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The Far East
COLUMBAN MISSION MAGAZINE
March 2021
PRICE $1.50
The Far East Contents
March 2021
Vol 103, No. 2
THE FAR EAST is devoted to furthering
the missionary apostolate of the
church and has been published by the
Missionary Society of St Columban
since October 15, 1920.
THE SOCIETY was founded in Ireland
4-5 8-9
in 1918 as a society of secular priests
dedicated to the evangelisation of the
Chinese people.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year
(AUSTRALIA)
AUSTRALIA
St Columbans Mission Society
69 Woodland Street
14-15
Essendon Vic 3040
Postal address:
PO Box 752, Niddrie Vic 3042
Tel: (03) 9375 9475
TFE@columban.org.au
www.columban.org.au
NEW ZEALAND
St Columban's Mission Society
P.O. Box 30-017
Lower Hutt 5040
Tel: (04) 567 7216
info@columban.org.nz
12-13 20-21
www.columban.org.nz
3 From the Editor 16 Mission World
Publisher: To reconcile the nations and to
4-5 A great outcome in the heal the earth
Fr Peter O'Neill face of a pandemic
leaderaus@columban.org.au 17 From the Director
6-7 Magic moments on canvas We are all connected
Editor: The dream for a better
tomorrow reflected in an 18-19 Simply Paul
Mrs Janette Mentha
artistic hand. A humble and reflective bishop
TFE@columban.org.au who tried to debunk the
8-9 The Paschal Candle image of pomp and ceremony
Editorial Assistant: associated with Bishops.
10-11 Unexpected guests
Fr Ray Scanlon Campaigner for migrant issues, 20-21 Can you see me smile?
Designer & Editorial Assistant: Columban Fr Bobby Gilmore Columban lay missionary
writes of the hardships of a Kevin Sheerin researches how
Mrs Assunta Arena
young refugee couple. wearing a mask can impact on
TFE@columban.org.au
12-13 From Father to farmer communication.
Columban Fr John Hegerty 22-23 Robots, Ethics and the
running a mini-farm in the dry Future of Jobs
and dusty conditions of Peru.
23 Your Columban Legacy
14-15 The ambassador and the
St Columbans Mission Property Columbans
Association A.B.N. 17 686 524 625
Printed by Doran Printing, Melbourne
The Far East
COLUMBAN MISSION MAGAZINE
March 2021
From Father to farmer
Columban Fr John Hegerty looking
after the mini-farm with local
gardener, Gaspar in Lima, Peru.
Photo: Juan Diego Torres - Communications Team Peru
PRICE $1.50
From the Editor
I
can't tell you how good it is to be back on deck. My “We are all connected” is the title of Columban Fr Trevor
sincere thanks goes to Assunta Arena, Columban Frs Dan Trotter's column. He asks: If God's love is like the energy
Harding and Ray Scanlon who did such a wonderful job of electricity, what does that imply for us? God's love, like
of publishing The Far East magazine in my absence. electricity, and is always there. All we have to do is turn on the
switch and open up our minds and hearts to God.
It is refreshing to begin this edition with a good news article
from Columban Fr Shay Cullen in the Philippines, despite Columban Fr Neil Magill tells of his long friendship with the
lockdowns and economic downturns. late Archbishop of Mandalay, Myanmar, Paul Zinghtung
Grawng, who showed a keen interest in education and
In our next article, Fr Jim Mulroney interviews Jao Resari, a
assisted Fr Magill in founding the Higher Education Centre
talented artist and Columban lay missionary who works in
there. Bishop Paul, as he was known, was not interested
Taiwan with those living with HIV/AIDS. Jao's dream for a
in too much episcopal pomp and ceremony. He died in
better tomorrow is reflected in the many movements of her
October last year. May he rest in peace.
artistic hand.
Research confirms how vital facial expressions can be in
The Reflection features the Paschal Candle used last year
human interactions. Columban lay missionary Kevin Sheerin
at the Columban headquarters in Hong Kong for the Easter
writes about the risk of becoming desensitized and robotic
Vigil. The candle has its own unique story that tells of
in our daily interaction with other's faces when wearing a
prison, freedom, hope and promise.
mask in these pandemic times.
Campaigner for migrant issues, Columban Fr Bobby
In his new book, well known Columban environmentalist,
Gilmore, recalls how a young couple from Cuba arrived
Fr Sean McDonagh, demonstrates that the tools that we use
unannounced on his doorstep in Jamaica, seeking refuge.
to connect, protect and support us can also be put to use in
Their story takes many unexpected turns.
ways that have a negative impact on our privacy, freedom
Australian Columban Fr John Hegerty recalls how his time and life choices.
working on the family farm in Victoria has enabled him
In the words of Columban Leader Fr Tim Mulroy, "….
to establish a mini-farm on the Columban Centre House
because of our shared belief in the risen Christ, let us rejoice
grounds during COVID-19 lockdown in Lima, Peru.
that Christ freed all of us from the prison of sin and death, and
From Fiji, we hear how the American ambassador, his wife has given us a new start, filled with hope and promise"
and seven children brightened up the lives of Columbans
Wishing you a safe and blessed Easter.
there. A man of strong faith, the ambassador shares his
experience of being separated from his family for many
months and how he found solace in prayer and Mass.
‘Mission World' features a recent press release from the
Columban General Council on the United Nations Treaty on Janette Mentha
the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. tfe@columban.org.au
The Far East - March 2021 3
PREDA Foundation, fair-trade.
A great outcome in the face of a pandemic
Despite the spread of COVID-19, ongoing lockdowns and severe economic
downturns, we are grateful that the work of the PREDA Foundation successfully
continued during 2020, and with the help and support of all our benefactors, is
ready to continue in the year ahead.
