whole human race” (Lumen Gentium, 1).

Ecclesial communion is brought about through the encounter with the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who through the Church’s preaching reaches out to all men and establishes them in communion with Himself and therefore, with the Father and the Holy Spirit (cf. 1 Jn. 1:3). Christ establishes the new relationship between God and man. “He Himself revealed to us that ‘God is love’ (1 John 4:8) and at the same time taught us that the new command of love was the basic law of human perfection and hence of the worlds transformation. To those, therefore, who believe in divine love, He gives assurance that the way of love lies open to men and that the effort to establish a universal brotherhood is not a hopeless one” (Gaudium et Spes, 38).

The Church becomes “communion” starting from the Eucharist in which Christ, present in the bread and wine, with His sacrifice of love establishes the Church as His Body, uniting us to the one Triune God and among each other (cf. 1 Cor 10:16). In the Apostolic Exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis, I wrote: “The love that we celebrate in the sacrament is not something we can keep to ourselves. By its very nature it demands to be shared with all. What the world needs is God's love; it needs to encounter Christ and to believe in him” (no. 84). The Eucharist is thus the source and summit not only of the Church's life, but also of her mission: "an authentically eucharistic Church is a missionary Church" (ibid.), capable of proclaiming with conviction: “what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ” (1 Jn. 1:3).

Dear brothers and sisters, in this World Mission Sunday in which the eye of the heart widens its perspective to look upon the vastness of the mission, may we all see ourselves as active participants in the Church’s task of proclaiming the Gospel. Missionary zeal has always been the mark of vitality among our Churches (cf. Redemptoris Missio, 2) and their cooperation is a unique testimony of unity, fraternity, and solidarity that makes them credible heralds of Saving Love!

Therefore, I renew my invitation to prayer and, in spite of the economic difficulties, to fraternal, concrete aid in support of the younger Churches. Such signs of love and solidarity, whose distribution is overseen in the valuable service of the Pontifical Mission Societies, to whom I express my gratitude, will go towards the support of priests, seminarians, and catechists in the most far off missionary lands and will become a source of encouragement for the young ecclesial communities.

In concluding this annual message for World Mission Sunday, I wish to express my affectionate acknowledgement of all missionaries, who offer their testimony to the Kingdom of God in the most far off and difficult places, often at the cost of their own lives. It is to them, who are at the forefront in announcing the Gospel, that every believer lends his friendship, closeness, and support. May God, who “loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7), fill them with spiritual fervor and profound joy.

Like Mary’s “yes,” every generous response of the ecclesial community to the divine call to fraternal charity will inspire new apostolic and ecclesial maternity (cf. Gal 4:4,19:26), that in awe before the mystery of God who is Love, who “in the fullness of time...sent His Son, born of a woman” (Gal 4:4), gives new apostles confidence and audacity. This response will make all the faithful capable of “rejoicing in hope” (Rom 12:12) in the fulfillment of the plan of God, who desires “that the whole human race might form one people of God and be built up into one temple of the Holy Spirit” (Ad Gentes, 7).

From the Vatican, 6 February 2010

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI

COME AND SEE

2010-10-13T01:29:00.000-07:00

The next information day on Columban Lay Mission will be on

OCTOBER 16, SATURDAY

and

NOVEMBER 20, SATURDAY

Please contact (02) 722-5732 for details.

AITECE Teachers in China

2010-10-13T00:10:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Please allow me to use this blog to express my elation over the "Outstanding Foreign Experts" award given by the Chinese government recognizing the hard work and dedication of one of the Filipino AITECE teachers in China. And to express my warmest congratulations to Ma Socorro "Chu" Rodriguez.

Congratulations, Chu!Just follow your bliss and the rewards and awards will follow.

Chu joined AITECE-Philippines ( a separate arm of the Columbans which sends Filipino teachers to teach English in China) in 2003 together with two others, Lilia Fe Taguba and Bernadette Nuque.
Most, if not all, of the Filipino AITECE teachers (Chu, Lilia Fe and Bernadette included) have received citations from both the local and national Chinese government's award giving bodies for their indefatigable effort as English Language teachers. In fact for Chu, this is not her first but second award.

Please include Chu in your prayers as she tries to beat the wintry cold and loneliness away from home this coming Christmas. It's been 8 years without simbang gabi and puto bumbong.

Mavic Mercene

P.S. For those who wish to know more about teaching in China under AITECE, please e-mail me at aitece_phil@yahoo.com. Or if you wish to write to Chu, please e-mail me and I will give you her personal e-mail. Thank you.

Fiji Day 2010 Celebration

2010-10-12T22:23:00.000-07:00

Fijian seminarian Martin can't believe his ears when he learned that the Columban Gathering for October will especially celebrate Fiji National Day. Who can blame him? There is only one Fijian, and that is him, in the Columban Community. Perhaps he has forgotten that two of the lay missionaries are half-Fijian. There is Rowena "Weng" Cuanico who was assigned in Fiji for nine years and whose heart was partially left there. And of course there is Nani Mounga from Tonga who had her CLM orientation in Fiji in 2005 along with 4 other wannabes.

