News and Features
Philippine Region Celebrates the Society's 100 Years of Mission
On June 28, 2018, the Columban Missionaries in the Philippines celebrated the Society's 100th founding anniversary at Our Lady of Remedies Parish, Malate, Manila. The jubilant moment was shared with Columban friends, benefactors and mission partners.
A Love Story with the Columban Fathers by: Msgr. Crisostomo A. Cacho
My 3rd and 4th years of High School were spent as a convent boy with Fr. Cornelius O’Connell, the parish priest. I went with the Columban priests to the barrios of the parish and witnessed their work among the people, especially among the poor. Those two years were filled with admiration of the zeal the Columbans showed in their ministry as priests. I wanted to be part of what I witnessed.
Multiplying Oneself Through Columban Mission by: Franklin Hidalgo
The newsletters continued to come to the house. So I started reading them and got to know about the Columban Missionaries. I was inspired to learn how they cared for my countrymen; for the many years of sacrifices they had made to help the poorest of the poor. I had probably been to these far distant places where the Columban Missionaries went. It made me realize the difficulties that these missionaries experienced and yet they gave their lives and their hearts to serve the people. How noble it is!
A Pilgrimage for Fr. Vernon’s 75th Death Anniversary by: Mary Joy Rile
“Is it not a kind of martyrdom that in the midst of all his sufferings, he was not seen with a bitter face? With blood gushing out from his face but lips moving as he was praying the holy rosary – in the face of extreme violence and cruelty is the serenity of the suffering servant."
Celebrating 100 Years of Mission in the Philippines
As we celebrate our centennial year, we give thanks to all the peoples who have journeyed with us through the years – for their generosity, support, friendship, care and faithfulness, without which we would not have come this far. This celebration is to rejoice with each of them who walked with us in the mission as we give thanks and praise to God for all the wonders He has done.
