I DIDN'T SEE THE PEOPLE - How economics has let us down THREE LITTLE MAIDS - Columban Missionaries Britain
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MAGAZINE OF THE COLUMBAN MISSIONARIES
MISSION IN THE I DIDN'T SEE THREE
MOUNTAINS THE PEOPLE LITTLE MAIDS
A 'Lazarus' moment One family's impact on a
in Taiwan
How economics Columban parish
has let us down
CONTENTS
04 Three Little Maids
Fr John Boles explains how three
young sisters have made a significant
contribution to their local Columban
04 06
parish in Lima.
06 Siam 350
Fr Alo Connaughton speaks to
Fr Nicholas Lefebure about mission in
the predominantly Buddhist country
of Thailand.
08 Unconditional Love
Korean lay missionary Seo Min-ah
(Mariana) writes about a young "lovable
rascal" who helped her to grasp
something of God's unconditional love.
10 Starting from Zero Again and Again
Fr Fetu'umoana Palenapa Tavo
recalls some of his early missionary
experiences in Peru, which showed him
the importance of ongoing formation
and being open to new experiences of
life and faith.
12 'I Didn't See the People'
Fr Bobby Gilmore believes the failure of
the global economic system has given
rise to a sense of grievance among
many who feel economically and
socially abandoned. He believes the
14
Church has a role to play in building up
a sense of community.
The 'Homeless Pope'
08
Sr Abbie O'Sullivan recalls the deep
impact Pope Francis made on the
homeless during his visit last year to the
Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin.
16 Mission in the Mountains
Fr Taaremon Mataue recalls a 'Lazarus'
moment in his ministry with the Atayal
people in Taiwan and how the people
10 12
come together to celebrate Christmas.
19 Columban Missionary Priests at War
Fr George Webster recalls some of the
46 Columbans who served as military
chaplains.
18 Reflection
20 Obituaries
21 Stories from the Bible
22 Children's Section
23 Nature: The Whooper Swan
14 19
editorial
THE FAR EAST
Published seven times
yearly by the Missionary
Society of St Columban
(Maynooth Mission to China).
THE PURPOSE OF THE
Image: www.shutterstock.com
FAR EAST IS
To promote an awareness
of the missionary
dimension of the Church
among readers; to report
on the work of Columban
priests, Sisters and lay
missionaries; and to seek
S
spiritual and material
support for missionaries. omething observed in recent years hope, because God's Spirit is in us. God trusts
is the increasing volume of our us with this mission and when we "stir into
conversations. Our exchanges are flame the gift of God," as Paul urges Timothy
often loud, even raucous. Interviews on radio, (2 Tim:1), great things happen. We must not
television and the internet frequently become let gifts like this lie dormant because then
hectoring events or are seen as opportunities everyone suffers, everyone is the poorer
Subscription
£10 a year. to give way to anger, finding someone or because we fail to let God's word transform
Contact the Mission Office: some group to blame for perceived wrongs. our lives.
Tel: (01564) 772 096
Email: fareast@columbans.co.uk
There are days when everyone seems angry, The story in St Matthew's gospel Ch14
in society, in the Church, in the community. speaks to us especially in these chaotic,
Editor Of course there are times when anger is strident times. Here are the disciples battered
Sarah Mac Donald
editorfareast@gmail.com
needed; it can be a healthy sign of care and by fierce waves in the darkness, terrified. Will
concern, a goad to wake us up. People's the waves overturn their boat? Will they be
Assistant Editor
Sr Redempta Twomey anger at the slow response to combating drowned as the winds howl around them?
climate change, or to helping the homeless, How can they possibly survive? And then,
Layout & Editorial Assistant
Breda Rogers
the migrants, the poor is surely justified. to add to their terror, someone approaches
Anger at the Church over the scandal of child them, walking on the turbulent water. They
Manager
Stephen Awre abuse, at the betrayal of the innocent, cries cry out in fear. "At once Jesus spoke to them,
out to heaven. The long history of the Church 'Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.'" Then
Original Design
has seen more corruption and infidelity than Peter asks to walk on the water. "Come," said
Gabriel Carbone
we can imagine. To quote Pope Francis: "In Jesus. He gets out of the boat and begins to
Printers
Southern Print, Dorset people's justified anger, the Church sees the walk towards Jesus but in the ferocious wind
reflection of the wrath of God, betrayed and he loses his nerve and he begins to sink.
Columban Websites insulted by deceitful clergy and religious." We can imagine the terror that gripped him.
News, reports, reflections etc.
www.columbans.co.uk And yet here we are. By God's grace and Jesus of course caught him and said to the
www.columbansisters.org mercy the Church survives and continues terrified disciple, "O you of little faith, why did
Follow us
her mission through us, all of us sinners, all you doubt?"
Twitter: @fareastmagazine of us loved by Jesus who never leaves us on God works quietly in this world. His is a
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ our own. All of us forgiven. We are, he told true and lasting power. His is a peace the
fareastmagazine
us, "the light of the world." With his Spirit in world cannot give, a peace that sustains us
Missionary Society of us, we are to renew the face of the earth, the even as the world collapses around us, even
St Columban
Widney Manor Road, Solihull, heart of the Church. God trusts us. But do when, like Peter, we feel we are sinking, we
West Midlands, B93 9AB. we believe this? Or do we allow ourselves to are lost. "Do not be afraid. Do not worry. I am
Tel: (01564) 772 096
sink into apathy, a sense that whatever we do with you. Peace I give to you."•
Columban Sisters is useless, with very little or no effect? Same
6/8 Ridgdale Street, Bow, old tune, again and again. Nothing really Sr Redempta Twomey, from Killarney, was on
London E3 2TW.
Tel: (020) 8980 3017 changes, things even get worse. mission in Hong Kong for several years. On returning
But surely it is now, in these shifting times to Ireland she did promotion work before being
Front Cover
The Nativity.
that our hope must rise, like a great light in appointed Assistant Editor of the Far East magazine.
(Photo: Shutterstock) the darkness. And we do have hope, powerful She now resides in Magheramore, Wicklow.
Wishing all our subscribers, readers and supporters
a very happy and peaceful Christmas and every blessing for 2020!
peru
Three little Maids neo-feudal estates which were abolished in the 1970s).
