A couple of hours ago I watched the online streaming of the Requiem Mass for Fr Noel Connolly in Strathfield. It was a two-hour liturgy and a moving tribute to a man of passion, talent and commitment to making the world a better place.
Our first article is from Columban Fr Jim Mulroney who has captured the very essence of Noel Connolly in a beautifully written obituary.
Columbans in the USA have released a statement calling for an end to racism and violence after the tragic death of George Floyd.
Well-known Oblate priest, Fr Ron Rolheiser reflects on a different kind of bucket list after being diagnosed with cancer. He says that the prognosis clarified his thoughts and feelings about what is important as never before.
In Korea, a Mission Education Programme was developed in response to feedback from missionaries returning home from their first overseas assignments. Their message was simple. It spoke of the huge challenge of learning a new language and adjusting to a new culture and climate and a different kind of Church.
Stranded in Australia, Columban Fr Dan Harding writes about his parish in Chile and its response to the needs of people during COVID-19. Among many outreach activities, the feeding programme caters for both Chilean people and for many migrants who have become unemployed, homeless and hungry.
Three Columbans, Frs Trevor Trotter, Warren Kinne and Robert McCulloch reflect on the 50 years since their ordination to missionary priesthood and the journey those years have brought them. We congratulate them on reaching this milestone and thank them for their generous commitment.
In Mission World, we read about the definition of poverty that has often changed in China, either due to economic developments or central directives. It's a moving feast that impacts upon the unseen poor in China.
Missionary discipleship is the theme of Columban Fr Trevor Trotter’s reflection. He says that whenever we get out of our chairs to help someone else, we are being missionary disciples of Jesus and we are involved in a bigger project than we might have imagined.
Once stationed in Peru and now in Chile, Columban Fr George Hogarty shares the story of Coco and Rosa's long association with the Columbans in their parish in Lima.
Recently, Columban Fr Peter O'Neill met with Timorese workers at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in East Warrnambool. He was very pleased to see the involvement of these workers in the parish and the welcome they have received there.
Having a passion for her work with the deaf community, Columban Lay Missionary Lanieta Tamatawale expresses her joy in being able to return to that ministry in the Philippines. She looks forward to a pastoral role after working in leadership and administration for some time.
I hope that you enjoy this issue of The Far East magazine that pays tribute to our friend and colleague, Fr Noel Connolly. His leadership, wisdom and his contribution to Columban Mission and to the wider Church will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, Noel.
Janette Mentha
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Related links
- Read more from The Far East, July 2020