P
erhaps the most important achievement for 2020 was affirmation, support and all their personal needs from when
freedom from COVID-19 for all the children and staff they arrived.
of the PREDA Foundation. The protective measures One shocking story concerns Grace who at 13 years of age
implemented and strictly maintained made this possible. was raped by her biological father while her mother held
During the year as many as 100 children were saved her down! A horrific heinous crime! She was warned not to
from abusive situations and helped to recover at the tell anyone, but courageously she told her sister who told
five PREDA Homes. A very pleasing record of healing and a neighbour. Then it was reported to the police and she
empowerment! Forty-one girls were rescued and saved was rescued and referred to the PREDA Home. She is now
from sex abusers, human traffickers and sex slavery and, safe and has begun to heal and recover from the trauma
at present, there are 43 children in the homes for girls, the she experienced. With the other children, Grace joined
youngest only three years old. They were welcomed, given many activities and volunteered to take Emotional Release
Photo: PREDA Foundation
4 The Far East - March 2021
FR SHAY CULLEN PHILIPPINES
Forty-one girls were rescued and saved from sex abusers, human
traffickers and sex slavery and, at present, there are 43 children in the
homes for girls, the youngest only three years old.
Therapy. She cried and shouted out her pain and anger at resort in Barangay Barretto. The minors were referred to the
her abusive parents. Gratefully, these children can slowly PREDA Home for care and healing.
emerge from their fear and trauma and begin to smile In 2020, the PREDA Foundation continued and strengthened
again. lobbying with other Non-Government Organisations to
Legal action by the healing and empowered children in block changing the child protection law to reduce the
PREDA Homes has been very successful in 2020 despite the age of criminal liability to 12 years old and succeeded in
lockdown and closure of the courts for several months. maintaining it at 15 years of age.
Assisted by PREDA, children succeeded in winning 16 In the face of the pandemic we campaigned for the release
convictions against rapists and traffickers. In one major of children from detention centres and as many as 350
case, a young trafficker and pimp, who sold two young girls children were released by the authorities to their parents.
to a foreign paedophile to be abused many times, received Some of these were rescued by PREDA social workers.
two life sentences in Angeles City. But the U.S. national However, many more minors, with cases pending, remain in
was able to escape. Most of the convicted received life jails.
sentences preventing them from further crimes.
On December 4, 2020, the PREDA Foundation turned over
Many more cases filed by PREDA children are waiting to be six laptops and installed a full CCTV system in the St Francis
resolved by the prosecutors and others are held up in the Learning Centre in Subic town for the use of indigenous Aeta
judicial system waiting for a hearing, some since 2014. For children of Zambales.
the first time in our history, children participated in court
hearings online, a more child-friendly way than appearing The learning centre is an excellent boarding and day school
in the courtroom in the presence of their abusers. run by the Franciscan Sisters exclusively for indigenous
children to give them a peaceful environment for learning
The PREDA Foundation has two homes for male Children without the discrimination, bullying and racist remarks that
in Conflict with the Law (CICL), one in Zambales and one some lowland children inflict on the indigenous children.
in Cebu. PREDA rescues boys from filthy and inhuman The laptops were donated by Paul Gorrie of the Navigator
government detention centres. These children frequently Network.
suffer abuse and even torture in the hands of older inmates
and prison guards. In 2020, PREDA rescued more than thirty PREDA has also worked with 361 Aeta subsistence farmers
boys in Zambales and brought them to the PREDA Home to in Zambales and provided them with relief food packages
start a new life. In Cebu, fifteen boys were rescued and are of rice and mixed groceries four times in 2020. Similar
recovering in the PREDA New Dawn Home in Liloan. food relief packages, candies and toys for children were
distributed to 320 poor families in Olongapo City area
In PREDA children, some as young as ten years old, three times in 2020. PREDA gave additional support to Aeta
told their stories of torture and abuse in Government families by purchasing organically produced mangoes from
detention centres. PREDA reported these stories to the them at higher fair-trade prices.
Philippine Commission on Human Rights and, with help from
international supporters, the Philippine Commission on PREDA wishes to thank all who participated in these projects
Human Rights was encouraged to open an investigation. over the past year by generous financial and spiritual
This investigation confirmed the torture and new measures support. We are eternally grateful.
are in place to monitor and prevent future cases.
In Olongapo City PREDA contributed to the drafting of a Columban Fr Shay Cullen SSC has been a missionary in the
new anti-trafficking ordinance and conducted the rescue of Philippines since 1969 and is the founder of PREDA (People’s Recovery,
18 trafficked women, among them four minors, at a beach Empowerment, Development Assistance Foundation).
The Far East - March 2021 5
Oil on canva: Jao Resari CLM 6 The Far East - March 2021
Magic moments on canvas
TAIWAN
FR JIM MULRONEY
T
he brush touches the canvas with the sensitivity of the at the shelter for some time,” Jao explains. “But the mother
guiding hand of Jao Resari, a Columban lay missionary eventually decided that for the sake of the little child it would
in Taiwan. Slowly, but surely the colourful tattoos be better to give him up for adoption. To me, her posture
adorning the sunken chest of a motionless man appear. The is of one Dreaming of a Better Tomorrow,” rather than an
protruding bones and arteries depict a neck connecting a utterance in supplication.
hairless head with the stillness of diminished energy.
Today, Jao spends time in advocacy for those living in
An open mouth gasps like a fish deprived of its life- the dark world of HIV/AIDS. “In Taiwan the stigma is really
sustaining water. The brush then concentrates on the loving strong,” she says. “But they are people with dreams, hopes and
fingers of tender touch massaging a sense of care and hope aspirations for life in much the same way as everybody else.”
that challenges the loneliness of abandonment.
She reflects on her own journey. Moving from her native
Jao calls her work Pure Dialogue. Stillness and isolation Philippines to Taiwan left her with much to learn. There was
envelop two men. One weak and limp, the other strong, but the challenge of language and years grappling with the
sharing the strength of tender touch giving the comfort of mysteries of Mandarin.
companionship at the loneliest of times.
