From the Editor

Janette MenthaWhen the calendar turns over to another year, many of us reflect on what we did or didn’t do in the past year, and what we would like the new year to bring.

In reviewing last year’s articles in The Far East magazine, there is much to be thankful for in terms of the missionary work carried out during the year. There are many reasons to feel optimistic about 2018 with celebrating our Centenary, a new leadership team for the Australia/New Zealand Region and good news of local and overseas missionary work.

Back from Taiwan after almost 26 years, Columban Fr Peter O’Neill shares his story of working with migrant workers and modern slavery that unbelievably continues today. After spending more than 20 years in Peru, Columban Fr George Hogarty speaks to Catholic Voice, Canberra/Goulburn, about mission in an age of diminishment.

The Reflection, 'Close the distance, not the gate' is a sensitive and challenging column written by well-known author, Oblate Fr Ron Rolheiser. It give us much to think about in a world of plenty for some and not for others. Columban Fr Brian Gore is featured in our Centenary coverage ‘Where are they now?’ A lot has happened since The Negros Nine were imprisoned in 1983 and sentenced to death on trumped up murder charges.

In the lead up to the 12 day Trip to China (see page 22) we are publishing some faith stories gathered by Columban Fr Warren Kinne during his time in Shanghai. Mathilde shares her faith journey with us. Columbans in New Zealand addressed the topic of planning for present and future retirement. Two years on they have completed a cost effective development in subdividing the property and selling off 11 lots to cover the cost.

Two young seminarians from Fiji share very different experiences while on First Mission Assignments (FMA) in Peru.

Columban Fr Gary Walker shares his thoughts on the benefits of working with Columban co-workers after Columban Fr Willie Lee, from Fiji, and Assunta Arena from Columban Mission Centre, Melbourne, worked together in September at the Ignite Youth Conference in Brisbane.

I would like to thank those benefactors who sent in their ‘Columban Stories’. As we go to press a letter has just been placed on my desk from an 87 year old benefactor who said that his mother was a promoter of the Columban Calendar and The Far East magazine in Tongala in the 1930s. He included a current photo of himself and another one that was published in The Far East magazine in August, 1934. He was a cute four year old with his cat and his dog. Where would be without such loyal benefactors.

Thank you.

Janette Mentha

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