Friendship and Loyalty
The Magazine of the Missionary Society of St. Columban
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Volume 99 - Number 4 - June/July 2016
Columban Mission
o n t e n t s
Issue Theme – Friendship and Loyalty
Published By The Columban Fathers
Columban Mission (Issn 0095-4438) is published eight times a year. A minimum donation of $10 a year is required to receive a subscription. Send address and other contact information changes by calling our toll-free number, by sending the information to our mailing address or by e-mailing us at MISSIONOFFICE@COLUMBAN.ORG. Mailing Address: Columban Mission PO Box 10 St. Columbans, NE 68056-0010
Light the Life
12 Not Without You
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4 Getting a Start in Life
Friendship Is at the Heart of Being a Columban Missionary
5 Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and Catholic Institutions
A Special Relationship
7 The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Inc.
Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity
8 Human Trafficking: One Woman’s Story
Olajoke Ajikolu’s Journey from Nigeria to Ireland
10 The Limping Ladies
Companions in Mission
18 Visit to Columban Lay Missionaries
Education and Reflections
Toll-Free Phone: 877/299-1920 Website: WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG Copyright © 2016, The Columban Fathers (Legal Title) PUBLISHER REV. TIMOTHY MULROY, SSC DIRECTORUSA@COLUMBAN.ORG EDITOR KATE KENNY KKENNY@COLUMBAN.ORG EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS MARCI ANDERSON MANDERSON@COLUMBAN.ORG RHONDA FIRNHABER RFIRNHABER@COLUMBAN.ORG GRAPHIC DESIGNER KRISTIN ASHLEY EDITORIAL BOARD DAN EMINGER KATE KENNY ERNIE MAY REV. TIMOTHY MULROY, SSC JEFF NORTON FR. RICHARD STEINHILBER, SSC SCOTT WRIGHT
20 Our Big Helpers
The Unfinished Story of a Valiant and Committed Woman
Departments 3 In So Many Words 23 From the Director
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The Missionary Society of St. Columban was founded in 1918 to proclaim and witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ. The Society seeks to establish the Catholic Church where the Gospel has not been preached, help local churches evangelize their laity, promote dialogue with other faiths, and foster among all baptized people an awareness of their missionary responsibility.
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In So Many Words By Joan Yap
Working for Love of Family
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’ve been here in Taiwan for many years already, and I find it very interesting that a lot of my “kababayan” (countrymen) wanted to work abroad. Initially I felt that people wanted to work abroad for economic gain. When I heard that you have a relative who is working abroad, then I believed that you already belong to the middle class. You can own new appliances, and you can renovate your house. And now that I am here, I was given the privilege to journey with the migrants who came to Taiwan in search of a better life. It is not easy to work abroad or in a foreign land, being away from your loved ones, missing special or important occasions in the family, and most of all having to work in a different culture. At its worst, some experience abuses and discrimination. It may be difficult but they just have to deal with all of these factors in order to work. I met this girl, she was in her early 30s, and she was sheltered in our place. She was hired as a caregiver, but then it turned out that her work was to clean the whole backyard of her employer and the three-story buildings all by herself. In spite of all the difficulties and abuses she experienced, she has to bear all of this or else look for another job where a good employer is not a guarantee. As much as she would like to go home and find security, she couldn’t because she needed to think of the many bills she needed to pay not to mention her debts before she came here. She could not imagine herself becoming the “burden” of her family when she comes home. All she wants is to give hope to her family for a better life. I guess I could say most of the migrant workers are here because of their love for their family. They are willing to take all the risks and difficulties as migrant workers, because they want to provide better futures for their families. We have a community prayer group here, and it is organized by volunteers. In this prayer group we become one in our tears of sadness, joys, worries and loneliness. Our experiences brought us in union to the same God. Our hope is in God. We know that Jesus has gone through all of these experiences that we now have, and He feels for us and He is in one with us. The challenge of the migrant workers is that they make all of these sacrifices out of love for their families, but is it worth the sacrifice of being away from the families who need their love and physical presence?
Our hope is in God.
Columban lay missionary Joan Yap lives and works in Taiwan. WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
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Getting a Start in Life Friendship Is at the Heart of Being a Columban Missionary By Fr. Peter Woodruff
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ishop Jin, the late bishop of Shanghai, who died aged 97 years in 2013, was Agnes Dong’s great-grandmother’s cousin. Her grandmother on that side of her family was a devout Catholic, but her other three grandparents were not Catholic. Her grandmother went to Catholic schools in Shanghai, but her mother was brought up during the Cultural Revolution (1966 – 1976) when Chinese Christians did not practice their religion openly, so she was not brought up Catholic. Agnes was born in 1990 in a time when there was freedom of religious practice in China. Aged six months and with some encouragement from her grandmother, Agnes’ parents took her to the church to be baptized on January 21, 1991, the feast of St Agnes.
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The Shanghai cathedral was renovated following the Cultural Revolution and opened for public worship with the celebration of Christmas Mass in 1980. Agnes went to church as a child, but she noticed that those at church were either old people around her grandmother’s age or young people around her own age. Her parents’ generation was absent as they had not been introduced to religious practice during their formative years. However, since then some have returned to the public practice of their religious faith and others have joined the Church. Columban Fr. Warren Kinne has been a good friend of her family since the year 2000. He got to know her mother at work where she edited material at the Catholic Church publishing office. Fr. Warren was
helping with English language work. He was very patient and kind. Agnes recently completed nine years of study in Adelaide, Australia, and is about to return to Shanghai to look for a job. She lived with the same Catholic family during her entire time in Adelaide. There are two children in her Adelaide family, a girl and a boy, now aged 12 and 14 years. Sharing family life with them has been important for her as she is an only child but has now had nine years experience of sharing family life with other children. Due to China’s one child policy she did not have brothers or sisters at home in Shanghai. Of course, the main push for her overseas came from her parents, to whom Agnes is most grateful: “Not only did they supported me financially in the past nine years so that I could concentrate on my studies, more importantly, they encouraged and cheered me up when I was upset or feeling low. I am very thankful for all the sacrifices they have made to provide me with the opportunity to study in Australia and experience a different culture.” Her family in Adelaide was most welcoming, and she insisted to me that being with them helped her become more sociable and overcome her natural shyness. Nine years ago, she assured me, that she would have hesitated to talk about her life but, thanks to this family experience, now is happy to do so. In Adelaide, Agnes studied at St. Ignatius College and, for some art work in her final year, she won the Benjamin Young Artist Award in the Sterling Art WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
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Exhibition. She hopes the Australians like the photos of some of the art work she presented at that time. After completing year 12, she studied for a B.A. in media studies at the University of Adelaide. Following that, she studied for an M.A. in business law and commerce. Agnes did well in a number of subjects at university and won prizes, especially in legal studies. She now feels both hopeful and confident that these years of study in Adelaide might help her get a job at home in Shanghai. During her time in Adelaide Agnes returned home to Shanghai each summer so she did not lose touch with her family. She feels proud and happy to be moving ahead with her life but
also apprehensive and a little unsure of herself. So much has changed in Shanghai. Adelaide seems to stand still in comparison with the rate of change in Shanghai. Each year when Agnes returns to Shanghai she finds her friends speaking with new words and phrases. There are ever more new buildings in the city. When she left Shanghai to study in Adelaide, there were just a few subway lines in the city, and now there are at least fifteen. The population has been growing so fast; in 2009 Shanghai was home to nearly 18 million and by 2013 the figure had risen to over 24 million, 40 percent of whom are migrant workers from other provinces of China.