"When we started out, our daughter Isabel was one month
01
Fr John Boles explains how three young sisters
old. We used to walk over two kilometres (about 1.5 miles)
have made a significant contribution to their local
to church each Sunday, carrying her." It was a church run
Columban parish in Lima.
by the Columbans. My church. That was how I got to know
T
Juan and Gloria and their lovely daughters.
he faithful at Santa Rosa chapel in Lima might at We soon recognised the couple's potential as future
times feel they are suffering from double vision. catechists and Eucharistic Ministers. It has always been
First, out comes 25-year-old Anelli Guerrero as Columban policy to encourage able and devout lay
today's Eucharistic Minister, ready to preside at the Sunday people to take leadership roles in our parishes. Indeed,
lay-led liturgy. Then up pops carbon-copy-sister Lesly, who the parishes could not function without them. By 1998
reads the gospel and explains it in a brief homily. we were just two priests in an enormous parish of twelve
Mind, it used to be worse in the days when look-alike churches and chapels. Fellow Columban Fr John Hegerty
eldest sister Isabel led the choir and the singing, before and I would celebrate Mass in each community every
she got married and moved away to be a driving force in second Sunday, while lay ministers would lead the liturgy
another Columban parish. and distribute Holy Communion on the other Sundays.
When together, they were often known as 'Las Tres Juan and Gloria became two of these ministers. The
Doncellas' – 'The Three Little Maids'. If this conjures up people readily accepted Juan, but in a male-dominated
images of the enchanting characters from Gilbert and 'machista' culture it was more difficult for Gloria. "They
Sullivan's 'Mikado' singing 'Three Little Maids from didn't approve of a woman leading a Eucharistic Service,"
School', then you wouldn't be far wrong. They ARE recalls Gloria. "They didn't listen to my homilies. They
enchanting, and have a faith and personality which have wouldn't come to me for Communion." But we – and
inspired young and old alike. Gloria – persisted. Slowly, attitudes changed, as people
Much of the credit must go to parents Juan and Gloria. noted the sincerity and capabilities of Gloria and the other
I first met them soon after my arrival in Peru in 1994. They women ministers we were appointing.
were from humble backgrounds but had managed to Soon, Gloria was not only a regular Eucharistic Minister
qualify as engineers, and had decided to set up home in a but, along with husband Juan, elected coordinator of their
newly developing area on the teeming northern edge of Christian community. They joined the parish council and,
the Greater Lima conurbation. later, were named missionaries, helping the Columbans
"We built our house ourselves, bit by bit," remembers evangelize newer areas that were springing up on the
Gloria. "There was no electric light, no paved roads, no periphery of the great city.
running water. We drew water with a rope and bucket from Meanwhile, daughters Isabel, Lesly and Anelli were
an old well, left over from the days of the 'haciendas' (the proving to be "chips off the old block". They ended up
4 FAR EAST - DECEMBER 2019
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OVER 100 YEARS OF PUBLICATION
following in Mum and Dad's footsteps professionally
– Isabel as a chemical engineer, Lesly as an industrial
engineer, Anelli as textile engineer – and pastorally.
Isabel specialised in the choir and, after getting
married, moved to another Columban parish where she
and husband Israel single-handedly revived a flagging
Christian community.
Lesly thrived in various pastoral roles and is now
a Minister of the Word. Anelli became the parish's
youngest ever Eucharistic Minister. Happily, she didn't
have to face the prejudices encountered by her mother.
People's views had changed, thanks to the pioneering 02
work of women like Gloria.
T
On the occasions when Isabel returns to her former
chapel, the sisters are reunited and once again for the he tale of the Three Little Maids nearly
parishioners it's a case not of double but triple vision. came to premature and tragic end on
These are special moments. They remind you that the 3rd June 2001. Eight-year-old Anelli
Church is built on the foundations of people like the came back from First Communion class and
'Three Little Maids' and the inspirational examples of was playing on the upstairs veranda when a
parents. • parapet gave way and she fell three stories
to the ground. Bleeding and unconscious,
Fr John Boles is a Columban from Britain who has worked in she was retrieved by an ambulance but,
Peru since 1994. as bad luck would have it, this was the
day of a General Election in Peru, at a very
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turbulent moment in its history. There was
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a security clampdown and THREE hospitals
turned Anelli away before the fourth finally
admitted her.
01. The Guerrero family from left to right: Isabel, Anelli, Gloria, Juan,
Columban missionary Fr John Boles, Lesly, Israel (Isabel's husband). Miraculously, she'd only suffered
02. Anelli, who is a Eucharistic Minister, presiding at a lay-led Sunday liturgy concussion, a broken arm and broken
with Lesly as Minister of the Word. fingers. Even more miraculously, the fingers
03. Anelli and Lesly Guerrero.
knitted together in record time, surprising
04. Another group photo of the Guerrero family with Fr John Boles.
the doctors. While in hospital Anelli made a
(All photos by Eduardo Salas, Director of Communications for the
Columban Fathers in Peru.) name for herself, encouraging fellow child
patients and their parents with themes she'd
learned in her First Communion class. She
became known as "la pequeña sacerdotisa" –
03
•
"the little priestess"!
04
thailand
T
his year the Church in Thailand has a big anniversary; it is
celebrating 350 years of what exactly?
siam
It is celebrating the foundation of the Catholic Church
in Thailand, or Siam as it was then; the appointment of the first
bishops. There had been other missionaries, Dominicans, Jesuits
and Franciscans in Siam before 1669 but they were there for
pastoral care of the Portuguese and others who were there for
commercial or political reasons. In 1669 the Congregation for
350
the Propagation of the Faith in Rome named three priests of the
Société des Missions Étrangères de Paris (MEP) as Apostolic Vicars
in Siam.
How soon after the foundation of the Paris Foreign Mission
Society did the first missionaries arrive in Southeast Asia?
We were founded in 1659 and the missionaries arrived here in
1662. Their original plan was to go to Cochin China (Vietnam)
and mainland China but they were prevented by persecution in
Vietnam and internal political turmoil in China. So they opted to
work in Siam.
Why Siam?
Fr Alo Connaughton speaks to Mostly because it was a tolerant and reasonably open society.
Fr Nicholas Lefebure about mission They came to Ayutthaya, a beautiful city with a population
in the predominantly Buddhist of about 200,000, the thriving capital of the prosperous
country of Thailand. kingdom of Siam. It was 100km from the sea and could
only be reached by river. Chinese, Arabian, Javanese,
Malayan, French, Portuguese, Dutch, Spanish, and
British ships could be seen in the city's harbours.
How were the French missionaries received?