“For the first time in my life I was in a country where Catholics
Listed as Jhoanna in the register of the Philippine parish are just a tiny minority,” she recalls. “People asked me a lot
where she was baptised and known to her friends and of questions about what a lay missionary is. However, I have
those among whom she works as Jao, her art is an learned over time that living close to people whom society has
expression of her experience among those living with the rejected says more to me about what it means to live the faith I
stigma attached to HIV/AIDS and bears the brunt of the grew up in. I am happy with my vocation as a lay person.”
prejudice of a fearful and excluding society.
Today, as part of the Agape Centre founded by the local
Looking back, she describes her 15 years as a lay missionary diocese, Jao works to raise awareness about prevention of
as “a voyage into a world not dreamed of.” A world where HIV/AIDS, saying this is an apostolate in which the Church
she has developed her art as an expression of the struggle should be involved. She encourages people to understand
of those she never dreamed of being among. more about the sickness and to reach out to the afflicted, as
A growing sensitivity to the power of touch as a form prejudice and discrimination is not a constructive response
of dialogue that goes beyond the word and rationale of to something that impacts on the whole of society.
normal communication, she paints as a gentle, subtle way Jao’s dream for a better tomorrow is reflected in the many
of telling the alienated they are not alone. movements of her artistic hand. In a young girl running
The theme reappears in a charcoal sketch of two men carefree in the park, in the posture of a baby cradled
smiling happily in a work titled, I was blind, but because of in its mother’s arms or in the serene gaze of a child in a
you, I can see. As with her other works, this sketch has a stranger's grasp. It is a search for the freedom of the soul.
story. Trust is difficult for people shunned by society and Jao describes it as a contentment found only in lying open
living with the abandonment of rejection. to receiving the love and blessing God puts on offer.
“But there are magic moments,” Jao explains. “A friendship She expresses this on canvas as a young woman Floating
developed between two men, one of whom was blind. The Free. “Getting to know God is like being in the abyss of deep
magic is expressed in their smiles, as the guiding touch and waters,” she reflects. “We feel it when people open their hearts
hard won trust translating into pure joy touched me deeply.” and take away the boundaries of prejudice.”
While the stories of destructed lives, lost hope and rejection Magic in dreaming of a journey from wonder to wisdom.
can bring a tear to the eye, Jao insists that humanity is
never dead and the many wonders of the unexpected are Columban Fr Jim Mulroney resides in Essendon.
worth celebrating in both the mind and the imagination.
She sketches a young woman in the posture of prayer, but
with the eyes of one dreaming. “She and her son had stayed
The Far East - March 2021 7
The Paschal Candle FR TIM MULROY
This is the night, women in the capital city of Manila, Haiti decided to go
when Christ broke the prison-bars of death there and learn about it.
and rose victorious from the underworld.
Some weeks later, having received not only an
Therefore, O Lord, understanding of the candle-making process, but also
we pray you that this candle, encouragement and support, Haiti returned to her prison
hallowed to the honor of your name, ministry in Cagayan de Oro. There, with a shoestring budget
may persevere undimmed, and the use of a vacant room at the archdiocesan centre,
to overcome the darkness of this night. she started a similar candle-making project with a small
Receive it as a pleasing fragrance, group of former prisoners.
and let it mingle with the lights of heaven. A year ago, I had the privilege of visiting the Philippines,
seeing this livelihood project, and meeting Haiti and her
D
uring the celebration of the Easter Vigil last year, co-workers. In my conversations with them, I learned how
this verse from the Exsultet resonated deeply within this project functions as an important bridge between
me. As the Paschal Candle, signifying the risen prison life and the outside world. It provides the workers
Christ, was raised high, I imagined the radiance of his glory with a weekly wage that prevents them from falling into
dissolving the steel bars encircling the prison of death. poverty and desperation, thereby giving them stability as
Thanks to Christ’s profound love for us prisoners, held they continue to re-integrate into society. The livelihood
captive by our own selfishness and shame, we have been project helps them to forge new and different kinds of
set free in order to begin a new life filled with hope and relationships, which in turn strengthens their self-worth and
promise. facilitates networking that slowly opens up new horizons
for them.
As I continued gazing on the Paschal Candle, I also became
aware that this particular candle had its own unique story When the time came for me to say goodbye, Haiti and her
to tell about prison and freedom, about hope and promise. co-workers asked if I had space in my suitcase and then
presented me with a Paschal Candle to take with me back
Haiti Muller is from the island kingdom of Tonga in
to Hong Kong. Since the season of Lent had just begun, I
the South Pacific. In 2015, she became a Columban lay
could not have imagined a more practical and meaningful
missionary and was assigned to the Philippines. After
gift. A few weeks later, as my Columban companions and
learning the Cebuano language, she joined the ministry
I gathered in our chapel to celebrate the Easter Vigil, we
team that visits the men’s prison in the city of Cagayan de
found a new depth of meaning in the lyrics of the Easter
Oro. In addition to attending to the spiritual needs of the
Exsultet by the light of that Paschal Candle.
inmates in that overcrowded facility, the ministry team also
offers pastoral support to their families. As I listened, I rejoiced in solidarity with Haiti and her
co-workers in Cagayan de Oro because of our shared belief
The prisoners shared with Haiti their feelings of loneliness,
that the risen Christ, whom the Paschal Candle signified,
frustration and depression. They also shared about how
had freed all of us Christians from the prison of sin and
much they miss their families, as well as their longing to
death, and given us a new start, filled with hope and
make a new start in life. As their release day approached,
promise.
they became so excited, delighted – and scared! While they
cherished great hopes, they also realized that there were Columban Fr Tim Mulroy is the Society Leader of the Missionary
many obstacles on the path ahead: a lingering sense of Society of St Columban and resides in Hong Kong.
shame, distrust by others and a lack of job skills.