Agnes has been looking forward to going home for a long time. Despite all the changes, which at times leaves her quite confused, she just wants to go home and do her best in whatever job she may get and live peacefully with her family. Yet she knows there is more to life than that and she spoke to me of also helping others in need, as does Fr. Warren with the migrant workers and their children. She has her own personal dreams but also intends to do what she can to help others live out their own dreams. CM Columban Fr. Peter Woodruff lives and works in Australia. Columban Fr. Warren Kinne lives and works in China.
Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and Catholic Institutions A Special Relationship By Marilyn Madigan
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uring the 122 year history of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH), there has been a special relationship with various Catholic institutions. The Order has also promoted Irish, Irish American and Catholic history. At the 1902 convention held in Denver, Colorado, the delegation passed a resolution to establish the Trinity College Scholarship. Fundraising efforts were started immediately after the convention. The early leaders valued education and saw the importance of educational opportunities for women. The membership raised $10,000 over a two year period. The donation was given to Trinity College at the 1904 convention held in St. Louis, Missouri. The LAOH became sponsors of a grant WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
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at Trinity College that would enable young women to benefit from a good Catholic education. Many of those who benefited from this grant have given back as religious Sisters, teachers and nurses. Ellen Ryan Jolly served the LAOH as the National Irish Historian from 1908 until her election to National President in 1912. President Jolly was a true lover of history and wanted to remember the contributions of the Catholic Nursing Sisters of the American Civil War. She recommended to the membership that the LAOH should erect a monument to honor these Sisters. The Nuns of the Battlefield Monument was dedicated in Washington, D.C, on September 20, 1924. In addition
to the Monument, Ellen Ryan Jolly wrote a book, The Nuns of the Battlefield to share the stories of the various communities of religious Sisters and their service in the Civil War. The LAOH was asked to donate to the National Shrine. President Mary Timon presented $10,000 to the Most Reverend Thomas J. Shahan, Rector of Catholic University. The LAOH donated the St. Brigid Altar and other religious items in memory of these Sisters. A beautiful gift of a chalice and gold paten modeled after the celebrated Kilmallock Chalice was donated to the Shrine in memory of the nuns of the battlefield. Other items donated were a replica of the Cross of Cong Crucifix, an illuminated Missal and Missal stand June/July 2016
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made from the wood of the pews where the Sisters treated their patients. At the Baltimore Convention in 1935, Columban Fr. Edward Galvin addressed the delegation about the Columban missionaries. Fr. Galvin requested financial support for the missionaries to assist in this important work. The delegation passed the following resolution: “We recommend that the suggestion of our National Chaplain, Bishop Griffin, that our National President appoint a National Chairman of Missions to direct this work within our ranks, be adopted. It would be understood, however, that such National Chairman of Missions work under the direction of the National President and the National Board.” National President Anna Bryant appointed Past National President Mary McWhorter to serve as the first Chair of Missions. At this Convention, the Missionary Society 6
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of St. Columban was established as the principal charity of the Ladies Auxiliary. The Columban Fathers continue to be the primary charity, and the Columban Sisters were added in 2006. The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians have donated more than one million dollars since the adoption of the Columbans as our primary charity. Charitable donations and corporal works of mercy have been the trademarks of the LAOH. During our long history, we have made financial donations for many causes including a Fund for Catholic Chaplains of the Armed Forces, the Irish College in Rome, Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, All Hallows’ Seminary and victims of many natural disasters. Many churches have also benefitted from donations of vestments, Mass items and church windows from individual members and local divisions.
In 1978, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the LAOH joined together to establish the Hibernian Chair at the University of Notre Dame. In the history of the LAOH written by National President Sally Murphy, she states the benefits of the relationship between the Hibernians and the University of Notre Dame. Funds collected by the Hibernians have been donated to the Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism and the Hibernian Scholarship Fund. The centerpiece of the endowment is the Hibernian Research Award to provide grants to encourage the Study of Irish America. In 1982, the Cushwa Center started the Hibernian Lecture Series where distinguished scholars share their knowledge of Irish and Irish American History. Many sons and daughters of the Hibernians have received scholarships to attend this prestigious Catholic University. A joint program of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and LAOH to assist in religious vocations is Project St. Patrick. This program was started to provide financial support to seminarians, religious men and women during their formation. This project was established to continue the vision of St. Patrick “to bring the Gospel and the Eucharist to all people.” We are proud of our history. This history can be found at many archives including the University of Notre Dame, Catholic University and the Irish American Historical Society. John J. Burns Library at Boston College has one of the largest collections of Irish History. Since 2006, this library is the archival site for our organization. The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians are proud that our history will be preserved at this prestigious library. CM
Marilyn Madigan is the LAOH National Irish Historian.
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The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Inc. Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity By Dee Ramp
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he Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians is a Sisterhood of Irish and Irish-American, Catholic Women. The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) is a national organization officially recognized in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1894 as the “Daughters of Erin.” It is felt that the Ancient Order of Hibernians had always had women as a support group but due to the “secret” societal aspect of the Order, the men chose not to acknowledge the women. However, being of the “matriarchal” heritage that is ours, the women sought their own identity and finally at the National Convention in Omaha, Nebraska, in May, 1894, the men relented and allowed the formation of the “Daughters of Erin.” In 1906 the name was changed to “Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.” In 2004, we were officially incorporated on our own as Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Inc. The Ladies AOH has changed in many ways over the decades, but still we hold true to our motto of “Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity.” We are pledged to God and country. The primary purpose of the LAOH was to protect young immigrant Irish girls who were coming to the United States, to assist them in securing employment, to give them the opportunity to be with their own kind, and to keep them from becoming homesick and discouraged. The preamble of our constitution states that the intent and purpose of the LAOH is to promote friendship, WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
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unity and Christian charity among its members, assisting the people of Ireland to establish an Irish Republic which shall include the 32 counties of Ireland, aiding the aged, sick, blind and infirm members and for the legitimate expense of the LAOH, including mission work and Catholic action. The ladies also foster the ideals and perpetuate the history and traditions of the Irish people and promote Irish culture. Our patron saint is St. Brigid of Ireland. Membership requirements are as follows: • You must be a practicing Roman Catholic woman, 16 years of age or older; and • You must be Irish by birth or descent; OR • The mother of a LAOH Member; OR • The wife or mother of an AOH Member; OR • The mother of a Junior Hibernian OR • A member of a religious order. The LAOH membership is confined exclusively to practicing Roman Catholics who have complied with their religious duties within the past year. At the 1980 National Convention, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and the LAOH voted to fund a chair at the University of Notre Dame for the study of the history of the Catholic Church in the United States and the Irish contribution to that history.