The ruler at the time, King Narai (1657-1688) was
very open to foreign contacts. The missionaries
began to learn the local language and also the
Buddhist languages of Pali
and Sanskrit. Soon they were
authorised to open a college
and a hospital.
01 Were they able to fit easily
into some situations or
places that were already
familiar with Christianity?
They were not always
welcomed by the older
priests. We know that
the people who
02
welcomed them most at the beginning were those whose The early MEPs never returned home once they went on
ancestors came from China and Vietnam; sometimes mission?
having fled from persecution. The early seminarians also Our motto was ad extra, ad gentes, ad vitam – abroad or
came from this background. overseas, to the non-believers and for life. When they said
'Goodbye' to their families it was forever. The very earliest
So the MEP also had a seminary? missionaries came here overland through the Middle East;
Yes. After a few years we opened a seminary to train local then later they made the long journey by ship. Some died
priests. Rome had given the MEP instructions to do this. in shipwrecks and many died not long after arrival. Mostly
We have always tried to make the churches we help found the cause was diseases like malaria or typhoid but some
become independent. also died violently. We have about 30 martyrs in Asia.
How were relationships with the majority Buddhist How about MEPs today; do you still have young people
religion? training for mission abroad?
The missionaries tried to be respectful of the local We have about 16 seminarians in Paris. We are all French.
religion. For example Catholics who continued to give We do not invite people from the countries in which
alms to Buddhist monks were advised to see this as we work to join us. We have always advised those who
an act of charity. The priests were encouraged to wear showed an interest in mission to become part of some
clothes similar to the local religious people. Bishop mission group or programme in their own country. Every
Laneau, appointed in 1674, spent some time in a Buddhist year we send about 150 young volunteers for a time to
monastery trying to better understand the Buddhist way Asia.
of life. He was especially impressed by their ability to
meditate. Is there still a role for groups like the MEP? What are your
leaders at the top thinking?
But all was not peaceful in the early years? Lately we have been studying a recent document from
No. After the death of King Narai in 1688 there was Rome on mission. It identifies different steps in the process
a period of persecution of Christians; then there was of evangelization. Early on mission was promoted through
toleration for a time but other persecutions followed the 'patronage' system linked to political authorities. After
between 1709-1733 and 1743-44. Sometimes the reason that came the missionary societies. In a sense that stage
was more anti-foreign than anti-Christian. The invasion of is also coming to an end. The gospel may not have been
a large Burmese army and the destruction of Ayutthaya in accepted, but it has been announced throughout the
1767 was obviously a major setback. world. Mission is now a primary responsibility of the local
bishop and his helpers.
What then is the justification for continuing?
The Bishop of Singapore invited us recently to work there.
It has enough priests but he said, "Come and show us
'the places' that we are not reaching." In many countries
there are plenty of 'places' where the local church does
not preach the gospel for cultural or other reasons; for
example migrants, ethnic groups, social justice, certain
illnesses, environmental destruction and so on. That is still
a very real need today. •
03
Fr Alo Connaughton is a former editor of the Far East magazine.
Ordained in 1969, he is now involved in the formation of
seminarians in Thailand and China.
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01. Fr Nicholas Lefebure, Superior of Paris Foreign Missionaries in
Thailand.
02. The main temple of Ayutthaya today. Ayutthaya was the thriving
capital of the prosperous Kingdom of Siam, a beautiful city with a
population of about 200,000. The Burmese destroyed it in 1767.
03. Assumption Cathedral in Bangkok, which was completed in 1821.
(All photo: Fr Alo Connaughton)
1918 - 2019
OVER 100 YEARS OF PUBLICATION FAR EAST - DECEMBER 2019 7
01
China
Unconditional lo♥e
Korean lay missionary Seo Min-ah (Mariana) writes why I loved her. After reflecting for a moment she declared
about a young "lovable rascal" who helped her to that it must be because of her excellent school results. She
grasp something of God's unconditional love. appeared to be sad so I quickly said that she was right to
feel proud of her results but that I would love her even if the
T
test results were not that good. "I love you because of the
he Chinese city of Wuhan where I live is always love and care you show," I added. "You share your prized
changing. New public slogans appear almost every snacks with others and make people happy." I was not
day. Jobs and government policies change frequently certain that she understood what I had said and I felt bad
and buildings are knocked down and quickly replaced by that Chae-wee thought that I and others would not love her
new ones. Even the weather in Wuhan changes quickly. if her school results were bad.
Unpredictable events take place at breakneck speed. As I reflected on this incident I became aware of the fact
I myself do different things almost every day. I visit that I feared that I might be doing good works in China in
families with members with special needs, attend training, order that others would accept me and love me. If that was
conduct art classes, teach Korean language, and work with my motive for working in China the results would not be
Catholic youth. It was a constant challenge to keep up with good. If I truly trusted in and believed that God's love was
all these when I first arrived in China. I was helped by the sufficient then I would not be trying to seek others' approval.
Chinese people I got to know. While I have told myself this several times I still find it hard to
Every week I visit the home of Chae-wee, a cute eight- accept fully.
year-old, to teach her and her mother art therapy. Chae- Suddenly the conversation I had had with Chae-wee
wee's mother is not able to move around very well and she came to mind. I did not love her because of something she
finds it difficult to communicate with others. She has been a was excellent at. I merely loved her for being the little rascal
friend of the Columban missionaries for ten years now. she was. I realised once again that God loves me just as I
Chae-wee is a healthy and lovable rascal. She is an am and not because of any good work I might do. I should
excellent student getting top marks in all her tests and trust in and believe in the love of God. I prayed that I might
is the pride and hope of the family. One day, as she was experience that love of God even when the unseen work I
sharing her prized snack with me, she suddenly asked me do in China does not appear to bear any significant results
8 FAR EAST - DECEMBER 2019
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OVER 100 YEARS OF PUBLICATION
and I do not feel that Jesus is in my life. When I took a good look 01. A volunteer student with the You
at myself and my motivation for engaging in good work in China I Dao Foundation in Shanghai.
Pic: Warren Kinne.
could see that I often looked for a sign from Jesus.
02. Korean lay missionary Seo Min-ah
One day as I sat alone I thought about all the people I had met with a bunch of "lovable rascals"
in China, calling to mind each one of them. I realised that since in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
I had met each of them I had never experienced a moment's 03. Eight-year-old Chae-wee helps
her mother, who has a physical
unhappiness. All of the people had readily accepted this rather
disability, making it difficult
clumsy and weak person. As I grew in that realisation I was deeply for her to move around. She
moved and gave thanks for the happiness I had experienced here is a long-time friend of the
Columbans. Pic: Mariana.
in China.