Hearing such stories over and over again, and seeing how Postscript
some former prisoners had fallen quickly back into their Late last year, due to the sudden illness of a family member,
old way of life and were soon returned to prison, Haiti Haiti Muller returned home to Tonga. Mrs Gilda Pates, the
realized that something needed to be done to help them Prison Ministry Volunteer Coordinator for the Archdiocese
make a new start. Since one of her Columban lay missionary of Cagayan de Oro, continues to oversee the candle-making
colleagues had a candle-making livelihood project for poor project. Six other Columban lay missionaries continue to
minister in the Philippines.
8 The Far East - March 2021
REFLECTION
REFLECTION
Mrs Gilda Pates (left) and Haiti Muller (right) holding Paschal candles.
Photo: Fr Tim Mulroy SSC
The Far East - March 2021 9
Unexpected guests
FR BOBBY GILMORE
Columban Fr Bobby Gilmore recalls
how a young couple from Cuba arrived
unannounced on his doorstep in
Jamaica, seeking refuge, and reveals
what became of them.
M
y doorbell roused me from sleep at about half past did all kinds of jobs, secretly raising chickens and rabbits
five in the morning. It seldom rang at that hour of and then taking them to the countryside out of the gaze of
the morning, as Jamaicans, while early risers, do the security to sell them. He changed his money from these
not move around until an hour or so later. I wondered who sales and from his jobs into U.S. dollars on the black market.
could this be and what kind of an emergency had arisen? As he continued his secret business exploits he graduated
Getting to the door I shouted, “Who’s there?” Opening the from high school, went to university and acquired two
door, I saw two young European-looking people in front degrees in engineering and accounting.
of me, a man and a woman. Looking tired as if they had His engineering expertise was in repairing and maintaining
not slept, they said that they wished to talk to me. At last, hospital equipment. In one of the hospitals on his circuit,
having opened the steel grid of the outer door, I welcomed he met Ada. She had recently qualified as a medical doctor,
them in and got them seated. They introduced themselves at the top of her class in Cuba. They fell in love. This altered
as Juan and Ada from Cuba. I put the kettle on the stove Juan’s plan of taking the Aeroflot to Shannon. He confided
and fumbled around for food as they began to tell their in Ada and told her of his plans to escape Cuba. She listened
story. but needed time to think through the escapade. As she
Juan recounted that as a teenager in high school he was thought through Juan’s plans, she continued her medical
detained by the security police in Havana because he work and research. Eventually, overcoming her fear of
wrote poetry critical of the regime. During one of those escaping and her fear of it ending in failure, leading to
detentions, he decided that he would leave Cuba. He prison and disgrace, love won out.
became aware that Aeroflot, the Russian airline, stopped She informed Juan that she would go with him. However,
over at Shannon Airport on its way to and from Moscow this now created a dilemma for Juan. He did not have
to Havana. He then began to plan how he would raise the adequate funds for himself for the trip to Shannon let alone
money to purchase a ticket on an Aeroflot flight to Moscow. for Ada as well. He and Ada discussed alternate available
On arrival at Shannon Airport, he would seek asylum. He options. They found out that they could afford air tickets
Photo: bigstockphoto.com/www.BillionPhotos.com
10 The Far East - March 2021JAMAICA
to Montego Bay, Jamaica, an hour’s flight from Havana.
After greasing a few palms, they got on a flight to Montego
Having extra rooms in the rectory, I
Bay. Arriving at the airport, they presented their passports gave them accommodation. Then
and sought asylum. They were advised to contact a Cuban
resident of the city, my neighbour, Mr Buddhai, a well-
the search began to check the
known artist, who had fled Cuba years earlier. Over the possibilities for employment in an
years, he was a contact point in Jamaica for Cubans fleeing
the Castro regime. He referred them to me.
economy that had high levels of
Having extra rooms in the rectory, I gave them
unemployment.
accommodation. Then the search began to check the
possibilities for employment in an economy that had high
It was only after settling into work in New York that they
levels of unemployment.
had the leisure to go back over the two years of uncertainty
However, Jamaicans are hospitable people. They are used to between Cuba and nowhere. It was then that the culture
people fleeing Haiti for more than two centuries and Cuba shock of loss and change, the discomfort of the unfamiliar,
for more than half a century. One family that had spare and their isolation kicked in. They emotionally exploded,
rooms offered accommodation. A contact in the hospitality got angry at each other and separated.
industry found a vacancy for a storekeeper in a tourist hotel.
Hearing about their distress, I went to New York and
Juan fitted into that job. The question then was – how to
arranged a meeting in an environment in which they could
put the medical talent of Ada to work? The local church
discuss their differences.
sponsored a charity clinic in the hills. Poor people living
in the hills had difficulty in getting to the nearest city to While they coped well with the risk of the journey they
attend a medical clinic. But, there was a problem: Ada could had been through, the reality of being settled in a
not practice medicine unless she was licensed to do so by humdrum strange situation had to be dealt with. They both
the department of health. A solution was found. Ada would understood that this would take time. Their investment in
be allowed to work in the rural clinic under the supervision each other was too precious to throw away.
of a medical practitioner in the city. Ada and Juan’s experience is one that happens in varying
Ada and Juan were admired for their industriousness, degrees resulting from the stress of departure, the journey,
excellence and an ability to improvise. Though not the arrival and the uncertainty of a future in new and
Catholics, the community at Sacred Heart Parish took them unfamiliar surroundings. Juan now is an executive of a
to their hearts. Jamaica had few opportunities for people Wall Street company and Ada is a cancer specialist at an
like Juan and Ada. So, they began to make a long term plan internationally famous hospital in the New York area.
to go to the United States and particularly Miami where
there is a big Cuban diaspora. They got married. After about Columban Fr Bobby Gilmore lives and works in Ireland.
two years they had earned adequate resources to facilitate
their departure from Jamaica and entry to the United
States. Hearing about their distress, I
Reaching Miami international airport, Juan and Ada went to New York and arranged
declared themselves as refugees. They were detained for
48 hours during which time their status was processed. On a meeting in an environment in
release from the immigration detention centre, Juan and which they could discuss their
Ada travelled to friends in the New York area. Juan got a
job in a branch of the hotel chain that he was associated
differences.
with in Jamaica. Ada sat her medical board examination
and passed with flying colors. She was offered a position
in a New York university hospital where she specialised in
cancer research.