At each National Convention, the order donates tens of thousands of dollars to the Columban Fathers and the Columban Sisters, the principal charities of the Order. We have been doing this for well over ten years, and we have helped to build over 60 mission churches around the world. These particular charities fall under the office of Missions and Charities, and it has truly been an honor to have served in this capacity. CM The LAOH is in 28 different states around the country all of which have divisions and some have counties as well. The National LAOH website has all of the information about our order and about each office of the National Board. The website is www.ladiesaoh.com. Dee Ramp is the LAOH National Missions and Charities Officer.
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Human Trafficking: One Woman’s Story Olajoke Ajikolu’s Journey from Nigeria to Ireland By Fr. Bobby Gilmore
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y name is Olajoke Ajikolu, and I am from Nigeria. I have five brothers and a sister, and life seemed to be pretty hard for us. I stopped going to school at the age of 16 as the family could not afford the school fees for me. Then things became so hard that I was forced to leave my family and move to Lagos to live with my dad’s brother for a few years. I was selling pure water on the streets to be able to help myself and my family in what little way I could. I was introduced to a family who promised me a good education and to take good care of me if I came to live with them in Ireland. Not even in my wildest dreams could I foresee what was in store for me in Ireland. I came to Ireland with the family, my employers, in 2002 to have a better life and to help my family back home. When I arrived to Ireland and started working, I realized that my dreams for having a better life were fading away. I was required to work 7 days per week. I was minding four children and doing the household duties such cooking for the family, cleaning, ironing, and vacuuming. I did not have any breaks and did not receive a single payment for my hard work. I was working around the clock for seven weeks without any pay. I felt that I was trapped in the house like a slave with no way out of the situation. I could not leave because I did not know anybody; I would be homeless if I had left as the family provided me
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with the food and shelter for the work I did for them. I felt so scared and betrayed by the family who promised me I would have a good life in Ireland. I was forced to endure these conditions for ten years. I became very depressed and isolated from the rest of the world during those years. I was not allowed to talk to other people about my situation or leave the house whenever I felt like having a little walk. Thank God I was allowed to attend my church in Drogheda where I felt consoled and peaceful at least for an
I was working around the clock for seven weeks without any pay. I felt that I was trapped in the house like a slave with no way out of the situation. hour or two. Over time I felt that I gained strength in the Church and received a lot of encouragement to talk about the things that worried me. In the end I got the courage to open up about the horrendous conditions I was forced to endure in my employment over those years. The priest of the Church became very concerned about my well-being and my situation. He helped me to leave my employment in April 2012 and found me a place to stay at the Women’s Refugee Center in
Drogheda. I felt relieved and free from exploitation and employers. I felt I could breathe again and felt that whatever happens down the road, it will be better than what I had experienced at my work with the family. Eventually I was referred to the Migrant Rights Center Ireland (MRCI) for help and assistance in my situation. MRCI brought my case to the Gardai to investigate the years of slavery I was through when I was working for the family. I was given accommodation in the Balseskin Direct Provision center as part of this case. I spent three years in Balseskin Center living in a limbo – I did not have any immigration status so I could not work, study or do some training, I could not start moving on with my life. It is hard to live with unknown and uncertainty. I did not receive a positive outcome in my trafficking case. I became depressed again and felt betrayed by the State this time. In March 2015, finally some good news came along my way when the Department of Justice gave me stamp 1 for 12 months to work with Comfort Keepers without a work permit. I was very delighted with this as I could start my work as a nursing assistant, earn my own money and be able to move on. Unfortunately, my joy was short lived as I realized I had to pay €300 for the the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) card and I did not have such funds. WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
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I was getting only €19.10 weekly allowance when I was living in the Balseskin Direct Provision Center, and there was no hope for me to save that amount of money. MRCI did their best to get the fee waived in my case or get the social welfare office to fund the fee for the GNIB card. Unfortunately, these two requests were denied. I could not start my work with Comfort Keepers because they told me I had to show GNIB card to them and only then they will be able to give me a job. At that moment I felt very low and desperate. In my mind I was thinking “where on earth I am going to get that money from? Will the day come WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
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when I will work and live a normal life again?” I was very emotional when MRCI called me one day to tell me that €300 was donated by the Columban missionaries. I was so grateful to receive this help as I knew that this donation will make a big difference to my life. It had been five long months since the Department of Justice gave me the right to work until I will finally be able to work. I started working as a nursing assistant with Comfort Keepers only three weeks ago, and I love it. I love my newly gained independence, I love my work, and I love helping other people. I do not look back and I
don’t want to! I have many plans and dreams for the future, and I know I am in a good place now to fulfil them. I am lucky to have so many people around me who cared about me for years and who worked really hard to bring me to the place where I am now. God bless you all. CM
Columban Fr. Bobby Gilmore lives and works in Ireland with the migrant community.