Due to my greed I was often hoping for other things and could
02
not see that Jesus was always with me and loving me through the
people I met every day. As I realised this I felt that I wanted to be
able to return that love to the people in a concrete way.
I spent time recalling all the people I had met and started to
remember their names. I remembered all those that helped me
prepare for the art classes that allowed people realise that they
02
are important people, all those that shared meals with me, all the
individuals that listened to my stories, the ones I had spent time
with, those that embraced me with their smiles as we held hands
and all the people that prayed with me. I asked Jesus that I might
continue to repay others with acts of kindness for the love that
God had shown towards me. •
Seo Min-ah [Mariana] is a Korean lay missionary working in China.
She began working there in 2015. Translated by Noel Mackey.
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ARE YOU BEING CALLED TO
Columban Mission?
A chance to do something deeply satisfying For Further Information:
and worthwhile with your life. Fr Denis Carter,
St Columban’s, Widney Manor Rd,
Do you have a dream of doing some service that’s pleasing to God… Solihull, West Midlands B93 9AB
and good for God’s struggling people?
telephone: 01564 772 096
Is your faith important to you? email: vocations@columbans.co.uk
website: www.columbans.co.uk
Could God be calling you to be a Columban missionary?
If you see yourself today making a difference and feel drawn to work
as a missionary overseas, come and explore the possibilities as a
Columban Priest or Lay Missionary.
PERU
starting from zero
01
again and again began to appreciate that a Columban missionary has to have
Fr Fetu'umoana Palenapa Tavo recalls some of his early ongoing formation and be open to new experiences of life
missionary experiences in Peru, which showed him the and faith. We are challenged to start from zero again and
importance of ongoing formation and being open to again.
new experiences of life and faith. As I came to cope with the parish structures and
organisation I thought that, with my seminary training, I would
I
have all the answers. But the people taught me to be quiet, to
arrived in Peru in 2007 thinking that it wouldn't be very listen more and observe how and why they do what they do.
challenging. I was sent straight away to Bolivia to learn I came to realise that the Peruvian people are very spiritual in
Spanish. When I arrived there my host family was waiting their history, culture and traditions. Their spirituality was there
for me at the airport with my name written on paper. We before the Christian faith. It is a spirituality connected with
waved to each other. Then we went to their home in silence. Mother Nature and it reminded me of Tongan and Oceanian
For two weeks all our communication was done with gestures spirituality.
and signs until I was able to manage basic Spanish. It was I began to see how intertwined Christian spirituality and
painful but it taught me to be humble and to know that local Peruvian spirituality are. For example, the Peruvian
missionary life has to start from zero. godparents have responsibilities not just for the faith, but
Arriving back in Peru after learning some Spanish I was also for the education and employment of their godchild.
appointed to a parish in the capital Lima. I arrived in the Music, dances, food and drink are very much part of the
parish with enthusiasm but I discovered that I had to learn the faith celebrations of the people. After the final blessing of
Peruvian way of speaking Spanish. I realised that I had to be the Mass in Peru the people come forward to be blessed by
open to new learnings. I was humbled and had to start from being sprinkled with holy water. It seems that the feel of the
zero again. holy water means more than the distant blessing of the priest.
Gradually I became more familiar with the people and It used to feel funny to me but then I opened myself to the
surroundings in Lima. I made many friends especially among simple deep faith of the people. The theology and liturgy I
the youth. I thought I was really equipped to begin mission learnt in the seminary was being challenged. I returned to
and ministry in a parish. But I discovered that the Pacific zero again.
Regional Seminary in Suva had not prepared me for the The Peruvian people continue to surprise me and to open
parish structures and administration in Lima. It was humbling my eyes to see God differently as situations change. The
to try to fit in with how priests and people did things here. I recent influx of Venezuelans fleeing from hunger and chaos
10 FAR EAST - DECEMBER 2019
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OVER 100 YEARS OF PUBLICATION03
“ Mission practice has changed and
will continue to change. Being humbled
by having to change many times is good
because it brings home to us that it is
God's mission, not ours.”
into Peru has given me a new perspective. Peru has welcomed them
even though there are millions of poor and unemployed Peruvians
throughout the country. It is a testing time for the country and for the
Catholic Church here. The Church has to offer hope and good news
in times of crisis.
At this time in my new parish I am trying to listen to and guide
the people to be proactive regarding issues which affect life. Now
is the time the Church has to be more prophetic. It has to be the
Good Samaritan meeting the needs of the people in the streets and
alleyways away from the church buildings. The people of Peru want 02
a Church that not only preaches but lives out its message where the
suffering, marginalized and poor are. We must always be ready to
start from zero again.
Mission practice has changed and will continue to change. Being
humbled by having to change many times is good because it brings
home to us that it is God's mission, not ours. I am very grateful to
God for all my encounters in mission in Peru. I am grateful to the
people of Peru for their openness and support in accepting me as a
missionary. I thank God for the benefactors who make our journey in
life possible. May God continue to bless us and the mission of Christ
in the world.•
Fr Fetu'umoana Palenapa Tavo is a Tongan national from the village of
Matahau on the main island of Tongatapu. Before joining the Columbans,
he was a farmer. He was ordained in Tonga in 2001 and has served as a
Columban missionary in Tonga, Fiji, Pakistan, Chile and Peru.
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01. Fr Napa has been on mission in Peru since 2007 where he has built important
friendships through his ministry in Lima. "I am grateful to the people of Peru for
their openness and support in accepting me as a missionary."
02. Columban missionary Fr Fetu'umoana Palenapa Tavo, known as Fr Napa, is a
Tongan national from the island of Tongatapu. 03
03. Before joining the Columbans, Fr Napa was a farmer. He has served in Tonga, Fiji,
Pakistan, Chile and Peru.
Read about ‘A Mad Thing to Do’ recalls
100 years of an extraordinary
100 years £15
movement – the Missionary
Be
Society of St Columban.
inspired by the stories
of Columban
incl. P&P
of dedication, vision and
selflessness of Columban
Mission! missionaries in this fascinating
account by Fr Neil Collins.
