The July edition leads with a tribute to Irish born Columban Fr PJ McGlinchey who died in Jeju, South Korea, on April, 23, 2018. He was well known as an entrepreneur with a rock solid trust in God. When news of his death reached the diocese the priests set up a rota and for three days celebrated Mass for PJ every two hours.
From Chile, Columban Lay Missionary Michael Javier tells how he became involved in a court case as an interpreter for a young Filipino woman who was exploited and underpaid for her job as a domestic worker.
Columban Fr Patrick O’Shea in New Zealand reflects on ‘Strange things hiding in shadows’. His imagination was sparked after watching ads on TV that suggested that the strangest place in the universe is the planet on which we live.
Fr Pat finds many examples of not only strange but mad things happening on our planet. He suggests that some people found Jesus and his teaching strange in the days when he walked on this planet. A few even considered him mad. An excellent read.
As we move halfway through our Centenary year, you can read in the section ‘Where are they now?' about Fr Bernie Lane who has been in Peru for many years. He grew up near Essendon, was ordained at St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Strathmore and this year marked his 40th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. There are more of ‘Your Columban stories’ on page 11.
In the centre pages you will read about the restoration of the first Australian Columban Calendar, published in 1923. Our Columban Archivist worked with a conservator who undertook the conservation treatment of the calendar over a period of several months.
‘Mission World’ tells good news of the impending canonisation of Blessed Oscar Romero, who is widely acclaimed as a saint and martyr across the Christian world and beyond.
Fr Brian Vale reflects on the sheer number of people whose lives have been touched by those dedicated to witnessing to the Good News. Columban Fr Leo Baker is one of those people whose 70th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood is this month.
From Myanmar we hear about heart-breaking stories of entire families affected by HIV/AIDS and the wonderful work of Columban Sisters who care for them. From the Philippines comes an update on the ‘Pedalling to Live Programme’ now extended to assisting hearing- impaired young professionals.
Fr Leo Baker gets another well-deserved mention on page 23 for his ‘Three score years and ten’ of being a Columban Missionary.
In the words of our Superior General, Fr Kevin O’Neill, “In a spirit of gratitude we give thanks to you for what has been and for what is mission today”.
Janette Mentha
Related links
- Read more from The Far East, July 2018