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The Limping Ladies Companions in Mission By Monaliza Esteban
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wonder if the Blessed Virgin was limping during her old age? Nevertheless, I think she will still be there doing what God the Father asked of her. Perhaps even though she was not physically fit during Jesus’ time, she still did what she had to do. While on mission in Fiji, I had a group of older ladies in the parish who were my companions in mission. These women were full of enthusiasm and helped spread the word about the mission work. At this point, you may be wondering why in our church the older ladies are more committed to the prayer to the Blessed Virgin. They have this intimate connection with the Blessed Virgin that some of us can’t feel. When I was in the Philippines I often witnessed older ladies inside the church praying the rosary before the Mass started. I was not that devoted to the Blessed Virgin until I had a chance to study about her. St. Thomas Aquianas once said, “It is in knowing
that we learn to love a person.” Indeed, Jesus also taught us that we can’t love a person unless we know them. How can we say we love them when we know nothing about them? I’ll bet these ladies know a lot about the Blessed Virgin, and I think they have something in common that made them the best of friends. In my meekest opinion, I see the Blessed Virgin transpiring in them. Not because I see them praying their rosaries every Saturday in church or I see them with their devotion to her, but because of the Mary-like zeal they have to serve God. They travel from village to village, from one area to another area, and even from parish to parish just to bring the word of God to the people. One time upon arrival after dark and a long journey to the high land of Ba (in Fiji), a small child ran to her grandmother informing that there was a group of old ladies coming, two limping ladies and one big limping
white lady. It made us laugh when we made it to the house. It was the same story when coming back from one village, because we were are all limping! It is true that the ladies walk slowly, and everything they do is in slow motion. Out of the blue, Aunty Eileen told the driver, “You know Navin, Jesus picked those fishermen to be His apostles, in Ba He picked the cripples.” She was referring to herself, me and the other limping ladies. Though they are physically weak, I can see their love and concern for their brothers and sisters in Christ. Mary’s love for us was manifested in them. I believe their friendship with the risen Mary has helped them a lot in their zeal to evangelize people in different places. Mary brings them closer to her Son every day, and she gives them strength to continue their mission even if they are older and slower. Mother Mary is their pillar of strength in their old age. Working with them for years has deepened my relationship with the blessed Mother. They have walked with the risen Mary throughout their lives and into their old age and it inspires me a lot. When these old limping ladies said “yes” to their chosen vocation, perhaps they didn’t see of what the future will give them but more what they can give for the future. CM Originally from the Philippines, Columban lay missionary Monaliza S. Esteban lives and works in Fiji.
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God depends on you to carry out His plan for the world. Please consider becoming a Columban Mission sponsor today! As a Columban Mission Sponsor, you play a vital and important role in bringing Christ to the people of the Pacific Rim, South and Central America. You may not be able to go where our Columban missionaries go, and you may not be able to do what we do, but together we can bring Christ, in word and in sacrament to the people of the world. What Columban missionaries achieve is as much your work as theirs. When you choose to make sustaining gifts as a Columban Mission Sponsor, you help secure the future of mission!
What does being a Columban Mission Sponsor involve? Daily Prayer Columban Mission Sponsors pray daily for the success of our missionaries. The Gospel is spread through the power of God, not merely by human effort. For mission efforts to be fruitful, they must be accompanied by prayer. Sacrifice Offer whatever crosses, suffering and pain you experience each day for the success of our mission activities. Sacrifice is the inseparable compliment to prayer. A Monthly Offering Columban Mission sponsors give a specific amount that they choose each month for the work of the missions. These sustaining gifts live up to their name by maximizing giving over the long term and provide a secure future for vital programs and ministries.
What are the personal benefits for you? Becoming a Columban Mission Sponsor is one way of saying “Thank You, Lord” for all of God’s goodness to you, especially for the gift of Faith. You can be sure that, in return, God will never be outdone in generosity toward you or your loved ones. By helping bring Christ to others, you will find your own faith immensely enriched. To start your monthly giving today, visit us online at: www.columban.org/sponsors. Or, for your convenience, fill out the form below and use the postage-paid envelope in the center of this magazine. _____ I would like to learn more about giving via automatic bank withdrawal. Please call me. _____ I would like to begin my monthly giving by check. Enclosed is my gift of $____________ (We will send a reminder each month unless you direct us otherwise) Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________________________________ State: ___ Zip: __________ Phone: ________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________
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Light the Life Saving for a Brighter Future By Marivic H. Mercene
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oh Hyein, better known as Anna (pronounced En-na), a teacher by profession, came to the Philippines in April 2011 with three other Korean women. After a year of studies in Tagalog and English, she was assigned to St. Peter Parish in the Diocese of Novaliches. In the beginning of her ministry and with the advice of her parish priest Fr. Tony Labiao, Anna together with her fellow Columban lay missionary Juri rented a big, twobedroom house outside the mission area. When Juri returned to Korea, Anna immediately and gladly packed her bag and moved to a much smaller space in the mission area. This was not exactly her ideal room, but she felt more comfortable there than in the big house. However, she later realized that the space was too small for her to move around. This prompted her to look for another room. Now she is settled in her new room which is twice as big as the last.
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At first, she found it difficult to fit in the new culture which is very different from her own. However, her commitment to embrace her new life in the mission with all the challenges that went with it overcame her difficulties. And with this positive attitude, Anna slowly and happily conquered most if not all of the obstacles that might have proven difficult to get past at first. Early this year, Anna spearheaded the candle-making livelihood project
Sr. Maria has extensive experience in candle-making, and she wanted to be part of this parish livelihood project. of the parish. She related how it all began. “From the very start, Fr. Tony Labiao empowered me to choose my ministry. I chose to work on the Social Service and Development Ministry (SSDM) and Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) Ministry. I was involved with the parish feeding program, pastoral care for women and children, and its livelihood projects. I became more involved with SSDM when Tito Donald (Donald Geocaniga) invited me to help him present the livelihood budget to the parish which I gladly accepted. Tito
Donald knew that I had always been interested with livelihood projects. And since he has 21 years of business experience in livelihood projects, I look up to him for direction and advice for my ministry. We have disagreements and misunderstandings due to language limitations and cultural differences, but we always agree that what we do is for God.” The candle-making project started as an idea from St. Peter Parish priest Fr.Tony Labiao who saw that while there were many candles being sold in the church, not one actually came as a product of a parish project. There was a great potential in candle making which could be a source of additional income for families and a venue for values formation. Anna took on the responsibility of doing the ground works for the project. With 75,000 pesos ($1,578.00 U.S.) capital coming from the parish, Anna started working. She used 35,000 pesos ($736.40 U.S.) for the purchase of supplies, materials and equipment and for training for the candle making project; 5,000 pesos ($105.20 U.S.) were set aside for the values formation seminar-workshop, and the remaining 35,000 pesos ($736.40) were earmarked for the basahan (rag) making project. WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
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To emphasize the necessity of savings, Anna has incorporated into the candlemaking project a saving scheme where 5% of the members’ earnings are put in the “Light the Life” fund.