To order your copy contact: Mission Office, St Columban’s, Widney Manor Road, Solihull B93 9AB
Tel: 01564 772 096 • Email: office@columbans.co.uk • Order online at www.columbans.ieMigrants
'I didn't see the people'
Fr Bobby Gilmore believes the failure of the global investment back home are clarion calls of the new political
economic system has given rise to a sense of directorate. Nostalgic nationalism is the new chic.
grievance among many who feel economically and Do the abandoned have cause to feel aggrieved? The
socially abandoned. He believes the Church has a architects of a global economic system on the face of it
role to play in building up a sense of community. had good intentions for seamless trade, goods, services
T
and investment. They seem to have assumed that the
he story goes: as the nationalist Chinese army fled advantages of a vibrant market economy would trickle
south during the Chinese Revolution it looted the down for the benefit of all. However, regulations on how
banks taking whatever valuables were available. these advantages would reach those whose industries had
The loot was stacked outside the bank in full view of a migrated to cheaper regions, were missing.
curious public. In one instance a member of the public, a In emphasising free movement in trade, goods, services
well-dressed man, went forward and took three gold bars. and investment the missing factor was people, the
He was apprehended and taken to the police station. The regulation of human movement and the putting in place of
police were curious as to why he tried to steal the gold with robust social systems for those abandoned in rust and dust
so many people watching. He answered: "I only saw the belts. People who lived in traditional vibrant manufacturing
gold, I didn't see the people." communities saw community life disintegrate into social
Over the past few years great changes are taking place deserts of decline, unemployment, family breakdown,
in the political horizons in all continents. The arrival on the drug abuse, decline in services and migration to the
political scene of unusual unexpected candidates seeking anonymity of urban areas. The neglected fourth leg in
high office and being successful is surprising to many the chair of globalisation was the local people's need to
inside and outside the political arena. These successful be in a community. People were denied the fundamental
candidates seem to have many commonalities. They have human need of participation and decision-making, offering
no great allegiance to mainstream political parties other them a sense of belonging and connectedness. Also, they
than as convenient vehicles to acquire power. Their appeal witnessed the vast accumulation of wealth by a privileged
is to what they define as the "real people" who they claim, minority having access to the centres of power, setting
with justification, have been abandoned by the mainstream themselves as reformers of the system they benefitted
parties in favour of corporate "elites". from.
Their appeal to the aggrieved base is posited on the Similar structures were put in place in the European
failure of a globalised economic system which abandoned Union. Again, the assumption was that wealth would
them. The aggrieved have seen their local industries trickle down if the structures for free trade, goods, services
migrate to international locations of cheap labour and poor and investment were in place. Again, as in general
regulatory legislation. Blaming the migration of industry for globalisation, people were forgotten. Areas in which
the plight of the abandoned is coupled with scapegoating people felt abandoned and aggrieved were targeted by
immigrants. Both industrial and human migrations are aspiring politicians who spoke their language, a language
convenient objects to garner votes in the promise that both the mainstream political parties, with some exceptions,
will be turned around by banning immigrants and bringing had forgotten. The aspiring politicians and their financial
industry back home. Control of borders and bringing backers again found scapegoats in globalisation, migration
12 FAR EAST - DECEMBER 2019
1918 - 2019
OVER 100 YEARS OF PUBLICATION“
of industry and immigrants arriving be welcoming to all, introducing them to
from new accession states of the In others, initiating them if they so desire,
European Union. In national and local emphasising free movement offering a sense of belonging, sharing
elections in the European Union, in trade, goods, services and a consciousness of the need to reach
immigration and immigrants were investment, out to the excluded, and relate to
made the hounds of fear. In areas the missing factor was people, local tensions as a peace initiator in
where immigrants contributed to the regulation of human solidarity with all of like mind. People
the local economy and European movement and the putting need to be empowered by hope
Union industries offered thousands in place of robust social rather than being encouraged to
of jobs, fear overcame fact. In bereft systems for those define themselves by their ailments and
former industrial areas people who abandoned in rust perceived enemies.
felt abandoned, denied participation and dust belts.” Human beings are in the image of God.
and decision-making, heard voices that God is community. It is the nature of human
resonated with their isolated grief. These new beings to need community. Religions are about
voices promising nationalist disruptive nirvanas got people. The church is for people - the market is for
their attention by blaming others, promising to do good by profit. Do we see the people or the gold? Does it have to be
sowing conflict with perceived enemies. luxury for the few and austerity for the many?
As in worldwide globalisation the creators of a European "Walls can justify being stalled; doors demand passage.
Union-wide market assumed that the charitable goodwill of Hopefulness is risky, since after all it is a form of trust, trust
people would overcome anonymity by creating their own in the unknown and the possible, even in discontinuity.
social and community networks in which they would have To be hopeful is take a different persona, one that risks
a sense of belonging, participation and support. But, why disappointment, betrayal…" (Rebecca Solnit: Hope in the Dark) •
were the needs of the market so important when there can
be no market without people? Fr Bobby Gilmore writes and campaigns on migrant issues. He
Yet, the communitarian dimension of human aspiration was on mission in the Philippines for many years, in Jamaica for
was not given the same attention. Sure, the European seven years and has extensive experience of chaplaincy work with
Union cannot be blamed for local liminality but it should migrants in Ireland and Britain.
have given more resources and expertise to make internal
integration among Europeans and the integration of To make a comment on this article go to:
immigrants possible. Human integration, community, social facebook.com/fareastmagazine @fareastmagazine
networks, as Europe knows well from history, should have
taken precedence over market protection. The impression Images: shutterstock.com
given by European Union regulatory agencies seems to be
that animals, bananas and fish have better protective rights
than humans. This impression is bolstered by the failure
to modernise immigration policies and particularly the
protection of asylum seekers and refugees against populist,
neo-fascist, nostalgic imperialists.
There is a new dawn for local governmental and non-
governmental agencies to reach out with innovative, not just
remedies but new stories, about the need for community. If
solitary confinement is the most severe human punishment,
it follows that belonging to a community is in the nature of
being fully human. Here, in particular the local church can
be an effective initiator of community. To be that it has to
MAKING Make a Difference!
YOUR
Please remember the needs of Columban
missionaries and their missions.
WILL? Without your help we cannot continue our work.
Your gift could help some of the most
marginalised and neediest.
Missionary Society of St Columban, Widney Manor Road, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands, B93 9AB.
1918 - 2019
OVER 100 YEARS OF PUBLICATION 13ireland
The 'homeless pope'
01
sleeping on the streets.