The Far East - March 2021 11From Father to farmer
Columban Fr John Hegerty never thought he’d be able to go back to his life as a
farmer - until the pandemic struck!
W
hen COVID-19 appeared on the scene, Columbans
all over the world had to react to the emergency.
We all had to ask ourselves, “How can I carry on
serving the people of God in these strange new times?” For
Australian Columban John Hegerty, on mission in South
America, it was a case, literally, of going back to his roots. He
responded to the pandemic by combining his current role
as, “Father”, and his original one as “Farmer”.
Born in 1941 in Redesdale, central Victoria, he grew up
on his parents’ 1,700 acre sheep and cattle and rotational
cropping holding, called Summer Hill. From the word go, he
worked all the jobs around the place. John recalls that he
worked on the property right up to joining the Columbans,
aged 23. “I never had a city job. I went into the seminary as a
‘hayseed’. I was the ‘boy from the bush’, a ‘country hick!” he
said.
During his holidays from the seminary in Sydney he
returned home and helped his mother and father with
whatever was needed. He even managed to host some
fellow seminarians for a week or so. This was cheap labour!
One thing that still makes him laugh is how some of these
big burly footballers and surfies wilted under the pressure
of sheep work. When crutching to remove wool from areas
where flies might strike, their backs packed up. When
pruning the hoofs to avoid footrot from the long lush of
spring, their hands would swell. Maybe Hegs couldn't keep
up on the long runs in the bush nor on the football field,
but he was in front on the farm!
After ordination, he was posted to Peru, where he’s been for
most of the last 50 years. By 2020, he reckoned he’d filled
just about every missionary role imaginable. Then, Covid
came knocking.
He was in semi-retirement in our Centre House in Lima, a
fairly pleasant spot set amidst a kind of oasis (Lima lies in
the world’s driest desert) and surrounded by schools and a
university all of which were closed down for the duration of
the crisis.
Peru was hit very hard by the pandemic and the economic
collapse that followed. The Columbans were in lockdown
for months, leaving them with two challenges: how to keep
themselves sane and care for the people, given the new
Fr John Hegerty and Gaspar gardening restrictions.
at the mini farm in Lima, Peru.
12 The Far East - March 2021FR JOHN BOLES PERU
Columban seminarian Iowane
Naio assisting with the gardening.
“We had this Irish Columban, Tom Hanley, who works in Chile
but who’d been left stranded up here by the lockdown,” John
explains. “Now, Tom had a lot of experience on the land back
in Ireland, so he suggested he’d use his time digging up and
planting part of our grounds. Not only would it keep him
occupied, but it would also make us partially self-sufficient.
He sowed vegetables, corn, herbs and (being Irish) even some
potatoes. Well, they all grew like mad.” The experiment was a
great success.
When restrictions eased somewhat, the Irishman was able
to return to Chile, leaving the new post of farmer vacant.
John suddenly felt those old green fingers twitching again.
Fond memories of life back on the farm in Australia came
flooding back. So, he filled the vacancy.
“Not that I was alone”, he remarks. Full-time local gardener,
Gaspar, came in to lend his expert advice. Also coming
to help were two young Columban seminarians from Fiji,
Atonio Saula and Iowane Naio. “This was the perfect match,”
says John. “Not only were they two strong bucks from a
farming background in Fiji, but they were also working in
a poor parish where there were a number of ‘comedores’.”
(comedores are essentially subsidized canteens.) The
Columbans set up a series of them at this time to help
feed families who had lost their sources of income. Each
‘comedor’ caters for up to a hundred of the needy for each
midday meal.
A regular routine has now emerged. John and Gaspar look
after the day-to-day running of the mini-farm. As required,
Atonio and Iowane come in and prepare new beds,
adding manure, doing regular watering, and harvesting
the produce. Some is kept for the Columban houses but
the majority goes to one or more of the ‘comedores’. It is
planned to continue this system even after the coronavirus
emergency ends, for, as John points out, the effects of this
virus on the poor will last for years.
John insists this has resulted in the best of all worlds. The
poor are helped, Columban running costs are defrayed
and, “it is great therapy for me. I love it. I go out working every
afternoon after lunch. Much healthier than a long ‘siesta’. It’s
doing me good.”
"It really has been worthwhile, going back to my roots."
Columban Fr John Boles has worked in South America for the last 25
years. Photo: Juan Diego Torres - Communications Team Peru
The Far East - March 2021 13The ambassador and the Columbans
FR JOHN MCEVOY
Columban Fr Donal McIlraith was watching EWTN News on July 27, 2018, and saw
that the next appointed American Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu and
Tonga would be a Mr Joseph Cella - a Catholic. The next day Donal wrote a letter
welcoming him to Fiji. He and his family arrived on December 16, 2019.
D
uring less pitched times in American politics Of his Catholic education, Joseph said "it sowed in my heart,
ambassadors from the United States arrive at their mind and soul the importance of bringing God's salt and light
post nine months after their nomination is publicly to all those we encounter, treating them with dignity, worth
announced. For the Cella family it took over two years. and respect. This is integral to who I am today in my work, and
Ambassador Cella shared with me that "the virtues of in my vocation as a husband to my beloved wife and father to
humility and patience were honed to a fine edge during this my children."
time". Soon after it appeared his confirmation would be It took Joseph and I some time to meet up. Eventually we
delayed, he said he "unexpectedly came across Saint Thomas met at the ambassador's residence over a family dinner, and
More's “Psalm on Detachment”, praying it daily, it offered me again when the family was invited to our Columban house
great consolation." for the celebration of St Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2020.