Anna with other Columban lay missionaries
Tito Donald asked for help from the Quezon City hall in training the participating mothers. “I asked four kawan (group/cluster) leaders and the SSDM head of each kawan to recommend five mothers who didn’t have any job and income. I believe this is one way to empower leaders and give them responsibility,” Anna related. The training proved to be very helpful as a starting point. Anna also sought the help of Vietnamese Sr. Maria of the Little Sisters of Jesus. Sr. Maria has extensive experience in candle-making, and she wanted to be part of this parish livelihood project. Anna also checked online and learned from internet videos the proper process of making candles from priming a wick, to preparing a mold, to dyeing wax and safety tips to avoid accidents in the workplace. Anna practiced on her own and with the mothers. They discussed what tools were helpful and the best candle to make based on the needs of the parish. They continuously and patiently experimented until the end WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
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result gave them enough confidence and made them ready to produce the candles. At present there are sixteen mothers working in the project. Each is given 120 pesos ($2.52 U.S.) for a half day’s work. This amount is due to increase as the project takes off. When a mother has emergency financial needs, she may be given temporary additional work to allow her to earn more money. Anna is quite strict with the work schedule. She discourages absences and tardiness. And as an incentive for those with perfect attendance without being tardy, she gives 3% more of their earnings. The community development is geared towards achieving holistic growth in the economic, political and spiritual aspect of the members. The livelihood project is only part of the bigger community development of St. Peter Parish. Bernadee Uy of the Habi Footwear Foundation helps facilitate the holistic formation of the mothers in the area of goal-setting. Members are helped to set goals for themselves, individually and for the entire team.
Included in the holistic formation of the mothers are investing wisely, saving money from their earnings and planning ahead for the future. To emphasize the necessity of savings, Anna has incorporated into the candle-making project a saving scheme where 5% of the members’ earnings are put in the “Light the Life” fund. “The Light the Life” fund is the savings fund of the members. The budget for the project expansion is also taken from this “Light the Life” fund and partly from the income of the special products. Special products are items sold in the parish religious store and office. Proceeds from the special products shall also fund the mothers’ outing, recollection and retreat. A significant component of this program is the values formation. Members are being helped to understand their role as political members of the society and are encouraged to become responsible citizens. At the time when an election is approaching, the mothers are June/July 2016
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Anna believes that the whole process made her a better leader and a better person.
Anna with the youth of St. Peter Parish
helped with how to choose their local government leaders wisely. And lastly, the members are being helped to assess their faith and values and are empowered to empower others too. This way, it is not only they who are transformed but the whole community as well. One of the challenges that Anna faced while starting the candle-making project was when two mothers left the program. They had very clear reason then. One was preparing to go abroad and was often absent from work. The other one wanted other jobs that would bring in more income to her family. They were not in line with the mission and vision of the parish livelihood project and the holistic development of its members. Anna admitted that there were some misunderstandings between her and the mothers due to language barriers and her communication skills. At first, Anna felt guilty. This made her sit back and reflect on the experience. And because of this experience, she learned one valuable Filipino trait which is patience. 14
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Now she is finding ways to better communicate her ideas without hurting anyone. She believes that the whole process made her a better leader and a better person. Without a doubt, Anna is happy where she is at in her ministry. Her excitement, her voice and her facial expression while describing the livelihood project and the values formation workshop all show how fulfilled she is in her work. She loves to see the smiles of the mothers when they receive their earnings. It warms her heart when mothers approach and thank her. Before coming to the Philippines, Anna knew that livelihood would be her ministry. The basahan (rag) making project is soon to start. She is also working on the next formation modules for the mothers which will be on attitude, health and food, women’s health and computer literacy. “How do you do all these?” I asked and she said, “With a lot of help from God.” Anna also credits Fr. Tony Labiao for the autonomy and empowerment to choose her ministry, the kawan
leaders, SSDM heads, and mothers for their commitment and hard work, Tito Donald, Sr. Maria, Bernadee Uy and the many people who support and want the project not only to get off the ground but to soar. Anna gives special credit to Brother Mike of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary who spent his apostolate in St. Peter and who helped her in the procurement of materials for the candle making. It was Brother Mike who came up with the “Light the Life” title. She also acknowledges the help of her friends and the parish she belongs to in her native Korea for their donations to keep this project up and running. For those discerning to answer God’s calling and be like Jesus, Anna has this to say, “Don’t be afraid. Come and see. Be a Columban Lay Missionary. Whatever you expect, God will give you more. Whatever you heart desires, God will give you more.” CM Marivic H. Mercene is a Columban lay mission staff member.
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Columban Missionaries Memorial Garden Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves. ~ Philippians 2:3 The breathtaking Columban Missionaries memorial garden on the grounds of St. Columbans in Bellevue, Nebraska, memorializes the legacy of twenty-four Columban missionaries who gave their lives for our faith. They believed in something more than self and gave their lives in the same fashion. This special and quiet place of reflection honors their sacrifice. The design of the garden speaks to the fullness of resurrection and life everlasting. It also signifies the unity that you have shared with us in our common missionary calling throughout the years. We joyfully offer you the opportunity to be a part of this lasting place by memorializing or honoring a loved one or special person with the engraving of a paving brick. For a gift of $150, you can honor or memorialize someone and by doing so, become a part of this beautiful place that honors so much about our faith and calling. To place an order for your engraved brick, please contact us at 1-877-299-1920 or visit us online at www.columban.org to fill out an online order form. For more information about our memorial garden and to hear the story of the Columban missionaries who gave so selflessly, please contact us at CM 1-877-2991920 or email us at mission@columban.org. We are forever grateful for the part that you play in our shared missionary journey and we gratefully remember you in our Masses and prayers.