Sr Abbie O'Sullivan recalls the deep impact Pope
When Capuchin Brothers Sean and Kevin escorted
Francis made on the homeless during his visit last year
to the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin. Pope Francis into the meeting room the roof must have
literally lifted with the welcome he got. Pope Francis looked
A
very tired and his hip was obviously bothering him. It was
t the end of August last year I found myself walking 5pm and he had had a busy day already. In spite of that
along Dublin's Church Street. It was a Saturday he moved slowly and stood before each one embracing
midday and there was an atmosphere of awe and them and looking into their eyes. Through an interpreter
expectation. The traffic was diverted. Flags and colourful he listened to each one's story with empathy. He said a few
bunting adorned the houses around the Capuchin Day words to each one.
Centre for the homeless. My official pass was checked and The Holy Father bent down to a blind lady's dog, patted
I was allowed to proceed into that sacred space on what him and smiled at him. Then the dog looked up at his
turned out to be a sacred day – the day when Pope Francis owner and she was crying. It was a poignant moment. Maria
visited homeless people, recovering drug addicts, released felt special even though she couldn't see. A few months
prisoners, abused women, deprived children, emotionally before she was sleeping in a shop doorway with her guide
and mentally disturbed people and anyone who, for dog which she had had for several years. But when Maria
whatever reason, was unable to cope with the vicissitudes woke up her guide dog, who was her only companion,
of modern life. wasn't beside her. He had been stolen during the night and
Every day the Capuchin Day Centre provides a cooked she never found him again. Her new dog has been well
breakfast for about 300 people and dinner for up to 650 trained. They are both still sleeping in shop doorways.
people plus about 25 parents and children. On the special The Holy Father moved on and greeted each one in the
day of the Pope's visit 60 clients were chosen to meet him. remainder of the circle. Sakina was there with her husband
The big dining room was rearranged, chairs were placed in and young son. They are Muslim refugees. Pope Francis
a broken circle to allow the Holy Father to enter the circle greeted them as he did everyone else and he spoke to
to meet and greet each individual. A few days earlier the them for a while. Then he gave each of them a set of Rosary
homeless people were asked what gift they would like Beads which he had blessed himself. They were beaming
to give the Holy Father. It didn't take long to decide - a and all three cupped the beads in their hands and kissed
sleeping bag and the basic necessities for a night spent them over and over. They were one with Pope Francis and
14 FAR EAST - DECEMBER 2019
1918 - 2019
OVER 100 YEARS OF PUBLICATIONall differences disappeared. back memories and smiles. Pope Francis set the
As the Holy Father was moving from downtrodden free. When I walk around the
one homeless person to the next one, a Centre serving the homeless people and talking
Capuchin Friar took a photograph as he to them I think of the Pedestal Inscription on
shook hands with each individual. A few New York's Statue of Liberty: 'Give me your
days later the Friars produced 60 photos tired, your poor, your huddled masses. Send
in gilt frames and gave one to everyone the homeless and tempest-tossed to me. I lift
who had met the Pope. The comments my lamp beside the golden door.' The Capuchin
were priceless. "I have no home but I have a Friars of Bow Street have opened their door wide
photo with Pope Francis. I'm so happy I could to all who enter. Pope Francis has shown us how to
fly." "I know that's Pope Francis but is it really respect the poor.•
02
me?" "Oh, look at him. He gave me full attention." 'The
Homeless Pope' had spent time with those who are really A teacher by profession, Sr Abbie O'Sullivan has taught in Ireland and
homeless and made them feel good. He is surely the Pope of has been missioned in Hong Kong, Croatia and London. She now
the Poor. works in Dublin as a counsellor in a secondary school and also works
The Holy Father hasn't been forgotten. The walls of the part-time in the Capuchin Day Centre for the homeless.
Centre are adorned with a multitude of pictures taken on
that sacred day. Often some of our clients stand in silence To make a comment on this article go to:
before their own photo and perhaps relive the day when the facebook.com/fareastmagazine @fareastmagazine
'Homeless Pope' embraced them and gave them something
to be treasured for the rest of their lives. The 'Homeless Pope'
01. Visit of Pope Francis to the Capuchin Day Centre for the Homeless in
gave them something beyond material value. He gave them Dublin on Saturday 25 August 2018 where the Pontiff greeted Br Kevin
respect and dignity and they felt he understood them and Crowley with Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin looking on.
was willing to meet them where they were at. There was no Pic: Damien Eagers on behalf of WMOF2018.
02. The Pope's gift bag from the homeless contained a sleeping bag and
pretence on that day and no artificiality. The 'Homeless Pope'
the basic necessities for a night spent sleeping on the streets.
looked them in the eye and loved each one.
03. Pope Francis places his hand on the head of 11-month-old Bella
It is over a year since Pope Francis visited the Capuchin Hartigan as her mother Candice looks on at the Capuchin Day Centre for
Day Centre and any mention of the Holy Father brings the homeless in Dublin. Pic: Damien Eagers on behalf of WMOF2018.
0301
taiwan
Mission in the
mountains
Fr Taaremon Mataue recalls a 'Lazarus' moment in his as I tried to shift gears in Chinese. I started the Our Father
ministry with the Atayal people in Taiwan and how and the Hail Mary. The old ladies had stopped crying. I
people from eight different villages come together to saw shock change into hope in the family members' faces.
celebrate Christmas. Someone thought of giving her water. The rest of the
I
villagers continued saying the rosary with me.
t was a Sunday morning. I was turning the pages of The old lady must have been in a coma. Still, it was
my Mandarin Chinese prayerbook looking for suitable strange for the hospital authorities to declare her dead. She
prayers for the dead. I was in one of the eight villages lived on for another week but then passed from this life.
to which our parish ministers in the shadow of Dabajian
Mountain in Taiwan. The Ups and Downs of Mission Work
I had already said Mass in a nearby village. There I I know the catechist well. He is the only catechist in the
received a message that the parish catechist's mother parish. He gives instruction on the sacraments to the
had been taken to hospital that morning and had been children. He visits the people. He also advises us priests
pronounced dead from cancer. I was asked to come to the about aspects of the culture and of politics. We have to be
catechist's village after Mass so that I could meet and pray careful with politicians offering money to the Church. We
for the old lady there. have to ensure that it is made as a donation to the Church
I didn't wait for a meal with the villagers after Mass but and receipted accordingly so that we priests cannot be
drove straight to the catechist's village. A short time later, accused of any wrongdoing.
while I was still trying to prepare, the ambulance arrived Much of my work is ordinary parish work. I visit homes
back from the hospital with the body. The old ladies in the and the sick in hospital. I say Mass on Saturday evening
village were crying as the body was carried into the house in one village and on Sunday morning in another village.
and laid on the bed. As I sprinkled the body with holy People from nearby villages are expected to attend.
water and began the prayers for the dead the catechist's Actually, I was very disappointed when I first arrived in the
mother opened her eyes and moved. parish to see that only about 10 or 15 people, almost all
I was shocked. I was lost. I was confused. Everyone women, were attending Mass. I compared this with the full
else was shocked too. "What prayer should I be saying churches and fine singing in Fiji. But many of these ladies
now," I thought, as I stopped the prayers for the dead. have strong faith and really pray from the heart.