The day started early to prepare for lovo cooking or underground cooking. Good thing is that digging is no longer necessary since a pit for this purpose is already available in the Formation House. But there was more to do than just to dig. The ground was lined with heat resistant stones. When the stones were burning hot, fish, meat and vegetables wrapped in banana leaves were placed in the pit. The pit is then covered with soil and left to cook slowly for 6 to 8 hours.

Mass began at 5:00pm. It was celebrated by Tongan priest Fr. Tino who came all the way from Tagaytay to show his support for Martin and his community. This was immediately followed by the ceremonial kava drink. Dinner consisting mainly of the lovo food followed. Then dance, dance, dance.

More photos here.

Schedule of Activities

2010-10-01T00:29:00.000-07:00

September 28-30 - MBTI session of RP19 with Sr. Letty Garcia, DC
October 1 - RP19'S last day of classes at the Institute for Formation and Religious Studies
October 4 - RP19's Interview for Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
October 6 - Maira San Juan returns to Korea for a second term
October 6 - Start of CPE
October 4-8 - End of Term / Final Evaluation of Marisol Rojas, Antonio Salas and Ana Flores
October 9 - Community Gathering and Fiji Day Celebration
October - Mission appeal in different parishes

Update - End of September 2010

2010-10-01T00:02:00.000-07:00

This previous month has been a month of many goodbyes.

September 12: We said goodbye to dear Lusio Navelinikoro who returned to Fiji. On the night of September 11, there was a simple despedida dinner to celebrate Lusio's presence, friendship and life in the Philippines. We thanked him for his love and care to our brothers in his ministry.

September 17: We said goodbye to John Comiskey who left for the states for his medical check-up. Likewise, we thanked him for his six years of dedicated work as member of the Lay Mission Leadership Team. He will continue to accept invitations to facilitate theological reflections, personal companionship and spiritual direction of lay missionaries upon his return.

September 23: After some challenging moments in her journey as lay missionary, the day Rose Basada had been waiting for, i.e., to fly to Birmingham and be reunited with her team mates Gertrudes Samson and Jayjay Enterina finally came. It wasn't until after the good wishes from the community, after the tears, after the cracking voices that Rose related just how difficult waiting for the uncertain had been.

September 28: Finally, Kyung Ja Lee flew to Korea for her much awaited and deserved holidays.

Happy October Birthdays

2010-09-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

FUN RUN and MISSIONARIES BALL 2010

2010-09-29T19:41:00.000-07:00

Very recently, two events were held to commemorate the Feast Day of San Lorenzo Ruiz, a revered Filipino Lay Missionary. These two events gathered various Catholic Lay Mission groups, their families, friends and benefactors for fitness, fun, laughter and fellowship, and likewise raised awareness about the ministries these different lay mission groups are into.

The first event was the fun run with the theme "Run for Life, Run for the World - A Run for the Missions." This was held on Sunday September 26 at the Quezon City Circle, a perfect day since there was a good morning breeze, no showers, and the sun rise came later than usual. The fun run was a good event since it really was participatory besides being an efficient cardio-vascular work-out and stress reliever. The participants gathered at the Peace Monument at 6am and the fun run officially started with a prayer from Bishop Edwin dela Pena and followed by the welcome remarks of Fr. Soc Mesiona. Around three hundred men and women joined the 4K and 6K events. I did not take notes on who won except in the 6K event of the women's division. I was just happy to see that the 2nd and 1st runners up were won by two women from Myanmar while a Chinese woman won the top prize. It was only this time that I realized how multi-cultural the participants were. The CLM was represented by She, Jo, and Reins of RP19, this writer and her husband Butch and daughter Frances Anne, Fr. Rolly, Arlenne, and returned LM Josie Manuel. More photos.

The second event was the Lay Missionaries Ball. This happened on Tuesday the 28th of September at the Greenmeadows Subdivision ClubHouse. The night's event began with "The Prayer" from Makisig and Mayumi Morales. The audience was wowed by the performances of singing groups Hangad, Bukas Palad, and the 29 AD Musicianeros.

UPDATE

2010-08-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

Renewal of Commitment - Maira San Juan
   On Tuesday August 10, Maira committed herself to another three years in Korea with the Missionary Society of St. Columban. This moment in her missionary journey was witnessed by the Columban Family and her own family.

Just passing by....
   Arlenne Villahermosa who is home from Myanmar for a few months break. Still gentle spirited with contagious smile, she looks and sound well even with her white hair which has obviously not been touched by a hairdresser for the past two years. From Arlenne, we heard many beautiful stories about Myanmar and its people.

   Lorelei "Lalay" Ocaya who came home August 3 to be with her very sick mom. Sadly, Lalay's mom died a week later. Our sincere condolences to Lalay and her family on the death of her mother Buenaventurada Ocaya. Lalay returned to her mission assignment in Ireland on August 31.

Visa application of Rose Basada
   Finally, Rose Basada of RP18 has been interviewed for her visa application to Britain. This happened six weeks after her teammates Jayjay and Ger flew to Britain. Processing time is approximately 18 working days. She is looking forward to be reunited with Jayjay and Ger, excited to meet the other lay missionaries in Britain, and can't wait to personally hear the "lovely' and "darling" people of Britain.

