Although mission is commonly misunderstood as something that happens overseas it is as relevant here in Australia in Melbourne or Sydney as it is in Manila or Seoul. Pope Francis in his recent exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel reminds us that "it is everyone’s responsibility". We are all to share the joy that is within us to build the Kingdom of God and work especially for the poor and the common good.
Ironically, learning the need for mission in Australia is a lesson that is most powerfully learnt when working overseas with people of other cultures, religions and class.
Our experience of living joyfully with other peoples gives Columban Missionaries unique insights and sensitivities into mission as we try to help people in Australia and New Zealand become more missionary.
We do this through our Mission Education programmes and through our more formal Academic Studies in Mission.
We work at mission education through our flagship publications including The Far East magazine and our monthly Columban eBulletin and through in our Appeals. We are also engaged in mission education through workshops and presentations. Columban Missionaries are involved in giving workshops and presentations on mission to recently arrived and departing missionaries and more recently to groups of trustees and board members entrusted with the care of schools and hospitals previously run by religious.
We work with organisations like Catholic Health Australia, Good Samaritan Education, Mary Aikenhead Ministries, Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH) and St John of God Health Care in providing mission education. We also work with teachers and Catholic Education Offices. Mission Education is an important new mission which we hope to develop.
Columban Missionaries are an active member of Catholic Religious Australia’s Australian Mission Network (AMN) and through the Network, we work with other religious congregations and with Catholic Mission in raising the consciousness of Mission in Australia.
Resources
Reflections on Mission (Booklet)
A series of 12 Mission Reflections..
This 28-page booklet (A5) contains a series of 12 Mission Reflections written by Fr Noel Connolly SSC.
Price: $5.50 (incl. GST)
Pope Francis’ Inspiring Vision 1 (Booklet)
This 24-page booklet (A5) contains 10 reflections by Columban Fr Noel Connolly on Pope Francis’ inspiring vision.
"The Joy of the Gospel is an inspiring and demanding document. It is Francis’ programme for the Church and will take us years of prayerful thought, action and discernment before it starts to shape our hearts and reform the Church." (Fr Noel Connolly SSC)
Price: $5.50 (incl. GST)
Pope Francis’ Inspiring Vision 2 (Booklet)
This 24-page booklet (A5) contains 10 reflections by Columban Fr Noel Connolly on Pope Francis’ inspiring vision. Pope Francis invites us to live with uncertainty, without clear answers. He is not afraid of open discussion. In fact, he says that open fraternal debate does not frighten him. This book contains ten reflections on what might be involved. Price excludes postage and handling.
Price: $5.50 (incl. GST)
Pope Francis' Laudato Si' (Faith and Ecology)
"Laudato Si’, mi’ Signore (Praise be to you, my Lord)"
In the words of this beautiful canticle, St Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. In 2015, Columban Missionaries welcomed and celebrated the release of Pope Francis’ Encyclical on the Environment, Laudato Si’ (published 18 June 2015).
- Listen to the Columban Laudato Si' audio podcast via SoundCloud (narrated by John Doherty)
- Explore other Columban Resources that support Laudato Si'
Jubilee for the Earth
a podcast mini-series about biodiversity produced by Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach, Washington, D.C.
Laudato Si’ Study and Action Guide
Columban Missionaries in the United States at the Columban Centre for Advocacy and Outreach, have compiled a Laudato Si’ Study and Action Guide to help people learn and reflect on Pope Francis’ teaching, and find direction on ways to respond. Suitable for individuals and small groups.
- Download the Laudato Si’ Study and Action Guide (PDF)