"Something simple would be best" was my next thought At Christmas all 170 families from the eight villages
16 FAR EAST - DECEMBER 2019
1918 - 2019
OVER 100 YEARS OF PUBLICATIONcome to the parish centre and celebrate the feast. They I love the Work
exchange gifts. After Mass the community spends the The women here are the backbone of the Church. I have
whole day together enjoying games, dancing and raffles. some good friends among the more committed families.
Each village presents an item. Many of the women in one of the villages, who became
Previously the priest used to go around knocking on Catholics after marriage, are fine singers. I love to go there
peoples' doors on Saturday reminding them to attend and play my guitar when they sing together after Mass or
Mass the following day. But Fr Larry, my Columban a prayer meeting.
colleague, and I decided that people should come to I like working in Taiwan. The culture is quite relaxed
church because they wanted to and not because of – different from city Chinese. The people live for the
pressure from priests. But there is an old man here who present. They greet you in a friendly way as you pass on
often says to us that the men don't come to Mass because the road. They are hospitable. But I must avoid becoming
we priests are not knocking on their doors! complacent and keep approaching the work with
enthusiasm and faith.•
Columban missionary Fr Taaremon Mataue was ordained in 2012
and is currently on mission in Taiwan.
01. Trekking on the trail of the Dabajian Mountain in Taiwan. (Image: Shutterstock)
02. Fr Taaremon Mataue singing Christmas carols with the Atayal people in
Taiwan. On Christmas Day all 170 families from eight villages come to the
parish centre and celebrate the feast and exchange gifts. After Mass the
community spends the whole day together enjoying games, dancing and
raffles.
03. "Previously the priest used to go around knocking on peoples' doors on
Saturday reminding them to attend Mass the following day. But Fr Larry,
my Columban colleague, and I decided that people should come to church
02 because they wanted to and not because of pressure from priests." 03
'Murder in the Missions'
by Jean Harrington
is the story of Columban
murder in the missionaries Fr Des
£15 Hartford and Fr Rufus
missions
incl. P&P Halley in their mission
to build trust between
Christians and Muslims in COLUMBAN
MISSIONARIES
a volatile environment
in the Philippines.
To order your copy contact: Mission Office, St Columban's, Widney Manor Road, Solihull B93 9AB
Tel: 01564 772 096 • Email: office@columbans.co.uk • Order online at www.columbans.ie
1918 - 2019
OVER 100 YEARS OF PUBLICATION 17Reflection
others, is part of our make-up. The deep pain of feeling
“the
Joy to the world,
Lord is come!”
unloved, sensing oneself to be unwanted is greater than
any other. And how many millions all over our common
home are experiencing this pain today? How can we
T
possibly be joyful in the face of this reality?
his is one of the great Christmas hymns, sung "Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again, rejoice!"
with fervour by choirs and congregations up and (Phil 4:4). This was Paul, writing from prison, writing
down the land, that captures something of the after suffering many blows, many disappointments,
spirit of Christmas. Of course we must be joyful! Of betrayals. "Rejoice!" And this is the cry of many men
course we must sing great songs to welcome the Child and women who have been plunged into darkness
in Bethlehem! Whatever our situation, however endless and near despair. Be full of joy. God really is with you.
our trials, however deep the darkness of our spirit, the Really. He is not a press-button God, an instant deity,
pain in our relationships, the chaos in our society, we a genie in a bottle. No, he is One who longs for us to
rejoice. Christmas is really good news. know and love him and be open to his love. His Spirit
Why? Because God is with us. God-with-us. This lives in us, sings in our heart, guides us on our journey
Child born in the greatest poverty is God incarnate. through life.
The image of the invisible God. The light and life of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer, that great Luthern minister
world. "In him dwells the whole fullness of the deity.. killed by the Nazis said that "gratitude is the beginning
and you share in this fullness..." (Col.2:9). of joy." And how very much we have to thank God for.
We share in the divine life of God himself, here in this Let us take time this season to list some of the many
broken world, here in pain and unremitting misery, here blessings that have come our way. Blessings sometimes
too in grace and gladness. hidden in failures or disappointments. We must shake
It is only with real faith and with courage that up our souls and cry out our joy to the Lord who is
Christians sing out their glad songs at this time of the nearer to us than we are to ourselves. As Dorothy Day
year. Dazzled by the lights and tinsel and glitter of the wrote, "I believe we are called to the duty of delight."•
streets, some people allow themselves to be distracted
from the Little One in the crib. Or we may shut our Sr Redempta Twomey
doors to the homeless, to the migrants who are also
looking for peace, for a place they can call home. This Image: Detail of the Nativity by Giovanni Comandu da Mondovi (1795)
deep hunger to belong, to be cherished by another, by in Turin Duomo, Italy. (Shutterstock)
04columban Missionary
Priests at War
Fr George Webster
recalls some of the
46 Columbans who
served as military
chaplains.
01 02 03
I
n light of this year's 75th anniversary commemorations who served as military chaplains was 46 and nearly all of
of the D-Day landings on 6th June 1944 in occupied them returned to the Foreign Missions when the war was
France, I thought it would be timely to pay tribute to the over.•
many Columbans who served as chaplains in World War II. 01. Fr Patrick T. Brennan was an American-born Columban who was killed
In the early 1940s, there were large numbers of Irish by North Korean forces in 1950. He was assigned to Korea in 1938.
Columban priests ordained. Unable to get to the foreign Interned by the Japanese forces following Pearl Harbour in 1941, he
was repatriated to the US. He served as an Army chaplain in Normandy,
missions because of World War II, many did pastoral Ardennes and Germany and was decorated for bravery. In 1948 he was
work in English dioceses, and a number of them became appointed Prefect Apostolic of Kwangju, Korea, where he was taken
chaplains to the British Armed Forces. Twenty were prisoner and killed by North Korean forces on 24 September 1950 in
Taejon prison, along with two other Columban missionaries, Fr Thomas
chaplains in the British Army. Two served in the Canadian Cusack and Fr John O'Brien.