"Come and See" in Manila

2010-07-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

Renewal of Commitment

2010-07-25T22:51:00.000-07:00

Please join us in this joyous occasion!

RSVP: 63-2-7225732

2010 ANNUAL MEETING PHOTOS

2010-07-25T18:20:00.001-07:00

See more photos here.

10 things I learned

2010-07-21T22:41:00.000-07:00

by Maira San Juan

Columban Lay Missionary

1. When I said “Yes” to the mission, I agreed to be an instrument of God’s love to Her people. This is easy to say but not easy to live by. When insecurities arrived at my doorstep, I was confused and I started to ask myself “Why am I here in mission?” Then when compliments sat on my lap and I became comfortable with its presence, I started to think that “I can do many things by myself.” When familiarity and accomplishments touched my shoulders, I started to feel that “I’m more blessed than others.” And when the word “Missionary” comes to my head I started to think that “I’m much better than the other people I’m journeying with.” And when I started to put many expectations to myself I sometimes forgot the reason why I said “Yes”.

2. When communication becomes difficult ... food can help . I believe every food has a story - the way it was prepared and why it tasted so differently. It can also be a first glance to someone else’s culture and uniqueness. Food can become an icebreaker too. I remember when I first tasted and learned how to cook kimchi chigae (a popular Korean soup made with fermented cabbage and chili pepper paste ) the first words that I said were “hmmm..tastes good” and the person who served it smiled. And when I served my first kimchi chigae, the first words that I heard were “how did you prepare this?”. And that was the beginning of the conversation.

3. I cannot choose the people who will let me into their lives. I can only receive what they are capable of giving and be thankful it happened. It’s a humbling experience to be a living witness and be able to share my life with another person. Building a relationship is not an easy task especially because of culture and language difference. Sometimes miscommunication arise making both parties frustrated and hurt. We have a choice. We either get out of the relationship, put a block or wall, or stay in the relationship and be willing to take risks.

4. It is essential to sit with friends, talk about anything under the sun, share each other’s experiences, laugh and relax together. I’m at my best when I’m relaxed and when my life is balanced. One challenge in mission is to find balance in everyday life. Nothing can buy me relaxation and balance but friends are good source.

5. It is not about what I can say but its about how much I listen. And this really matters. I can say many things but these words mean nothing if I don’t listen to what I’m saying. The words become empty because I don’t mean them. And when other people express themselves through words, it becomes noise to me because its nonsense. Not because of the words they say but because I just hear it without really listening to it.

6. What is life without going back to the basics...breathing. Communion with nature gives me peace of mind because it helps me to breath deeply. This leads me to sense my inner strength because I’m in a pace where all my senses are relax. Communion with God is essential in my everyday life. It helps me find meaning with what I’m doing. Relationship with God is as important as breathing..

7. My weaknesses are important gifts that I can offer … and others weaknesses are gifts that I can receive. It’s easy to relate with a person who is not afraid to show that they he/she has flaws because honesty deepens relationship not only with oneself but also with others. Perhaps I have weakness that can be someone else’s inspiration and others have weakness that can give me strength.

8. There are some things that I cannot bring back anymore. I can not bring back the time when my nephews and nieces were growing up or time with my family anytime I need it. And because I was away from them a long while, I feel I do not know them anymore or that they can continue on with their life without me. This was a reality which gave me much pain but was essential for my growth.

9. When doubt and questions arise within me … sometimes the best thing to do is just do nothing. Having doubts and questions might be an overwhelming experience. Sometimes it can make me restless or rigid especially when I least expected it. I realize there are some questions which don’t need an answer, doubts which don’t need any response. I just need to recognize them.

10. I can learn many things through experience. I have conviction in what I believe in because I experienced a situation where I almost lost my faith. I can learn the true meaning of joyfulness because I experienced to be almost drawn by loneliness. I can understand the word responsibility because I experienced to be out of control and dependent. Acceptance and letting go are possible because I experienced to hold on tight. The word love is more meaningful now because I experienced being hurt. And the words service and mission are not merely words anymore because I experienced to be in need and witness of Gods love. And because of these I am more aware that I’m just an instrument of the greatest scheme of life, and that I am grateful. Most of all I learn to say THANK YOU!

Thank you Violie!

2010-07-14T02:21:00.000-07:00

After three years of missionary work in Korea and careful discernment, Violeta Villaraiz (RP16) is leaving the CLM. We thank you Violie for your friendship, and to your dedicated work and service to the people of Korea. We pray and wish you well as you continue on with your journey. KEEP IN TOUCH!

Dear followers, please watch out for Violie's reflections on her missionary journey in Korea. She compares her journey there with the four seasons - spring, summer, fall and winter. She starts “…each of the four seasons is a growing season of the heart. If you sink your roots deeply into the soil of each season’s truth, it can become your mentor.” (macrina wiederkehr)"

2010 ANNUAL MEETING

2010-07-14T00:26:00.000-07:00

For 5 days starting today July 14, all lay missionaries assigned in the Philippines except Lusio Navelinikoro who is doing Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at the St. Camillus Pastoral Care Center, and Rowena Cuanico who is on four months home leave until September 15, are having their annual get-together in Cagayan de Oro. This year's gathering starts with a two days retreat and quieting of the soul, followed by another two days business meeting, then wrapped up by LM bonding through sports activities and picnic outing. Joining them too is Lay Mission Leadership Team member Fr. John Comiskey.

