From the Editor

Janette Mentha

In October, Mission Month is celebrated by those committed to building a better world for all of God's people. It is a month to reflect on the spiritual and material needs of those living on the peripheries of society.

On pages 4-7 you will read about Peruvian children living in poor and dangerous areas on the outskirts of Lima, Peru. Columban Fr Edward O’Connell has established a ‘safety net’ for the children who are at risk. Six years on you will read about some amazing results where children now have a place to play, read, do their homework and to just be children.

In his reflection about mental health issues, titled 'Not all wounds bleed', Columban Fr Patrick O’Shea gives a brave and honest account of his own struggles with anxiety. He speaks about the stigma attached to those who suffer with such an illness, but he reminds us that there are many ways for the light to get in.

Fr John Hegerty who has spent most of his missionary life in Peru is featured in ‘Where are they now’ on page 10. In 'Your Columban Story’ we hear about how Jackie Mite Box, Mickey Daly’s Diary and The Far East magazine have kept two Columban supporters in touch for many years.

From Chile, Columban Fr Daniel Harding shares stories of migrants in his parish of San Columbano, Chile. The parish community has recently helped a young man, the father of a small child with funeral expenses and support after the sudden death of his wife aged 29 years.

It is a sad reality that not only overseas, but here in Australia forced marriages and modern day slavery are a regular occurrence. That is why Columban Fr Peter O’Neill was one of 14 who walked the halls in Canberra to advocate these topics.

What a wonderful example of mission in action as we read about the fishermen in Kerala, India refusing payment for rescuing victims during the flash flooding in August. Catholics and Muslims worked side by side in a spirit of solidarity.

In his ‘From the Director’ column Fr Brian Vale shares with us his participation in the annual Youth PoWR (Youth Parliament of World Religions) event in Sydney.

Melbourne diocesan priest, Fr Gerard Dowling has penned an article on how the Columbans and in particular, Columban Fr James McGlynn influenced his priestly vocation.

A woman of great faith’ was written by her daughter, Dawn Rosa Chiu, the Administrative Assistant at the Columban Central Administration Office in Hong Kong. It is a moving account of her Chinese mother’s strong faith that sustained her in a time of war and hardship.

In our final article read about the cricket match between the The Vatican St Peter’s cricket team and the Windsor Household team. The match was hosted at Windsor Castle, after which both team and Columban Fr Robert McCulloch met the Queen. As Fr Robert said, “Not a bad innings".

Whilst the official Mission Month is in October each year, it is a privilege to work with priests, Lay Missionaries, co-workers and Columban supporters who are on mission all months of the year.

Janette Mentha singature

Janette Mentha

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