From the Editor

Janette Mentha

Traditionally the August edition of The Far East magazine is dedicated to vocations. In this issue we look at the vocations of Columban priests, Columban Lay Missionaries and Columban supporters whose vocations are diverse, but with one thing in common in supporting the mission of the Church.

Our first article is dedicated to the celebration of the Columban Centenary with a Mass of Thanksgiving at St Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne, followed by an informal gathering at Cathedral Hall.

In his reflection Fr Ron Rolheiser shares with us what his wish-list would include for the church today. He says he would ask for three new saints. It’s a must read and includes one of my favourite saints,
St Augustine.

Australian born Columban Fr Frank Ferrie is featured in the centenary coverage ‘Where are they now?’ He has spent almost all of his priestly life in Korea and is a fine example of engaging in the mission of the Church. In ‘Your Columban Story’ Pat from New Zealand gives a witty account of his connection to the Columbans.

Young Columban, Fr Andrei Paz, was inspired by the words of Pope Francis who asked for people to be creative in their ministries. Fr Paz went on to become an occupational therapist and hopes that in addition to his priestly role he can make a difference where the need is great.
After three years of working in the driest place on earth in Chile, two young Columban Lay Missionaries are interviewed about their time working in shanty towns where crime, alcoholism and drug addiction is rampant.

Read about Pope Francis who made a surprise visit to dinner with the homeless in Rome and Columban Fr Brian Vale’s column about learning to trust your inner guidance system.

Feast days in Brazil are colourful and noisy events as was the Feast of St George when Columban Fr Colin McLean was the principal celebrant at the Mass on Tide island.

Columban Fr Robert McCulloch recently visited Sindh, a province of south-east Pakistan, to hand over deeds to families who have never lived in a house or owned anything in their lives.

In Japan a stained glass window of the Risen Christ is much admired by Japanese Christians. Columban Fr Barry Cairns tells us why.

In his message for 2018 World Day of Vocations Pope Francis said, “Each one of us is called – whether to the lay life in marriage, to the priestly life in the ordained ministry, or to a life of special consecration – in order to become a witness of the Lord, here and now.”

This edition features many who have responded to God’s call to a vocation. Let us pray this response continues..

Janette Mentha singature

Janette Mentha

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