Let us pray for a fruitful meeting, likewise a more enlightened, enriched, encouraged, inspired and renewed Kyung Ja Lee, Marisol Rojas, Naanise Mounga, Ana Belma Flores, Auring Luceño, and Antonio Salas.

MINDANAO COME and SEE

2010-07-13T23:43:00.000-07:00

July 24, Agusan, Cagayan de Oro
August 21, Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro (tentative)
August 28, Clarin, Misamis Occidental (tentative)

for details, contact Zosima Mecasio at 09206167341

Below are pictures taken during the
Vocation Seminar, July 10-11, Columban House, Cagayan De Oro
organized by Bernie Durangparang of the Mindanao Vocations Office.
This vocation seminar was originally organized for those searching-in
for priesthood. But it doubled as Columban Lay Mission
"COME and SEE" for four enthusiastic individuals.

Despedida for Ger and Jayjay (Britain), and Beth (Taiwan)

2010-07-04T19:01:00.000-07:00

Finally, Ger Samson and Jayjay Enterina received their visa for Britain last week. They are scheduled to fly to Birmingham on Tuesday July 6 at the crack of midnight. They will have their last supper at the Columban Regional House in Singalong on Monday July 5 then on to the airport.

On Saturday July 3, the lay missionaries had a "night to remember" wherein they wore their best dress and put some make up on. They did not go anywhere but just dressed up for pictorials and for a sumptuous home-cooked meal by Marifi and Rose. This is the despedida dinner for Jayjay and Ger. Likewise during this affair, Beth Sabado also renewed her commitment to the CLM. Beth is returning to Taiwan as a long term lay missionary.

To some dressing up and putting on make up may seem too ordinary and common but for the lay missionaries in the Philippines, this happens only once in a blue moon. I think the last time we dressed up like this was in 2004 for the 75th year of the Columbans in the Philippines. Hurray for all the fun!

To Jayjay, Ger and Beth, may the good Lord continue to keep and guide you each step along life's way. Enjoy your ministry and the new people you will meet. See you in three years time, God willing.

CLM Powerpoint Presentation

2010-06-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I thought of posting here the powerpoint presentation that we always show to CLM applicants and individuals who want to learn more about the CLM. Unfortunately putting a powerpoint presentation in the blog those times was still way beyond my artistic power. But now I think have leveled up a bit. Thanks to you who continue to follow this blog and support this endeavor of reaching to techies.

This presentation attempts to outline Who the Columban Missionaries Are in general and the Columban Lay Missionaries in particular. Here, one can see the requirements and step by step process of joining the Columban Lay Missionaries. Unlike the original presentation which can be seen in an automatic slideshow with music and animations, this has no music and still unable to run on its own. Anyhow, I will continue to find ways to making this blog as dynamic and interesting to visit as possible.

Come and See

2010-06-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

Do you want a life unlike your own?
Do you want a life outside the ordinary?

Do you want to experience another culture and be with other people?

If you answer yes to the above, perhaps you want to be a missionary.

Learn more about COLUMBAN LAY MISSIONARIES

and personally listen to their life's stories through a

COME and SEE

For schedule, please ring 02 - 7225732

and for those in Mindanao,
please text Ms Zosima Mecasio at 0920-6167341

Maira and Violie in Korea, 2007-2010

2010-06-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

This powerpoint presentation shows the three years of Maira San Juan and Violie Villaraiz while in mission in Korea. It shows the many people they met in their ministries and some they walked with, and the Columban Family whom they draw their strength from especially in times of struggle and confusion.

Malong Dance

2010-06-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I was looking for new materials for the blog but I came across instead of a Malong dance number which I uploaded in YouTube.com not so long ago. The dance was performed by the CLM-Philippine group during the first ever Renewal Gathering of Columban Lay Missionaries in Taiwan in February 2008 . This may not be too new but surely you will love this. This video allows you to see them in a whole new light. Aren't they artistic and graceful? Oh how I wish I could also dance like them.

Hurray to Arlenne Villahermosa (choreographer), Columba Chang, Auring Luceño, Kyung Ja Lee and Catarina Son for the wonderful dance.

Schedule of Activities

2010-06-18T19:15:00.001-07:00

June 2 - June 25- Tagalog Refresher course for Naanise and Lusio

June 6 - RP19 arrives at the CLM house

June 7 - Start of orientation for RP19

June 7 up to September - studies of RP19 at the Institute for Formation and Religious Studies with subjects on Catechetics, Church History, and Spirituality and Culture

June 15 - Community Gathering / Welcome to RP19

June 19 - Exposure of RP19 in different Columban ministries in the Zambales area
June 26 - "Come and See" at the CLM House

June 28 - Start of Clinical Pastoral Education for Lusio

PROFILE OF RP19 - LMs in Orientation

2010-06-06T21:16:00.000-07:00

SHERRYL LOU “SHE” CAPILI, 28 years old, originally from Cavite is the eldest of 3 children. Her interests are scriptwriting, events organizing and taking photos. Her friends describe her as bubbly, inspiring and thoughtful and her family finds her understanding and responsible. Her active community involvement began from a weekend retreat in December 2008. Since then, she has been sharing with the St. James Renewal Movement her experiences of God’s love through outreach programs, prayer meetings, and other regular activities. She wants to be a missionary to serve God with other people, other race. She joined the Lay Mission from working at the ABS-CBN Foundation.