Joseph Cella also shared that about one year into the What a shock we got when this young family man and his
process he happened to discover that these islands were
wife Kristen arrived with their seven children – ranging in
first evangelized by the Marists and that Saint Peter Chanel
age from 14 years to nine months. No need to say that the
was martyred about 400 miles to the NE of Fiji in Wallis and
place was transformed and the sombre and more elderly
Fortuna. "At that time I began turning to Saint Peter Chanel
invitees with their cocktails and yaqona drinks were forced
as an intercessor. Coincidence? Perhaps providence! I am a
to change their traditional mood and be entertained by
product of a Marist high school education, have visited and
the antics of the children. They would put the Von Trapp
spoke at the schools here, and the beautiful churches they
Family of the famed Sound of Music into the shadows! The
expertly designed and forged out of limestone and coral, and
evening was the start of a great relationship between the
met many fellow alumni, or as they are called in the Southern
Columbans in Fiji and the Cella family.
Hemisphere, “Old Boys”."
The Cella family with Columban Fr Frank Hoare.
14 The Far East - March 2021FIJI
But less than a week after St Patrick's Day the official
medevac route to Singapore was cut, as were the fallback
routes to Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii, due to the
spreading COVID-19. Kristen Cella and the children returned
to the USA, to live with her parents in Michigan for four and
a half months before returning to Fiji and to two weeks of
quarantine in late July. It was early August when the Cella
family could be joyfully together again.
The ambassador reported that although it was challenging
to be apart from his family, he knew they were safe and
secure with his in-laws, and he was able to focus on
embassy business during the difficult coronavirus times.
He reported: "Living as a celibate bachelor monk bore great
fruit for both my prayer and interior life. The Columban Fathers
were a wonderful support and safe harbor during these
epochal times, warmly welcoming me to Mass at the chapel
in their residence. I am now turning to Saint Columban as an
intercessor and will keep him close. I am very impressed by
the continuing heroic work of the Columbans here in Fiji and
throughout the Pacific. We will be forever grateful for their
Joseph Cella (left) with Fr Donal McIlwraith (right).
friendship and spiritual support."
The Residence of the American Embassy is about a
kilometre away from the Columban Central House in Suva. With a change of Government in the USA, Joseph’s term
Joseph came to our community 7.00 am Mass nearly every of about a year and a half may soon come to an end. As
morning, often accompanied by a number of his sons ambassador, he endeared himself to many people in Fiji of
and daughters. They would do the readings and serve the all races and religions. He achieved so much by being out
Mass whenever present. They often stayed for coffee and among the people at every opportunity he got – visiting
breakfast and we in turn were invited to the American schools and disadvantaged communities throughout
Embassy residence in Suva for birthday parties, Easter, the country, handing out dozens of official U.S. Embassy
the U.S. Father's Day, the Fiji Father's Day and Christmas Suva rugby balls along the way. He hosted many events
celebrations. The children were always the centre of for a cross section of all races in Fiji, both at the residence
attraction and related so well and naturally with one and at the Embassy itself. One of his staff said “He was out
another, their parents and us Columbans. At the St Patrick’s of his office in the first month of his term more than other
Day celebration Fr Donal McIlwraith had the honour of ambassadors would be for their entire term of office.”
offering a prayer in the Gaelic language. Joseph Cella and his wife Kristen are humble and spiritual
Ambassador Joseph Cella told me that it was a blessing, an persons with no airs or graces. They are of Italian descent
honor, a joy and a privilege to represent the United States of and in the USA their home is in Michigan. We Columbans
America, building and fortifying bridges with people from in Fiji will miss their graciousness, their generosity and, of
all sectors and strata. He said: “I have friends who are former course, their children, when they depart Fiji. The same can
ambassadors and who had spoken of the privilege of embassy be said of the hundreds of Fijians whom they befriended
service and I can agree with everything they said and add a lot during the short time they have been here in Fiji. We give
more. It is exhilarating work and is the greatest job I have ever thanks for their presence among us.
had. Serving in this role offers a unique opportunity to share
God's love with all of those I encounter without proselytizing." Columban Fr John McEvoy, Columban Leader, Fiji.
Photos: Fr John McEvoy SSC
The Far East - March 2021 15Photo: iStock.com/RoyFWylam
Mission World
We ask your prayers: The prayers of our readers are requested for the
repose of the souls of friends and benefactors of the Missionary Society
of St Columban who died recently and for the spiritual and the temporal
welfare of all our readers, their families and friends.
Mission Intention for March
Let us pray that we may experience the sacrament of reconciliation with
renewed depth, to taste the infinite mercy of God.
To reconcile the nations and to heal the earth
Statement of the Missionary Society of St Columban on the United Nations Treaty
on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
"I felt a duty to come here as a pilgrim of peace, to stand in silent prayer, to recall the innocent victims of such violence, and to bear
in my heart the prayers and yearnings of the men and women of our time, especially the young, who long for peace, who work for
peace and who sacrifice themselves for peace. " Pope Francis, on his November 2019 visit to Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
O
n January 22, 2021, the United Nations Treaty on Two years later, during his historic visit to Hiroshima and
the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons officially went Nagasaki, Pope Francis condemned both the use and the
into effect. One hundred and twenty-two nations, possession of nuclear weapons by any state as "immoral."
including the Vatican, signed the historic treaty in 2017, In Nagasaki, he said that a world free of nuclear weapons
and in October 2020, the necessary fifty nations needed to is "the aspiration of millions of men and women everywhere,"
implement it ratified the treaty. It was a moving testament as he called for a concerted effort of individuals, religious
to the solidarity of the global community, 75 years after the communities, and civil society, and the nine nations that
atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, to rid the earth currently possess nuclear weapons, to build the mutual trust
of nuclear weapons. necessary to abolish them.
