“I listen to the sounds of the birds and insects that have come to stay in Manila due to the reduction in pollution that the decline in traffic from COVID-19 has brought about.
I look intently and lovingly at the branches and the various shades of green of the leaves on our selection of trees and at once, our little compound is transformed into a vast world of wilderness and beauty.”
These are the inspiring words of Columban Fr Paul Glynn as he seeks God while in COVID-19 confinement at the Columban Regional House in Manila, Philippines.
“And as I ponder the sunset through the mass of glistening leaves of our enormous banyan tree I am drawn once again to the God……”
In our January/February issue of The Far East magazine, four of our stories feature COVID-19 and its consequences. There is Fr Paul Glynn’s reflection on seeking God during restrictions, mentioned above.
We also feature a story from Wuhan, China, where Masses have once again commenced after the COVID-19 lockdown.
Columban Fr Peter Hughes tells us about the tragic impact of COVID-19 and extractive industries on the indigenous people of the Amazon in Peru.
In Chile Columban Mission Centre coordinator, Adriana Curaqueo, shares how during COVID-19 quarantine women joined together to support each other.
The dedicated lives and talents of Columban Missionary priests are also highlighted in this issue. We have the inspiring story of Columban Fr Francis Ferrie, who recently died in Korea where he had spent many decades of faithful service.
As New Zealander Columban Fr Bob Brennan receives an Honorary Korean Citizenship, he looks back over his 54 years in Korea where he is no longer a foreigner.
Columban Fr John Boles tells us about Fr Gabriel Rojas, a Peruvian Columban, and how he uses music to engage with the residents of a poor neighbourhood in Lima.
Also featured in this issue are stories of Columban mission amongst the people from different cultures and countries with whom we live and work. There is the story of Jean Pierre, a Haitian migrant to Chile and the wonderful celebration of Haitian Independence each year on January 1 and eating Soup Joumou.
Filipino Columban seminarian, Jerry Lohera, shares with us his experience in a tribal village in Pakistan.
Columban Fr Peter Woodruff remembers a moving experience with the people in Peru.
We hope you enjoy reading the wide variety of stories from around the world in this January/February issue. As you reflect upon these stories, we hope you can see the hand of God at work in them, moving, guiding and inspiring Columbans in diverse situations across the world as they respond to the great missionary challenges that present themselves in 2021.
Fr Daniel Harding SSC, Guest Editor
Listen to From the Editor
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - January/February 2021