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Not Without You God’s Gentle Presence By Sr. Miriam Cousins
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f I were to describe my twelve years ministering to prostitutes, I would have to say I felt truly powerless on the one hand and deeply aware of God’s presence on the other. God’s love and compassion seemed very much alive in that dark and painfilled world. Sometimes I could almost feel God’s tears as I looked into the eyes of someone who was not much more than a child. The area I visited in downtown Seoul had nearly 200 brothels with around 1,500 young women working in them. Cut off from the outside world, there were big notices forbidding anyone under 18 years to enter. The streets were too narrow for any kind of transport which meant that when walking past the brothels you were very close to the girls. They were sitting in what only can be described as large shop windows, right on to the narrow streets. The French doors were always fully open even in the cold of winter. I used to visit every evening. I will never forget my very first visit to the area; embarrassed, uneasy and even ashamed, I wanted to run away. Looking at the ranks of young girls sitting in neat rows, waiting for some man to come in and pick them out from their companions, to take them into a back room and there to do as 16
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they pleased with them was horrifying. I knew from the beginning that I was not welcome. On the third night I was questioned by three different people in that notorious red-light district. I thought, “They’re on to me.” They had to be the men, maybe pimps, on the lookout for intruders and no doubt I fitted that category. But I also felt that the only thing to do was to take the bull by the horns and go again the next evening even though my legs were shaking. But nobody stopped me, and I never again got
Sometimes I could almost feel God’s tears as I looked into the eyes of someone who was not much more than a child. the feeling I was being followed. In fact sometimes if a customer annoyed me the girls immediately came to my rescue. As I got into things and became accepted, I sometimes sat with the girls as they waited for the men. On more than one occasion a customer pointed me out, in spite of my greying hair and dowdy dress. The girls would immediately shout, “No! No! You can’t have her!” From the beginning I decided that the best way to carry out this ministry was to go alone. I did not want to be
a threat to anyone. My vulnerability made contacts easier. At first I just went around and said hello to the young girls sitting in neat rows behind the large French doors under a blaze of neon lights. There was also a Madame out on the street doing her best to get the men, who were usually in groups, to come into their brothel before the next door Madame took over. There was on-going competition between them. The young girls were not what is usually thought of as a prostitute – scantily dressed with heavy makeup, bold and unafraid, walking the street and trying to attract any male who happened to walk past. In these brothels the girls were dressed to give the impression of innocent, docile, obedient young ladies. In those days many of them dressed in white gowns which looked more like wedding dresses. People often say that prostitution is a free choice. I think a lot depends on what you mean by freely chosen. Many of these young girls came from broken or abusive families. One girl told me of how she was gang raped. She was one of the few who went to the police. When her family heard she went to the police, they totally rejected her. She was sent away and, with no place to go, she ended up in a brothel. Many were WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
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teenagers who had run away from home; they went looking for work in job centers which were often only a front for pimps. The staff there gave the girls large sums of money to buy some new clothes and make-up and come back in a few days. They were then caught in a web, unable to break free. And so there was I, in this hellish place, like some kind of mad woman saying “Hello” to this most uninterested group of women, as I walked slowly past one brightly lit brothel after another. It was some time before anyone answered my greeting. But then it came like Christ and with Christmas. I had been visiting the area every evening for three months. There were a few girls who answered my greeting. So I prepared Christmas cards for them and delivered them in person on Christmas Eve. I then took a week’s break before venturing out again. Then to my great surprise at the end of one street a girl jumped up from her seat, ran towards me and handed me a gift. I was so touched. I have no idea what I said to her but I’m sure my
People often say that prostitution is a free choice. I think a lot depends on what you mean by freely chosen. reaction spoke volumes. When I got home I opened the gift – three white furry miniature dogs who seemed to look up at me. I brought them to the convent and placed them in the Crib with the other animals where they appeared year after year. They were a gentle reminder to all of us of these lost young women and of Christ’s great love for them. Slowly more and more people began to accept me and even look forward to my coming. I would sit chatting with a group of Madams; they knew I was not there to exploit them, that I had great respect for the girls, that I did not judge them. In some cases I was even welcomed into the brothel where I would sit with the girls who were waiting for their customers. But I knew that the owner was watching my every move through a one-way glass window. I hoped to give the girls my phone number and
invite them to the small shelter I had set up for those who wished to come. Usually only those who had courage to leave the brothel came, and not without risk. One night a girl ran out to me and asked if I would teach her English. This was an opportunity I could not miss. “Of course,” I said and invited her to come to the small shelter where I lived in community with girls like her, all hoping for a way out of prostitution. She came and when I told her she was welcome to stay she was so surprised, she could not believe it was really happening to her. We were able to help her recover her true self and then get her a job and a new beginning in life. She is a friend to this day and often cries when she remembers and talks of how she might have been if I had not opened this door for her. She is a good Protestant but always wears my rosary ring. I was probably a good while in the area when some of the women started calling me Angel. “Here comes the Angel,” they would say. One evening one of them said, “You will surely go to Heaven.” “Not without you,” I answered. I won’t go to Heaven alone. I hope she remembers these words. They came from my heart. I will never know if my years with these women was any help to most of them, and it was an experience of powerlessness for me. But I do know that God was with me in it all, and I learned a lot about God’s gentle presence and compassion as I walked those streets. CM Sr. Miriam Cousins has served for almost 40 years in Korea. She was also honored by the Korean Government for her work with HIV/AIDS patients.
Madam post outside brothel WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
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Brothel doors
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Visit to Columban Lay Missionaries Education and Reflections By Fr. Denis Carter
Editor’s Note: In November 2015, Julia Corcoran spent a week with Columban lay missionaries from Chile and the Philippines who are working in Britain. The following is her account as told to Columban Fr. Denis Carter.
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had been warned before I arrived that it could be a tough week emotionally. Based in Sparkhill, Birmingham, Britain, the lay missionaries are involved in different ministries with migrants, and with intercultural and interfaith initiatives. The week began with a chance for me to get an overview of the work by attending a monthly meeting in which the Columbans (both ordained and lay) have an opportunity to reflect and share on their missions. This was a fantastic experience for me to meet a number of Columbans and learn from them as well as reflect upon my own life. After the meeting I went home with two of the Columban lay missionaries, Mauricio and Nathalie, who are from Chile and are married and have two children. Mauricio is the current coordinator of the lay
missionaries in Britain. The whole family made me feel very welcome and gave me opportunities to sit with them, share meals and reflect on my experiences throughout the week. On Tuesday morning I went with Nathalie to the mother and toddler group that she helps organize. This project provides both an opportunity for the mothers and toddlers from a variety of backgrounds to socialize as well as an opportunity to learn and improve English. I enjoyed my time at this group, especially when they sang nursery rhymes that I sang when I was little. It brought me back to my childhood! I learned the importance of socializing at a young age, the importance of teaching young children the ability to share (there were a few fights over the musical instruments during the singing) and the importance for mothers to have some time with other mothers. There is a universal bond in motherhood that creates an understanding whether you speak the same language or not. Watching these women interact despite their different backgrounds demonstrated this to me.