JOAN “Jo” YAP, 32 years old, of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay is the 5th of 8 children. Two of her sisters, Jennifer (RP9) and Jasmine (RP14) are former Columban Lay Missionaries. Her interests are computers and listening to music. She considers her mother and sisters as her closest friends. One challenge that she sees ahead of her in life is living independently from her family with whom she is very attached to. If she does not go on cross-cultural mission, she would like to continue working as a social action volunteer in her native Ipil.

REINA “Reins” MOSQUEDA, 33 years old, of Los Baños, Laguna, is the 7th of 9 children. Some of her hobbies are reading, singing and dancing. Her co-workers describe her as jolly, thoughtful and loyal. When she was still in college she used to read in Misyon magazine the stories of lay missionaries and be inspired by them. Now, she can talk to them and listen to their stories in person. She believes that the Columban lay missionaries’ zeal and simplicity plus their joy and humility in serving the needy are their goals. She came to Lay Mission from working with the Catholic Ministry to Deaf People, Inc. (CMDP).

Will it be the same?

2010-06-06T01:48:00.000-07:00

- by Beth Sabado (RP12)

One evening a friend invited me out for a walk and drink in one of the shopping places in Pasig. The structural design, the different artistic expressions, the ambiance and other features of the place is surprisingly and overwhelmingly beautiful for someone like me who personally declare art as an expression of the soul. Exploring the place for the first time made my brain cells do ‘multi-tasking’. While exploring the place, my eyes spotted a giant chess board situated in the middle of the park. Walking closer, both of us agreed to play a casual game, thinking that it would be exciting. The last time I played chess was on the summer of 1981 with my brother Patboone. Soon after his death on December 1981, the family chess board was kept together with his other stuff in our underground storage. Since then, I never had the chance to play chess again.

I can still recall the basics of playing chess though my friend had to remind me every time I make a wrong move, “you can’t do that”, “be careful with that move”… his patience was commendable. Trying to concentrate on my moves, I also enjoyed the distractions from people passing wanting to take photos of the giant chess board. I had enough reason not to play a blitz. Every move I made brings back memories of my brother but surprisingly, the enjoyment of winning wasn’t there anymore. Every move I made was purely mechanical, just minimal analysis, no strategy but mainly a memory refresher. After a while, I took the courage to say, I’m tired, let us stop playing. The unfinished game was left under the brightly lit grounds.

Reflecting on this experience I can’t help but compare playing chess with the different roles played in the family. I wonder how the families of migrant workers play their roles when after several years of absence, would go back, to be reunited with their families. I can’t help but wonder how a man play the role of a husband and father, a woman play the role of a wife and mother, to play the same familiar role they left several years ago. Would they still be willed to play the same role? Like playing chess after many years of not touching the chessboard, will the enthusiasm of winning and ending a game be there?

To work abroad seems to be the trend for survival for most Filipinos. A highlighted report from the Institute of Migration recorded an estimate of 8.7 million Filipinos in 239 host countries with an average of 3,377 daily deployments. This means that mothers and wife, husband and fathers would suspend their present roles, physical presence in search for greener pastures. The children left behind will be turned over to a trusted relative or friend or the eldest child taking the role of a ‘parent’. Will the suspension and taking over of roles in the family be temporary? The answer could be yes and no. Each one plays a gambit, however the result is still unpredictable.

Out of the 3,377 migrant workers leaving every day, how many leave the country in their own will. How many of them are pushed by their families to leave the country, forced to fulfil a parents’ role or because of a family project? One of the children of OFWs said “Waking up one morning, I noticed a luggage in the room, my mom started giving me instructions to wake up early so I could prepare breakfast for my siblings…confused but managed to ask why, mom said she is leaving to work abroad… I wish I was part of that decision” (Jane, not her real name, is 14 years old with 3 siblings, ages 12,10,8).

Still vivid in my memory is an experience where a 6 year old patient expired on my shift due to complications of Dengue fever. The mother in grief cried out “you have a nice voice, you can sing and dance well, and I dream that you work in Japan, but now you’re gone”… Hearing the mother uttered those words while weeping made me walk out of the room disturbed and angry. I believe to work abroad is a family decision. Each member of the family must be consulted before making a decision. When a family member starts packing her luggage, she packs as well the dreams of her family. Each member of the family has the responsibility to keep their focus in achieving their goal – the fulfilment of that dream.

