The Far East - May, 2009

Real solutions to sustainable development and feeding the world in a time of declining oil production and rapid climate change do exist. more

A slow broad river showed up as we drew nearer to our destination. Alligators lived in rivers, I thought, remembering stories from some of our Sisters who had spent the war years in the Philippine wilds. Were they in this one? more

When the first shock is over, coming to terms with what has happened is a crucial part of recovery. Victims need the support of organisations that are there for the long haul. more

As I would pass by the many small restaurants known as, 'hotels' I would always see a line of poor, ragged people sitting on the pavement outside. 'Who are these people and what are they waiting for?' I thought more

What saddens me most is the injustice of the way many of their cases are handled, totally ignoring their rights as human beings. Sometimes I think that when one ends up in prison the experience will strip you, taking away your dignity as a human being. more

First, I am attempting to support the priests and leadership teams of the affected parishes, including the schools, so that these people may be better placed to do what they want to do - care for their people. more

St Kilda/West Elwood parish has raised $35,000 in the last six years and after two visits to the Philippines decided to give the money to the Grameen Bank (People's Bank) more

Think too of the neighbour who helps you with a difficult child, the stranger who stops to assist you up when you stumble in the street, the teenager who helps in a soup kitchen, the people who work for and with the homeless. more

Mobile phones were vital, in arranging Rupeni's burial. His grieving family received a call on Friday morning from the Nailaga mortuary that with electricity cut off, his corpse should be removed immediately. more

The extraordinary story of Fr Peter Kibe who walked 4000kms to get permission to become a priest. more

In the poorer areas where we Columbans work, it requires great strength of character to steer clear of drugs and organise their communities to keep local power-groups in check. more

Fr Shay Cullen was honoured with the Humanitarian Award at the 2009 Meteor Ireland Music Awards at RDS, Dublin on March 17. The award included a €100,000 (AUD $188,600) donation to his work. more

The early Christians understood Jesus' resurrection as his vindication. Through his death and resurrection Jesus had conquered the ultimate evil, death. more

My 'mother' would regularly inform me of her appreciation of me. She would say that I was far more thoughtful and understanding than her husband and children because of my willingness to be with her and listen to her stories. more

There are 60,000 people in our parish." This was a surprise to the staff at Columban Mission Centre when Fr John Hegerty spoke about his work in Peru. "It's OK" he said "We have three priests." more