Missionary life involves changes, some expected, some unexpected. A missionary has to be an adaptable person, ever ready to make sudden changes, to adapt to new situations and at all times to place their trust in God’s providence and loving care.
The June issue of The Far East magazine offers stories of missionaries in transition amongst other stories from around the globe.
Columban Fr Patrick (Pat) Egan is preparing to retire home to Ireland in July 2017 after serving in the Chilean mission for almost 55 years. He shares with us some of the most difficult moments he experienced during that time.
Likewise, Columban Sister Kathleen Mary Riordan tells us the story of the Columban Sisters in Chile as they now prepare to leave Chile and pass on the flame of faith so that others may carry it on into the future. She has served in Chile since 1974.
On the other hand, while they are leaving Chile, I am preparing to return to Columban Mission there. It will be a great joy for me to be able to work once again with the Chilean people.
This June 2017 issue will be my last as editor of the magazine. Janette Mentha, the current Communications and Publications Director will take over from the July issue. She has a lot of experience and will do a wonderful job. (See pages 6-7 for my thoughts on returning to Chile).
From Mexico, we read about the construction with support from Columban benefactors of a small sports complex and two meeting rooms in the Columban parish of Corpus Christi, in the City of Juarez. Our Mid-Year Appeal focuses on our ministry in this part of Mexico, given the high incidence of drug addiction, trafficking and gun violence.
Coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef is a great concern to all of us. Paul Lucas from the Townsville Catholic Education Office and environmental expert writes of this concern. Bishop Michael McCarthy of Rockhampton writes of the damage done to the Reef from Cyclone Debbie.
Columban Fr Daniel (Dan) O’Connor writes of tragedy amongst the Christian community in Pakistan on Christmas Day last year. Fr Tim Mulroy offers us a reflection on the season of Pentecost. We congratulation Fr Shay Cullen who will be the recipient of the 2017 Martin Buber award.
'The Pedalling to Live' programme is a Columban founded and supported programme in the Philippines that offers tricycle drivers the opportunity to pay off their own tricycles.
As I prepare with God’s help to make an important change in my life, I ask that you remember me in your prayers. Pray also for all missionaries as they adapt to the different seasons of change.
Fr Daniel Harding
tfe@columban.org.au
Related Links
- Read more from The Far East, June 2017