It cannot be denied that people have the right to move, yet statistics show how this movement is affecting the basic unit of the society, the family. While thousands of people leave the country for better future, a question that needs honest answer should be asked -Is leaving the present to live in the future the only choice we have? Would there be a bright, secure future for the families of OFWs? What about the ethical challenge of migration? These questions arise from the vast scope of migration. Migration as a phenomenon itself is unfathomable, even a mystery. However, families are directly affected by the impact of migration. I firmly believe that the church plays a very important role both from the sending country and the host country. The 6 months I spent here in the Philippines to explore on the possibilities of the local church to be involved in the pastoral care of migrant families is not that affirming. I cannot help but wonder, like the unfinished chess game left under the brightly lit grounds, the issues, concerns, problems associated with migration are already exposed in the open; seen in brightly lit grounds, yet another series of questions would arise. Would there be willing players? Will the next players decide to continue the unfinished game? Will they decide to start a new?

God, keep us from redefining your home in the society - the family.

Beth Sabado (RP12) arrived in Taiwan on July 28, 2003. After a year of full time Mandarin language studies, she worked in the migrant ministry based at the Catholic Hope Workers' Center (HWC). She returned to Taiwan for her second term in 2006. After 4 months of language refresher course, she returned to work as the Vice Director of the center, and in 2008 as Director until she finished her term in July 2009. In December 2009, she started doing field studies based in Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur exploring the possibilities of the local church to establish a support group for the families of migrants. During this time, she also conducted seminars and workshops in relation to migration issues to graduating students in schools and colleges in the focus areas in Mindanao. She is returning to Taiwan on the first week of July 2010.

ANNOUNCEMENT!

2010-06-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

The Columban Lay Missionaries (CLM) is now accepting applications for its Formation beginning June 2011. For requirements and initial steps on how to join, please visit the sidebar of this blog. For further details, please contact

Columban Lay Missionaries

34 Rosario Drive, Cubao, Quezon City

Tel. 63-2-7225732, 63-2-401-9772

E-mail: clmssc_phil@yahoo.com

Ms. Zosima Mecasio

Vocations Staff

St. Columban's, Buenavista

Patag, Cagayan de Oro City

Tel. 63-88-8583384

E-mail: zmecasio@yahoo.com

Happy June Birthdays!

2010-06-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

The bright, sunny color of yellow roses evokes a feeling of warmth and happiness. The warm feelings associated with the yellow rose are often akin to those shared with a true friend. As such, the yellow rose is an ideal symbol for joy and friendship.

Aurora Luceño, 1

Marivic Quilab, 3

Fr. Michael McGuire, 10

Fr. Pat O'Donoghue, 22

John Din, 24

Fr. Brendan Lovett, 24

Welcome back Lusio!

2010-05-30T20:03:00.000-07:00

We are happy to see Lusio Navelinikoro back in Manila after being away for more than six months. Lusio went home to Fiji in November to be with his father who was not too well that time. Lusio's father has gradually recuperated since and is back to his usual good self. Lusio spent the rest of the six months for R and R.

Two days after his arrival, Lusio together with Naanise Mounga who arrived from Tonga a week earlier started his one month Tagalog refresher course at the Christian Language Study Center.

Welcome back Lusio!

Pat McCaffrey, the man with a big heart

2010-05-28T23:59:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

I am still struggling to come to terms with Pat McCaffrey's death. Four days before he died, he rang me to wish me well and to enjoy my vacation. It was the first time we heard each other's voice after nearly two years. And it will be our last.

It was a privilege to have worked with Pat for nearly four years in Fiji. He was also my personal companion for four years. And this made the friendship extra special.

Maybe putting my thoughts and feelings into words will help me in the process of acceptance and grieving. But I also hope that this simple article will pay tribute to the amazing faith, dedication and commitment of Pat. He was a companion of the journey and a friend. And most of all he was simply Pat.

May he rest in peace.

Rowena D. Cuanico

PAT McCAFFREY

Big heart. These are two words that I feel best describe Fr Pat McCaffrey, the man, his life, faith and vocation. His heart was big, so big that it has a sacred space for everyone. In his heart, everyone mattered.

I first heard the name Pat McCaffrey when we – six Filipino Columban lay missionaries on our first mission assignment in Fiji, were doing our orientation on Columban Mission in Fiji. But it wasn’t until Beth Briones and I arrived at the Holy Family Parish, Labasa a few months later that I started to come to know more about Pat and his work with the people of Labasa.

Since Beth and I both studied Hindi, we started our ministry in the Hindi-speaking apostolate in the parish. We were based at the Mission Centre in Naleba which serves as the heart of the Hindi-speaking Apostolate. Hearing the name of Pat McCaffrey did not come as a surprise at all. Countless stories about him were being told and retold by the people who came to know him when he was a young priest in the 70s. They would tell us about how Pat would visit them in their homes, ate, laughed and cried with them. He worked with them in the sugarcane plantations. He encouraged them to study, even making it possible for some to train at Corpus Christi Teachers’ College. He was simply one of them.

From these stories Pat became more real for me. He seemed like an idol, a living legend. And as I heard more stories about him, I felt uneasy and afraid. Big shoes to fill, I told myself. But I also felt proud to be part of that long tradition of Columban missionaries who are remembered by the people with great respect and deep sense of gratitude in their hearts.

The moment for me to finally meet the man came in September 2002. It was Pat’s sentimental return to Fiji after 22 years. It was special for us in the parish as he was going to preside over the Eucharistic celebration of the feast of the Triumph of the Cross, the feast of the Naleba Catholic community.