Julia with Archbishop Bernard and lay missionaries
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I then went with another lay missionary – Rose, from the Philippines – to a project where women who are seeking asylum or who have refugee status come together and meet weekly to socialize with each other and also have the opportunity to discuss a particular topic. For example, the week before I arrived they had been discussing female genital mutilation. The week I was there they had a visitor who was writing her Ph.D. on experiences in detention centers. It was particularly eye opening as the women were completely honest with this lady about their experiences of detention centers which I hardly knew anything about beforehand. The stories the women shared were shocking. I don’t think I would have ever had the chance to hear their stories in any other situation. In the evening Rose, Mauricio and myself went to a prayer service for asylum seekers and refugees led by the Archbishop of Birmingham in St. Chad’s Cathedral. Afterwards we met a variety of people including a man from Syria who had just been granted five years to stay in theUnited Kingdom on that day. It was a wonderful moment to share with this person who is now hoping that his family will be able to join him. He was invited to the St. Chad’s Sanctuary in order to get food, clothes and other things he might need while he is settling into the U.K. On Wednesday, I moved from Mauricio and Nathalie’s house to the house where the three lay missionaries (Rose, Ger and JayJay) from the Philippines live. While I was with WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
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these three wonderful women I felt so welcomed and definitely overfed! They had a saying, “Eat more while you still can.” They would say this at every meal to make sure I had had enough food. They’re also such happy people with a lot of singing and dancing particularly at breakfast. I learned a lot from these three, particularly about missionary work – the good times but also the struggles. The next day I went with Ger to a place where they teach English to people who want to learn it. As I helped one woman I realized English is not easy. You have a rule, and then the rule has exceptions and silent letters. I’m currently learning Polish, so I understand the struggle of a new language and was impressed by the level of skill the woman I was teaching had for English. This project helped me to realize how fortunate I am that I can choose to learn a new language and am not forced to because I have had to leave my country behind. One of the things I learned over the whole week is that language can be a real barrier for some people to feel a part of the community. In the evening I joined Nathalie in the Hope Project garden to meet people who have moved to the U.K. for a variety of different reasons. The idea behind the project is to create a community by building a garden together. The group I met are a fantastic community, meeting weekly to share their news, both good and bad. They celebrate together and are sad for each other. They had so much enthusiasm for their gardening, and I felt part of the community for the evening. On Thursday morning I went with JayJay to a church where the lay missionaries run a session with the elderly. There is singing, news, coffee and tea, exercises, and before I left there was even a game of bingo! It seemed a fantastic way for the community to spend their time WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
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socializing and have lots of fun. There was definitely lots of laughter and lots of singing. The elderly (and others) aren’t just lonely at Christmas and other holidays; they can be lonely all year. The fantastic thing about this project is that it provides a place for the elderly to come together once a week and spend time with others – surely there is more value in spending time with someone who is lonely rather than just buying them a present once a year. Following this session, JayJay and Iwent to an interfaith session in Christ Church for women. It gives women from all over the local community a chance to do some fitness dancing, have lunch, chat to each other and take part in some crafts. I particularly enjoyed the crafts, and I think I surprised a few people that somebody of my age could actually sew and completed my felt heart craft quite quickly. It also provided me with a relaxed opportunity to talk to people about their lives and their struggles and their joys. One of the most fantastic things I got to see this week was how integrated the lay missionaries are in the community. They would often be stopped in the street by people just to say hello. Christ Church was no exception – people welcomed me simply because I was there with JayJay. On the Friday I went to St. Chad’s sanctuary with Ger. I got to see the amazing work that they do there. Near Birmingham Cathedral, they are able to give asylum seekers a place to receive food, basic hygiene products, clothing and other items that people need to set up a house. Some people when they arrive in the U.K. have literally only the clothes they’re wearing, so for these people the sanctuary provides all their basic needs. St. Chad’s sanctuary also allows asylum seekers to learn English. Once you can speak the language of the people around you, then you can start
to feel part of the community. In the afternoon, I joined Rose in Solihull where a wonderful church is inviting people after their meetings with the Home Office (around the corner) to their parish hall where they are offered cups of tea, coffee, biscuits, sandwiches and other foods as well as some clothing. This parish allows those visiting a chance to rest, talk to other people and eat. Some people have to travel quite far to get to the office so it’s a good respite after a stressful day. Having stood outside the office giving out invitation leaflets, Rose and I decided it might be an idea for me to take off my name tag and to go into the center and not talk to anyone unless they talked to me to see what assumptions were made about me. The point was to experience some small part of what asylum seekers and other migrants experience in the U.K. The first question I was always asked was “Where are you from?” Most people were shocked when I said the UK. They had assumed I was from Eastern Europe. This question made me wonder if that was always the first question people are asked, rather than “What is your name?” – almost as if the person has lost their individual identity and the most important thing about them is where they are from. On the Friday evening, the lay missionaries invited me to a beautiful dinner to celebrate my last evening with them. We started with evening prayer and ended the evening sat around the dinner table eating cake. There was even the singing of happy birthday as it was my birthday on the following Monday. I had a very busy week with the lay missionaries and learnt so much, having my eyes opened to other people’s situations. CM Columban Fr. Denis Carter lives and works in Britain. For more information about the Columban lay missionary program, visit www.columban.org.
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Our Little Big Helpers The Unfinished Story of a Valiant and Committed Woman By Fr. Joe Broderick
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hen we think of the missionary work of the Columbans in Japan, we must not forget the Trojan work done by the Japanese catechists. Very often they were the right hand Samurais of the trail blazing Columban missionaries. One such lady catechist is Miss Tsuneko Hinata. She was born into a traditional Buddhist family, grew up in the Buddhist tradition and after high school became a professional working woman in a company, but never married. At the age of 40, she ran into crisis time. “What is life all about? What am I working like a slave for? What happens to me after death?” She went searching for answers to the Catholic Church. There she found Christ, got her answers and received baptism. She was filled with joy and a new conviction. Then another crisis arose. “What do I do with this new joy and conviction? I have to share it with others. How can I do that?” She decided to quit her professional career and enter the Japanese Catechist School. As a newly turned out catechist, she was first employed by Columban Fr. Jim Norris and thus began her long journey working full time for the Church with the Columbans for meager wages and even more “meager” living quarters. She became the mouthpiece of the language-struggling Columbans, taught daily the doctrine to truth seeking searchers, visited the sick at home and in hospitals, walked with the newly baptized on their journey of faith in a non-faith environment, and became a spiritual mother to all her spiritual children.
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Tsuneko Hinata
She took no credit for her work. It was her way of living out the Gospel. In her life, she jumped from being a professional worker into the waters of baptism; jumped from the waters of baptism into the Catechetical profession and from there she jumped into the Columban world. She retired legally at the age of 65, but like St. Anna in St. Luke’s Gospel, she was daily in the Church praising and glorifying God, teaching, visiting the sick, welcoming the stranger, guiding those searching for the truth and consoling the troubled. She never really retired. She is small in stature but big in heart; she is bent with age but straight in dedication and loyalty. She has served with many Columbans and Japanese priests who change every few years, but she stays on, seemingly forever. She has witnessed the liturgical eccentricities of many Columbans but no matter who they were or what fancy ideas they brought with them, she took everything in her stride and smiled knowing that the next man would come with other “more wonderful”
ideas and plans. She is still at that original parish church of Tetori in Kumamoto City. At 94 years of age, she has suffered no deterioration of the memory or mind or love for Jesus Christ. No-one thought that such a frail looking lean lady would last for so long without losing her zeal and zest. She knows she is outside the tombstone of life, but she is already rejoicing in the new life ahead of her in God’s Kingdom. Let it be said in all honesty that all Columbans who worked in the same parish, at one time or other, thought about and prepared her funeral Mass sermon. The likes of Jim Norris, Eugene Griffin, Mick Conneely, Bill Curry (all of whom are now deceased) and myself, I must admit, all “saw” the day when we would be celebrating her funeral Mass but she outlasted them all, except myself of course, and smiled. It is dangerous to write her obituary. I realize that I have just done that but deep down in my heart I believe that if I should live to be a hundred, Miss Tsuneko Hinata will attend my funeral, a little more stooped, and she will smile upon on me in my coffin. I want to thank God today for all the mighty Catechists that worked in Japan. They were and are God’s great gift to Japan and all missionaries that worked or still work here. CM Columban Fr. Joe Broderick lives and works in Japan.