For the past 40 years, the Missionary Society of St Columban According to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear
has called for abolition of nuclear weapons, rooted in Weapons (ICAN), winner of the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize, a
our missionary experience in Japan and in fifteen other limited nuclear war today would likely kill 250 million
countries, including four of the nine nations that currently people, and an all-out war would end life on earth as we
possess nuclear weapons. "Our understanding of Christian know it. In addition to the catastrophic number of deaths,
Discipleship leads us to condemn in strongest terms defence chronic illness and genetic damage, a nuclear war would
policies that every day make life more insecure. The most also severely disrupt the climate and agricultural production,
blatant of these are present policies of nuclear armament which resulting in widespread famine.
threaten all life. These policies are themselves a form of killing
We share the anguish of people around the globe who
since they consume resources desperately needed to meet basic
have already suffered from the use of nuclear weapons and
human needs." Columban General Assembly, 1982
experience the despair of the many who see their hope for
On July 7, 2017, the day the UN treaty was signed, Pope a dignified life frustrated by the misappropriation of the
Francis addressed the nations gathered: "We must commit world's resources. As Christians, and people of good will, we
ourselves to a world without nuclear weapons ... especially must be actively involved with those who raise their voices
when we consider the catastrophic humanitarian and in protest on this crucial issue of our times because it is at the
environmental consequences that would follow from any use of heart of what it means to defend life and protect creation,
nuclear weapons ... and the waste of resources spent on nuclear now and for future generations.
issues for military purposes."
Columban Fr Tim Mulroy is the Society Leader of the Missionary
16 The Far East - March 2021 Society of St Columban and resides in Hong Kong.From the Director
We are all connected
O
ver the Christmas and New Year period, I was stuck God, the power of God's love flows into all of us, just like the
in Queensland and could not return to Victoria power grid. We are all connected.
because of border restrictions. Like most people, I So, I come to my conclusion:
was frustrated because my plans had been upended. On the
other hand, I was surprised to realise that this quieter time Let us pray not only because it is good for us but also so
was also a time of blessings. that the healing, the forgiving power of God, will flow to all
people, to the whole of creation.
I could not go back to my office to work so I had some time
on my hands. We are not powerless in the face of the pandemic.
I read a couple of novels that had been recommended to me. We are connected to the power of the resurrection.
They were right for the time. Both authors were speaking We are connected to the power of the Holy Spirit through
about the importance of silence in our everyday lives. Both our prayer.
spoke of our connectedness to each other and to nature.
It is the Spirit that renews the face of the earth and will do so
Being quiet and listening to nature was a big theme.
forever.
One of the authors spoke of electricity coming to the west
Such prayer is missionary prayer. It recognises that God is the
of Ireland. As the light was switched on, the main character
source of all mission and that we are participating in it by our
in the book is struck by how being connected to a regular
prayer.
source of power and life-giving energy reflects the deep
truth of our lives. For me he spoke of our being in God and
of the love of God always reaching out to us. God is always Lord God,
switched on. Today I am grateful for the gifts that you bestow.
The summer was also full of terrible stories all over the world, They are different from a year ago when mobility, activity,
including countries where Columbans are working. The and social life were full and energizing.
Coronavirus wreaked havoc in Latin America, Japan, China,
These days, my gratitude is for the basics. That there is food,
the United States and the United Kingdom. Stories about
and shelter and neighbours and friends. Life is slower during
the vaccines that were being developed gave hope that we
this pandemic but there is plenty to appreciate among the
would be free of the pandemic eventually, but that did not
blessings shown each day.
prevent us from feeling helpless as we listened to the news
and watched what was happening on TV. May we be more aware of God's goodness and blessings
even in times of change and scarcity.
What we were urged to do, and most of us probably did,
in some fashion, was to pray. It requires faith to believe in Let us make this prayer in the Light and Peace of Jesus Christ.
prayer! What was it like for us as we prayed for the victims of Amen.
the pandemic?
Written by a Columban Missionary
Often prayer comes to us naturally when things are
particularly difficult. Of course, the opposite can also be true.
When we feel down and depressed, praying may be the last
thing that we feel like doing.
However, if God’s love is like the energy of electricity, what
are the implications for us? God’s love, like electricity, is
always there (unless we have blackouts!) All we have to do Fr Trevor Trotter
is turn on the switch and open our minds and hearts to Regional Director of Oceania
God. This is a prayer in itself. When we turn our attention to RDOceania@columban.org.au
The Far East - March 2021 17Simply Paul FR NEIL MAGILL
Fr Neil Magill gives us an insight into the late Archbishop Paul Zinghtung Grawng
of Myanmar. "He was a great shepherd who lived a simple and prayerful life and
believed in the potential of everyone."
Archbishop Emeritus Paul Zinghtung
Grawng of Mandalay Archdiocese
died in Mandalay, the second-largest
city of Myanmar, on October 24, 2020.
He was 81 years old. He was baptised
by Columban Fr Bernard Way and
ordained priest and consecrated bishop
by Columban Archbishop John Howe.
He was the first priest as well as the
first bishop from the ethnic Kachin
community in the Christian stronghold
of Kachin state.
The late Archbishop Paul Zinghtung Grawng in 2009.