Pat arrived in Labasa two weeks before the celebration. Word slowly spread that the Pat McCaffrey is in town. And it was greeted with joy. For them Pat has come home. For nearly two weeks Pat, Beth and parish leaders visited families in almost all the sectors of the parish. This was very Pat.

Two days before the celebration, Master Patrick Dass, Master Mul Deo and I went to see him at the presbytery to discuss the program. He was still on the road! It was then left to Fr Palenapa Tavo who was then acting parish priest to try to get hold of Pat and explain to him the activities during the feast day.

He came the night of the celebration. The preparations were in full swing. Beth and the rest of the decorations committee were working on the altar and the stage. Some women were making Indian sweets. Others were preparing the food. It was a very festive atmosphere.

The welcome was indescribable. When they saw him, it was like the whole place springing back to life, life in its fullest. There were introductions, hugs, laughter, and tears. It was a welcome fitting for one of their own.

It was ‘full house’ during the celebration. People from different sectors of the parish, from neighbouring villages, and friends came. There was something in him that people were drawn to him. And I soon quickly realized the reason why: he knew each one of them, by name. They are in each other’s hearts.

At the beginning of the Eucharist, when he began to speak and read in Hindi (Devanagri), I was amazed. I could not believe that he was away for nearly 22 years. His Hindi was simply flawless! When he preached, everybody seemed fascinated by his amazing sense of history of the place and of the people. He paid tribute to their strong faith and how their faith has carried them all these years. For me it was a very memorable occasion.

After the celebration we spent nearly two weeks visiting families in the neighbouring villages. We would take parishioners with us so they can visit their own relatives, thus making the visits extra special. We drove for over two hours to visit one Catholic family who lives in a mainly Hindu community. While we were visiting families, we practically tasted all kinds of tea and juice, Indian sweets and curry. Stories were told and told again. It was like learning history from the very people who were part of the story. These were sacred moments.

It was a privilege for me to have come to know Pat. I treasure deeply the time we spent together in Labasa. Our days would begin early and end late. But we found time to share about our vocation, missionary life, his life in Pakistan, my life in Fiji and our families in different parts of the world. But I never realized that his visit was going to be beginning of a shared journey and of a beautiful friendship.

I returned to Fiji in August 2003 for my second term. A few months later, Pat returned to Fiji. I was at the Central House in Suva when he arrived. And I could still vividly remember my words of welcome to Pat, ‘the heavens are rejoicing Pat that you have decided to return to your first love.’ He gave me a big smile and a warm hug. For indeed his return was greeted with joy and hope by the people who knew him.

Very soon we found ourselves working together in the Hindi-speaking Apostolate in the Greater Suva Area covering eight parishes. I was not officially assigned to this ministry. But since we have a Hindi-speaking community at St. Pius X Parish, Raiwaqa where I was assigned, we were part of his coverage area. And as for me, this ministry was beyond what was ‘official’. It was a very personal choice. I was very interested to be involved in the ministry. I simply wanted to share the experiences on mission which the people of Labasa have blessed me with.

Family visitations became the heart of the Hindi-speaking Apostolate. Pat spent hours after hours visiting families in the eight parishes. I joined Pat many times in visiting families. Pat worked tirelessly with the local clergy, parish leaders as well as with leaders of the Hindi-speaking communities in trying to bring people together. The coordinating committee which was formed by leaders from the different parishes worked hard to organize programs, events and celebrations. It was a renewal of many faces.

Pat initiated the revival of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) in eight parishes. With Rosema Dass, we would meet every week at St. Joseph’s Secondary School to go through the sessions ourselves. Then we would conduct the classes for catechumens in our respective parishes. This went on for nearly one year! The commitment and dedication of the RCIA instructors from the different parishes were extraordinary. But Pat’s encouragement and support to all of us also meant a lot.

Pat’s dedication to his ministry and to the people he worked with was unquestionable. Not even sickness would prevent him moving around. I remember when he was down with gout a few days before a big activity in the Hindi-speaking Apostolate. I told Pat that the coordinating committee was on top of the situation. But this did not convince him to take the day off. He was insistent that he has to fulfil his responsibilities. I threatened to strap him to his bed so that he could have the rest he needed. But his responsibilities were all that mattered. He was limping but there he was on the road again! This was also very Pat.

The activities in the Hindi-speaking apostolate were many, varied and were located in different parishes. These required a lot of my time, effort and energy. I was already struggling to have some balance between my commitments. I told Pat one day, ‘thank you for all the excitement that you bring to my life.’ He simply laughed.

But it was not all work with Pat. Ed Quinn, Pat and I would really try go to a restaurant or a movie every week. These weekly outings were always a nice treat for me. When we would go out we had a golden rule – ‘anything Columban is banned in our conversations’. So we would end up talking about politics, sports, families and our former lives!

Pat’s generosity extended ‘beyond borders’. He also gave his reassuring presence to the Filipino community in Fiji, in our joyful and sad moments.

I enjoyed working with Pat, with and despite the excitement that his intense passion for mission brought to my life. But I felt even more privileged to have Pat as my personal companion for four years. My life was enriched by our honest and open sharing. His deep faith and trust in God inspired me. And I really felt that he knew and understood the beatings of my heart so well.

