Like many others, I am still in lockdown. It has been a time of learning to appreciate the little things in life, like going for a walk and seeing a young child's writing on the footpath in coloured chalk – 'let the sun shine'. She writes a different message every couple of days. I take a photo of each message and include it in my 'lockdown journal'. Whether we communicate through messages on the footpath or through electronic means, it has never been more important to stay connected with friends and family.
The coronavirus has fundamentally changed how we do things and has also brought new opportunities for sharing the Gospel of Jesus and responding to the needs of the poor. There are many examples of new ways for doing mission in this issue of The Far East.
Facing the desperate reality of not finding work, many people in Peru have left the cities to return home, often walking days with young children and with little food and water. Fr Joe Ruys writes about offering temporary accommodation to some of those people. He was in for a surprise when they arrived.
From Korea, Noel Mackey writes about his 105-year-old mother-in-law who cannot receive visitors and only an occasional phone call.
In the reflection, 'The struggle is the prayer' by Columban Fr Chris Saenz, we learn that St Teresa of Calcutta struggled with doubts and darkness in her spiritual life for nearly 50 years. In this time of uncertainty, we are reminded that faith does not eliminate doubt but allows doubt to transform it.
From Taiwan, Columban Fr Larry Barnett writes about the faith and strength of parishioners when their chapel burnt down. The article is a fine example of the church being about people.
On an assignment to Pakistan, Columban Fr Pat Raleigh found himself stranded and unable to return to Ireland for some time. Having seen poverty first hand, he said he felt like a hypocrite and a cheat when he was in a position to return to his homeland.
From his Gold Coast apartment, Columban Fr Warren Kinne streamed Easter ceremonies to his friends in Shanghai.
We have just celebrated the Feast of Pentecost. Columban Fr Trevor Trotter reflects on its meaning and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Columban Fr Andrei Paz, stranded at home in the Philippines, set up a food distribution service to support families in need. From Peru, Columban Fr Ed O'Connell writes about the teachers of the Manuel Duato Special Needs School who created virtual contact with the parents for work with 400 children.
Columban Fr George Hogarty, now working in Chile, shares a good news story from a couple he used to work with in Peru. A timely article with the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus falling on June 19.
Our final article is from Columban Fr Kurt Zion Pala in Myanmar. He writes about a young boy, aged 12, who lived and worked in a tea shop during his school holidays.
Let us pray that our lockdown experience will bring home to us the importance of staying close to family and friends. We place our trust in God and pray that the pandemic will end soon.
Janette Mentha
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- Read more from The Far East, June 2020
