Compiling the November/December issue of The Far East magazine set me thinking about the month of November when we remember and give thanks for those who have gone before us. The four occasions are All Saints Day, November 1, All Souls Day, November 2, Remembrance Day, November 11 and the Feast of our Patron, St Columban, November 23. In an address to a General Audience in 2008, Pope Benedict XVI referred to St Columban as ‘The best known Irishman of the early Middle Ages’. You will read about him on pages 4 -5.
As we leave behind the sombre tone of November we move into Advent, which begins on the first Sunday of December. It is a time for waiting and preparing for the joyful celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas. In a reflection Columban Fr Tim Mulroy compares Advent to fishing, both involving preparation and waiting. Columban, Sr Abbie O’Sullivan gives us an insight into being homeless at Christmas.
For our Columban Centenary we list the names and images of Columban Fathers who have been Regional Directors in Australia/New Zealand since 1920. There are 16 in total including our current Director Fr Gary Walker (as we go to press) and the incoming Director Fr Brian Vale. As one Columban wit said, “I see that this year on St Columban's Day it will be a question in Essendon of Vale Walker et Ave Vale!"
We record the final gathering of friendship and faith that was celebrated on September 23 to mark the closing of the Columban Mission Institute in Sydney.
In a moving article, Fr Brian Vale says ‘Goodbye to the Harbour City’, to the staff at Columban Mission Institute in Sydney and to his many friends there.
Suffering continues in Pakistan where some Christians are still being persecuted for their faith. Read about Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, wife and mother, who has been sentenced to death for blasphemy. We continue to pray for her release.
Building a village from the ground up gives a new beginning for 3,500 people who were left homeless after a catastrophic typhoon devastated Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao in 2011. Columban Fr Paul Finlayson worked with other missionary congregations to bring about the construction of 550 houses and is involved in forming a new vibrant community.
The late Columban Fr Charlie Duster from the USA leaves the precious inheritance of his chalice and paten to Fr Pat Visanti who will be ordained on November 23. I met Fr Duster on several occasions and I can say that he was the epitome of kindness and generosity.
Reflecting on art: Take a glimpse at the professionally produced Art Guide to accompany the Columban Art Calendar. Our final article is a humourous account of Columban Fr Neil Magill's spill from a motorbike in Myanmar.
Wishing you a happy and blessed Christmas.
Janette Mentha
Related links
- Read more from The Far East, November/December 2017