It was in Taiwan on the first day of the LMs’ Renewal Gathering that I learned of Pat’s assignment to Pakistan – from the Superior General himself. I was happy for Pat. But I felt sad. I thought I was going to lose a friend. He was a life support to me. From Taiwan I sent an email to Pat wishing him well on his new assignment and thanking him for his support and encouragement. But I also expressed to him my sadness that I will be losing a friend.

But Pat did not leave me behind in Fiji. It was I who left Pat behind in Fiji. Two months after Pat’s appointment to Pakistan, my appointment as LM Coordinator of the Philippine Region came. Pat was happy for me. But he also knew of my apprehensions in taking up the new assignment. He was very encouraging.

Pat was one of those who saw me off at the airport. He was the last person to give me a big and warm hug. He told me one of his sincerest wishes for me – that after I finish my term in the Philippines, we shall see each other again in Pakistan!

I remember when friends in Fiji learned that Pat will be returning to Pakistan. Most of them could not understand why. In the absence of any credible explanation, I simply told them, ‘he wants to die there.’ I could sense that for Pat his return to Pakistan was a homecoming. Fiji must have been Pat’s first love. But I have the feeling that in his big heart, Pakistan turned out to be his real love.

SIGNING OF AGREEMENT

2010-05-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

On Sunday evening May 23, RP18 Ger, Jayjay and Rose sealed its partnership with the Missionary Society of St. Columban by signing an agreement for a three year commitment to Columban Lay Mission.

Kyung Ja Lee welcomed everyone. Fr. Pat O’Donoghue presided and represented the Missionary Society of St. Columban at the mass. Present were family members, friends, other Columban Lay Missionaries, returned Columban Lay Missionaries, Columban Sisters and Columban Priests. Sacred Heart Seminarians provided the basis of the choir as Columban students were on vacation. Three new Columban candidates also attended.

Fr. Pat, in his homily focused on the cenacle within us, of deepening our faith, and trusting in the Lord. He believes that everything that happened to RP18 are there for a reason. Waiting is a grace. We must learn the value of perseverance.

RP 18 took their oath and each was presented with the lay mission cross pin. After communion they signed their agreements. Other Columban Lay Missionaries present renewed their own commitment. There was also a powerpoint presentation attempting to show RP18's nine months journey of many firsts, surprises, learnings and growth, of pains but more joys. Ger also took time to explain the symbolism of the three baby shoes which were made as offering. She said,

"Our first taks in approaching another people,
another culture, another religion is
TO TAKE OFF OUR SHOES
for the place we are approaching is HOLY...

Leaving our left shoes in the Philippines,
a reminder for us where we started.

Taking our right shoes in mission,
a reminder for us to have childlike trust in God forever."

After mass, refreshments were served followed by dinner. RP 18 will be going on mission to Birmingham, England.

Please see photos here.

Welcome back Nani!

2010-05-24T23:03:00.000-07:00

We wish to welcome back Naanise Mounga to the CLM-Philippines. Nani went home to her native Tonga in December 2009 for her holidays in between terms. She arrived shortly after midnight of May 24.

Maligayang pagdating muli at mabuhay ka!

Mission Sending of Rose

2010-05-11T00:08:00.000-07:00

Rosalia "Rose" Basada never thought that this day of her missionary journey will actually come true. But it did.

Few weeks before her initial missioning, Rose was a picture of happiness and excitement as she had been looking forward to the culmination of her lay mission formation through the parish mission sending. She was envisioning that all who had been supportive of her vocation will be around to witness this significant day of her life. But things did not turn out the way she hoped them to be. She had a series of challenges beyond her control which delayed her missioning. Rose felt sad and distraught but not inconsolable. Her support system worked wonders that in just so short a time, she felt her dark days are finally over.

So on May 9, her parish mission sending actually happened at the Sts Peter and John Parish in Malabon City with Fr. Adrian Magnait presiding the mass. And everyone Rose wanted to see and thank for came to rejoice and be glad with her. See Rose's missioning pictures here.

Happy May Birthdays!

2010-04-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

Gloria Canama, 2

Marisol Rojas, 4

Maria Agustina Ramirez, 5

Marife Padao, May 5

Gertrudes Samson, 9

Rose Eufre, 10

Lusio Navelinikoro, 11

Lenette Toledo, 17

Jhoanna Resari, 28

Farewell Lani

2010-04-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

After more than six years in the Philippines, Lanieta Tamatawale officially bid farewell to the Columbans in the Philippines by way of a Eucharistic Celebration. She will be returning to Fiji soon to take on the ministry of leadership. In her thanksgiving speech, Lani thanked also the people of Mindanao and other Cebuano-speakers who were like her second family here. She believes that their life which is so unlike her own became her teacher, ie, to borrow St. Columban's saying. She will take with her to Fiji the blessings of both her joys and challenges which she experienced during her journey here.

During the homily, Fr. Michael McGuire, talked about our tendencies as humans to dwell on the bad things though there are many more good things happening. He invites us then to count as blessings not only our joys but also the challenges, sorrows, and disappointments which sometimes disrupt our smooth sailing life. These disruptions make us stronger and in the end better individuals. See photos here.

Vinaka Lani!