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Make a Difference “When we talk of the poor, do we feel for that man, that woman, those babies, who lack the necessities of life, who do not have food to eat, do not have clothing, do not have the possibility of getting medicine … also those children who do not have the possibility of going to school?...How often do we turn away so that we do not see the brethren in need?” ~ Pope Francis (August 2014) Columban Missionaries live and work in solidarity with the poor. In partnership with our benefactors, we respond to the Holy Father’s challenge to “never turn away” from our sisters and brothers who have been unjustly marginalized. With the help of benefactors like you, Columban Missionaries make Jesus Christ known throughout the world, form vibrant faith communities and help struggling people regain their dignity. Through our diverse ministries, we challenge the conventional structures of poverty, illiteracy, violence and injustice. Our religious, social, economic, medical and educational programs are open to all regardless of religious affiliation. You can make a difference in the lives of the poor with a gift to the Columban Missionaries today. Make a gift online at: www.columban.org/donate or contact us at: Missionary Society of St. Columban PO Box 10 St. Columbans, NE 68056 Call Toll Free 1-877-299-1920 Email mission@columban.org
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The Red Lacquered Gate The early days of the Columban Fathers and the courage and faith of its founder, Fr. Edward Galvin
Fr. Edward “Ned� Galvin was born in Ireland in 1882, the oldest in a family of seven children. After he was ordained to the Catholic priesthood, he realized that there were more priests in his native land then parishes. So Ned Galvin immigrated to the United States and turned a struggling church in Brooklyn into a thriving parish. But Father Galvin had a secret desire to do missionary work. He was especially attracted to China and had read all the books on the subject his local library could provide. Finally, his wish was granted, and he set out with a group of dedicated helpers on a mission to the Far East.
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William E. Barrett created this colorful, dramatic portrait of an unusual man whose strong Catholic faith helped him survive the horrors and heartbreak of his demanding mission to China.
Order your copy today! Call 888-795-4274, visit your local bookstore or order online at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and Xlibris.com in paperback, hardback and eBook formats.
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Friendship and Loyalty
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uring the national convention of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) in St. Louis two years ago, I encountered many participants who had a strong connection not only with my native country, Ireland, but also with various Columban missionaries scattered across the world. Those encounters gave me a deep sense not only of the length and breadth, but also the depth of that bond between this Catholic women’s organization and the Columban Fathers; a bond that stretches all the way back to Bishop Edward Galvin, one of our co-founders. Back in 1935, the LAOH made a promise to Bishop Galvin that it would provide ongoing spiritual and financial support to Columban missionary endeavors. Since then, it has faithfully and generously kept that promise. We are truly blessed by such friendship and loyalty, and strive to share that blessing with the poor who long for
From the Director By Fr. Tim Mulroy the fulfillment of God’s dream in various countries around the world. Since its foundation in the nineteenth century, the LAOH has continuously supported people on the margins of society who cherished the dream of a better life. Throughout much of its history here in the U.S., the LAOH provided greatly needed support to poor immigrants from Ireland who faced many hardships and obstacles, including discrimination because of their Catholic faith. During its national convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey, later this summer, the LAOH will look
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Back in 1935, the LAOH made a promise to Bishop Galvin that it would provide ongoing spiritual and financial support to Columban missionary endeavors. back at some of those earlier chapters of its history, and commemorate in a special way the painful struggle by the people of Ireland for liberation a century ago. However, it will not be satisfied to simply reminisce about the suffering and the heroism of the past; it will also acknowledge and lend its support to the many people who yearn for the freedom, dignity and peace of God’s reign in our world today. Since the LAOH is a women’s organization, generally the national chaplain and I are the only men present among the several hundred participants at their national convention. As I looked around the hall during their last convention, I was spontaneously reminded of Jesus’ question, “Who is my mother and my sister?” as well as His response, “Whoever does the will of God is both my mother and my sister.” The prayers and sacrifices of those LAOH sisters and their predecessors have greatly sustained the lives and ministries of Columban missionaries during these past eighty years. Furthermore, these Ladies continue to make it possible for us to be ambassadors for Christ among the forgotten people of our world today.
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Columban Fathers PO Box 10 St. Columbans, NE 68056
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Transform the Lives of Others…Enrich the World…Give Hope Columban Mission magazine is published eight times each year and tells the stories of our missionaries and the people they are called to serve. Columban missionaries live in solidarity with their people and, together, they move forward to improve their social, economic and spiritual lives, always with Our Savior as their guide and their eyes on God’s Kingdom. For a $10 donation or more, you or a friend or loved one can share in our baptismal call to mission and the Columban Father’s mission work around the world through Columban Mission magazine. To begin receiving your Columban Mission magazine or to provide a gift to a loved one, simply visit our website at www.columban.org, call our toll-free number 877-299-1920 or write to us at: Columban Mission Magazine Subscription Missionary Society of St. Columban P.O. Box 10 St. Columbans, NE 68056
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“Lord, you know everything, You know I love you…then feed my lambs.” — John 21:17 Perhaps you are someone whose love of God is leading you to want to serve His hungry people. We are waiting to listen to your story and answer your questions about mission life.
We invite you to join this new generation by becoming a Columban Father or Columban Sister. If you are interested in the missionary priesthood, write or call… Fr. Bill Morton National Vocation Director Columban Fathers St. Columbans, NE 68056 877-299-1920 Email: vocations@columban.org Website: www.columban.org
If you are interested in becoming a Columban Sister, write or call… Sr. Carmen Maldonado Columban Sisters 2546 Lake Road Silver Creek NY, 14136 716-934-4515 Websites: www.columbansisters.org www.columbansistersusa.com
Japan + Korea + Peru + Hong Kong + Philippines + Pakistan + Chile + Fiji + Taiwan + North America
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