During the Easter Vigil last year Pope Francis prayed: "May the hearts of those who have enough be open to filling the empty hands of those who do not have the bare necessities." He went on to say that Easter is a time of hope in our troubled world.
In this issue of The Far East magazine, the message of hope for the world is reflected in articles from many countries where Columbans work.
We lead with a story of hope and generosity in Peru where Columban Fr Tony Coney's concern for disadvantaged children has transformed many young lives in a poor area of Lima.
In Pakistan, we learn of hundreds of homes bulldozed by Government officials because they were making the cities of Hyderabad and Karachi more flood-prone. The Rome-based Bureau Chief of Crux magazine recently interviewed Columban Fr Robert McCulloch about the crisis. Fr Robert hopes that some church land can be donated to rebuild the homes.
In the reflection, Fr McCulloch recalls his experiences of attending the Easter ceremonies as a small boy of five in Australia, followed many years later conducting Easter ceremonies himself in the Philippines, Pakistan and Rome.
After working in Hong Kong as a nurse for 40 years, Columban Sr Mary Greaney returned to Ireland where she set up a chaplaincy to the Chinese community.
This year commemorates 500 years since the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines. As part of acknowledging this milestone, Columban Fr Jim Mulroney explains the significance of festival and dance where the small statue of the kingly boy Jesus has become one of the symbols of the Christian faith.
On his return to Australia, Columban Fr John Hegerty writes a heart-breaking reflection on leaving the people of Peru in their dark night and of his fear that only God can lead them out.
Pope Francis, on World Water Day, has asked for a call to action for those who do not have access to clean water and sanitation.
In his column, Fr Trevor Trotter talks about the significance of the liturgical seasons. He asks the question, “What is the liturgical year telling me about my life by having Easter and Pentecost?”
Back in Ireland, Columban Fr Michael (Mickey) Martin gives us an insight into what it was like spending more than half a century in the Philippines and the challenges he faces settling in back home.
A former member of the Columban Supporters' Group in Korea, Kim Chong-hwan, now living in Australia, writes of his heartfelt gratitude to the Columban Fathers for their friendship and support both in Korea and upon his arrival in Australia.
From Fiji, Columban Fr Pat Colgan writes about the burial of a parishioner and compares the communal nature of the ceremony to how it used to be in Ireland.
In response to the Easter message of new life and hope, let us pray that our hearts will be open to fill the empty hands of those who need our care and mercy.
Janette Mentha
Listen to From the Editor
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - May 2021
