This issue of The Far East magazine features a mixture of challenging, heartbreaking and optimistic articles from around the world.
An anonymous Catholic writer from Wuhan, the location of the first Columban Mission in China, gives us a first-hand account of the situation in the city at the centre of the coronavirus infection.
From Myanmar, we hear from Columban Fr Patrick O'Donoghue who was recently adopted by a local Catholic Kachin family. At more than 70 years of age adoption was a big surprise and a great honour.
The reflection, 'The temptation of Jesus' by Columban Fr Tim Mulroy, is timely as we move through Lent. It was during a walk through the Hill of Grace Sanctuary on Jeju Island, Korea, that Fr Tim came across statues depicting the life of Jesus.
Challenges and heartbreak were experienced by Columban lay missionary, Naanise Mo'unga, when she was appointed to the Philippines to work among the street people in Malate Parish. In an emotional interview with Columban Fr Jim Mulroney, Naanise shed tears when describing the poverty and chaos there.
Fr Gary Walker writes about the apocalyptic scenes of blazing infernos that caused so much devastation across Australia and the difficulty of coming to terms with how and why this happened.
We convey the sad news of the death of Irish Columban, Fr Michael Sinnott, who was the subject of national and international headlines ten years ago following his abduction in the Philippines. Released after one month,
Fr Sinnot remained in the Philippines until retirement to Ireland in 2012.
In China new regulations have been imposed on Christian funerals. According to the new regulations, priests cannot conduct any religious ceremonies or prayers in parishioner's homes.
In his column, Columban Fr Trevor Trotter reflects on how we can all be missionary by living our lives as humanly as possible. He reminds us that God carries on the mission in the ordinariness of our lives.
It's hard to imagine living in Pakistan where temperatures reach 50.2c. On mission there, Columban Fr Liam O'Callaghan says that the climate is unrelenting and has resulted in the deaths of over 10,000 people in the past ten years.
From Peru, Columban Fr John Boles shares a good news story and update on fundraising and the care for two brothers in Peru. One is severely disabled and the other is trying to gain an education whilst being a full-time carer for his brother.
The new Region of Oceania has its first Columban Priest. From Rabi Island, Fiji, Fr Teakare Betero was ordained on November 30. In thanksgiving and to the delight of his guests, he did a Banaban dance in traditional dress.
Let us give thanks to the Lord who forgives our guilt and heals our ills. As we prepare for his passion, we pray for guidance in bringing justice and peace for the oppressed.
Janette Mentha
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- Read more from The Far East, March 2020