Army. 02. Fr Patrick J. McMahon was the only Columban military chaplain killed in
Fr Patrick McMahon was the only one killed in action. action. He died on 14 August 1944 during a fierce battle in Normandy
He died on 14 August 1944 during a fierce battle in when the ambulance he was driving was shelled.
Normandy following the invasion of France by the Allies. 03. After the war, American-born Fr Harold Henry returned to Korea where
he later became the first Archbishop of Gwangju (1962-71) and Apostolic
He went out under fire in an ambulance to rescue a Administrator of Cheju (1971-76).
Canadian soldier. On the return journey the ambulance 04. Fr Patrick J. McMahon's grave in Ussy, France.
was hit by a shell and all were killed. 05. Four Columbans ordained in Dalgan on 21 December 1941 who were
Ten Columbans were chaplains to the Royal Air Force. unable to get to the missions because of World War II. Frs Frank McEnnis,
Fr Francis McEnnis was the first Catholic chaplain to land Joe McGlade and Bill Cunnane became chaplains in the Royal Air Force
while Fr John F. O'Sullivan became a chaplain in the British Army.
in occupied France with the British Forces on D-Day (6th
June 1944). To make a comment on this article go to:
Many of the Columban military chaplains were facebook.com/fareastmagazine @fareastmagazine
wounded in action and many were awarded
military decorations for bravery.
After the United States entered the war
04 05
following the attack on Pearl Harbour,
Hawaii on 7th December 1941, ten
Columbans served in the US Army and
three in the US Navy.
Fr Jeremiah Kelleher was working in
Burma (Myanmar) when World War II broke
out. In 1942 he was chaplain to Catholic
Kachin troops and was captured by the
Japanese. He continued to work in Burma
until 1978 when all Columban priests were
expelled by the Military Government.
The total number of Columban priests
1918 - 2019
OVER 100 YEARS OF PUBLICATION FAR EAST - DECEMBER 2019 19OBITUARIES
Sr Joy Carmody died peacefully on 20 June in 1982 to study Scripture in Rome before
REST IN
2019 in Magheramore after a short illness. returning to Korea for another ten years in
She was 84 years old. From Carrigaholt, Cheju and Chollanamdo. He was able to
Co Clare, she was born on Easter Sunday engage in parish work in Ireland for a few
PEACE
1935 and although baptised Anne she was years and act a chaplain to the Columban
always called Joy. Responding to a desire Sisters in Wicklow before heading for Britain
to serve Christ as a missionary, Joy joined again for more promotion work. Joe retired
the Columban Sisters in Cahiracon when to Ireland in ill health in 2006 but continued
she was twenty. After making her vows to make a difference to many lives by his
she trained as a teacher in UCD. Joy's first gentle and supportive presence. Joe was
mission assignment was to the Philippines blessed by the company of his brothers,
where over the years she taught in Lingayen Fr Leo and Br Tony as well as other family
and in Labrador. A gifted communicator she members during his last days. Joe died
soon won the hearts of her students who peacefully in Dalgan on the 7 July 2019.
responded to her interest in them, her desire
that they fulfil their potential. As well as Fr Donal (Donie) O'Dea was born on 20
schoolwork, she also worked with catechists, February 1928 in the Parish of Nenagh,
travelling with them to outlying barrios. Co Tipperary. After St Flannan's College,
Priests in the area found in her an invaluable Ennis, Co Clare, he came to Dalgan in
Sr Joy Carmody
collaborator in spreading the faith. In 1980 September 1945 and was ordained priest
she was appointed Regional Bursar – a heavy on 21 December 1951. He was assigned
responsibility at the time because of an to the Philippines, to the Zambales District
on-going building project which she helped of Luzon Province. Donie would spend
supervise. In the late eighties she left the the next sixty years in that area, serving its
Philippines and went to Scotland where as various parishes. He began as assistant in
hospital chaplain she excelled in her ministry Sta Cruz Parish before becoming pastor in
to the sick and their families. Returning to Iba, then Palawig, followed by Masinloc. By
Ireland in 2004 she joined the community 1973 he was back in Iba once more, then
in Crumlin and became a Eucharist minister in Poonbato where he became Superior
in St James' Hospital. Her failing health and of the Zambales District 1984 to 1990.
diminished energy eventually necessitated Appointments to St Joseph's, Olongapo, Sta
Fr Joseph Dolan her admission to the Sister's Nursing Home. Cruz, and Barreto, Olongapo followed. The
Despite her increasing memory failure, Joy eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 buried
never lost her kind heart. She is buried in the surrounding communities in volcanic
Magheramore. ash. Those most affected were the members
of the Aeta indigenous peoples who were
Fr Joseph (Joe) Dolan was born in forced to move to the lowlands where they
Aughnasheelan, Co Leitrim on 18 January were scattered and neglected. The bishop
1935. He attended Drumbibe NS and St asked Donie to help them. He found that
Patrick's College, Cavan before coming there were over 7,000 Aeta in 22 areas,
to Dalgan in 1953. His reputation as a from Palawig in the north to Olongapo City.
gifted footballer was enhanced during his The larger settlements had schools and
student years but, as ever, he hid his talent a clinic, but the people required houses,
behind a quiet and gentle manner outside food and literacy classes. As Coordinator
Fr Donal O'Dea
the field of play. Joe was ordained on 21 of the Indigenous Peoples of the Diocese,
December 1959 and assigned to Korea Donie spent almost twenty years working
where the scars of the war years were still hard to improve their lives, until he retired
visible. After language studies he began to Ireland in June 2012. Donie was a
his ministry in the southern diocese of gentle, kind, approachable man and a very
Kwangju. He worked on Cheju Island and in dedicated missionary with a wry sense of
Hampyong and Mokpo before becoming humour. He enjoyed his years of retirement
pastor of Poulkyo parish in 1963. After home in Ireland until failing health confined him
leave in 1966, Joe spent four years on the to the Nursing Home. He died peacefully in
promotion team in England and Scotland Dublin's Mater Hospital on Friday 26 July,
before returning to Hampyeong in Kwangju 2019.
and later to Sorokdo, a leper colony, and
Jangheung parish. He used his sabbatical May they rest in peace.
20 FAR EAST - DECEMBER 2019
1918 - 2019
OVER 100 YEARS OF PUBLICATIONYou can also read
