On Sunday October 22, 2017 we celebrate World Mission Day. Pope Francis reminds us that: Mission is at the heart of our Christian faith.
In this issue of The Far East, there are many examples of Mission at the heart of our Christian faith beginning with a good news story of hope to shut-ins and prisoners in Hong Kong. Bruce Aitken, a volunteer has hosted a two hour radio program of spirituality, news and religious music for the past 12 years.
In his parish in Japan, Columban Fr Joseph Broderick works with Fr Ota Masaru, the leader of the de Foucauld community whose ministry is with the homeless. Members of the de Foucauld community have day jobs to support their community and work with the poor in the evenings.
Columban Fr Tomás King, in his homily to celebrate 25 years in the priesthood, reflects on the image of a poor woman in Pakistan baking and sharing bread for her family. He carries the powerful memory of the woman living out the invitation that Jesus gave at the Last Supper when he said: “Do this in memory me.”
Mission was surely at the heart of Christian faith when Columban Dr Ned Maguire was sent to Australia to seek support for mission in China. He became the first Columban Superior for Australia and New Zealand and was the first Editor of The Far East.
Youth PoWR ‘Light in Dark Times’, a multi-faith initiative of the Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations, provided a platform for bringing young people together from diverse religions.
In a time of tension in Korea, it is refreshing to read Columban Fr Kelvin Barrett’s article about leaving Korea, his second home, his love of Korean people, the beautiful seasons and his mission work that has taken many turns.
With benefactor support, young children in Yanaoca, Peru, now have a safe place to learn valuable skills for their future life.
In his Annual Report, Mission in Pakistan 2017, Columban Fr Robert McCulloch thanks donors for making possible care for mothers and infants, education for young men, palliative care, training of mid-wives, shelter and water.
And finally, The Far East receives a well-deserved award from Australasian Catholic Press Association (ACPA) for ‘Most improved Publication’ editor, Fr Daniel Harding.
Who would have thought that almost 98 years after Dr Ned Maguire launched The Far East that it would still be in production today.
And how shocked would Columban, Fr McCarthy in Omaha be to see a ‘lay woman’ and ‘not a Sister’ as editor of The Far East. In the publication, ‘The Red Lacquered Gate’, Fr McCarthy, replies to Fr Blowick’s letter which sought employment for a staunch lady supporter of the society: “there is absolutely no place here that we could fit in a woman of her character and disposition unless she were a Sister. I will guarantee to keep this show running with Sisters around, no matter what kind they are, but you can’t do a thing with lay women.”
Related links
- Read more from The Far East, October 2017