I
n 1970, I was a theology student at our Columban He approached with an outstretched hand and a genuine
seminary in Ireland and in the college we had a book smile. I introduced myself as a Columban and he invited
store. I was one of the shop assistants and one afternoon me in for coffee. He gave me a room and told me to stay
Bishop John Howe (a Columban) came and asked me to as long as I wished. Over coffee, he mentioned several
send some theology books every three months to a Paul Columbans who worked in the Kachin State and told stories
Grawng in Myitkyina, Myanmar. That was 50 years ago and about them. I wondered how he knew so much about the
that was the first time I heard the name of Fr Paul Grawng. Columbans and still not knowing who he was, I innocently
Paul Grawng had been baptised by Columban Fr Bernard asked, "And what's your name?". He gave a gentle smile and
Way. said 'I'm Bishop Paul, Bishop Howe's successor'. I was happily
surprised as it was the first time I had met a bishop so
I had to wait another 32 years before I had the privilege
simply dressed with no ring on his finger. We hit it off and
to meet him. In 2002, I visited Myitkyina in Myanmar and
we enjoyed some great chats over the next three days.
on arriving at St Columban's Cathedral I met a man outside
and I thought he was either a farmer or someone who When I returned to Ireland, we kept in contact and in 2003
had dropped in to say a prayer. He was wearing slippers, he told me he was transferred to Mandalay as Archbishop.
grey trousers and a shirt hanging out over his trousers. A few months later he emailed to say he was going to
18 The Far East - March 2021MYANMAR
Words which come to mind about this great shepherd are: saintly,
encourager, cheerful giver, prayerful, simple lifestyle, patient...
Rome to receive the pallium and would like to stop over in
Ireland. This was great news and he spent some time in our
Columban House (Dalgan) and met those Columbans still
alive who had worked in Myitkyina, like Frs Colm Murphy,
David Wall, Paddy Conneally and others.
At the weekend, I was going to visit my elderly parents in
Derry and asked Bishop Paul if he would like to come with
me. He jumped at the idea and he stayed with my parents
for three days. He offered the weekend Masses in my home
parish and spoke about the importance of the family,
something very dear to him. I took him to visit friends and
he made a big impression on people.
One 80-year-old lady gave him a 30 minute talk on the ills
and injustices in the world. Bishop Paul listened attentively
and when she had finished he said, 'You should be the Prime
Minister'. She was chuffed, and took delight in telling her
friends and neighbours what the Archbishop thought of
her. Since then and until his death people around my home
place kept asking me 'How is wee Bishop Paul?'
Bishop Paul knew I was finishing my term on the Columban
General Council in Ireland in 2006 and he invited me to
come to Mandalay to teach in the pre-major seminary. So,
in early 2007 I went to Mandalay and my friendship with
Bishop Paul grew stronger and stronger. To be appointed The late Archbishop Paul Zinghtung Grawng (center), Fr Neil Magill
(right) with Missionary Sisters of St Columban.
Archbishop was a great honour but he remained the simple
shepherd.
Both of us were interested in education and in young My greatest joy was in early 2017 when Bishop Paul retired
people, so after a lot of planning we started a Higher as Archbishop of Mandalay and asked me if we could give
Education Centre (HEC) in Mandalay. Again, this was not him a room at the HEC. We prepared a small sitting room
without difficulties and headaches but we persevered and and bedroom for him and we were all happy that he was
opened the HEC in 2010. It is a three year residential course now a fully-fledged HEC family member.
to train teachers. Bishop Paul very frequently came to the
Words which come to mind about this great shepherd
HEC, offered Mass, chatted with the 150 students and on
are: saintly, encourager, cheerful giver, prayerful, simple
Sunday nights joined the students for their social night of
lifestyle, patient. He loved everyone and had a special place
drama, singing and disco dancing.
in his heart for youth and believed in their potential. The
Bishop Paul was always out on the floor dancing to the Church, Myanmar and all of us are much better because of
great joy and amazement of the students. He would say Archbishop Paul. What a blessing he was to all of us! Always
'Life begins at 75'. This meant so much to the students as in our hearts.
Bishop Paul debunked the image of pomp and ceremony
associated with bishops. Columban Fr Neil Magill lives and works in Myanmar.
Photo: Missionary Sisters of St Columban
The Far East - June 2020 19Can you see me smile? KEVIN SHEERIN
There is an old Chinese proverb that says, “A man without a smiling face must never
open a shop”.
T
his sounds like good advice. If you can’t smile and be through our facial expressions has been considerably
friendly, it’s probably not worth your while opening a blocked as those vital expressions are hidden behind the
shop. It’s the golden rule of customer service after all. masks we wear.
We can all appreciate the value of a smile. It costs nothing As missionaries one of the first challenges we encounter
to give but can enrich those who receive it. One can smile in arriving in a new country is the learning of the language
to oneself of course, but it does not have much value to so that we can communicate, understand the other and
another until it is given and received! Then it can be one of be understood. It can take considerable time and effort,
the most powerful means of communication we have and depending on one’s innate facility for languages and
we do not need a college degree to master its art. other personal characteristics. In the initial stages we rely
Why am I writing about smiling? Well, probably because a lot on the non-verbal communication that transcends
this is the one thing I am beginning to miss most in this all cultures - our facial expressions, the movements of our
new COVID-19 world. It seems that the common social smile eyes, our hands, our bodies. But perhaps the most effective
has become one of the casualties in our determination to of all these is most likely our smiles. They make instant
halt the transmission of the virus. It has become collateral connections with people. As the old saying goes, a smile
damage as mask-wearing has become a compulsory part speaks a thousand words and if it is returned, is doubly
of our lives. The communication that takes place so much effective.
Photo: ©iStock.com/AsiaVision
20 The Far East - March 2021HONG KONG
As missionaries one of the first by their mothers’ smiles and loving facial expressions.
When a mother was asked to just look at the baby with
challenges we encounter in arriving an expressionless face, her baby immediately reacted and
in a new country is the learning became anxious and began to cry and squirm to get away.
of the language so that we can We know that in the business and the political world, when
giving speeches and presentations, it is not only what you
communicate, understand the say that gets a message across, but how you say it. The
other and be understood. non-verbal is so important and can make or break deals and
agreements.
It is ironic that towards the end of last year when Hong
Here in Hong Kong, English is widely spoken but there are Kong was rocked with daily protests and demonstrations,
many who do not speak it or in certain circumstances prefer laws forbidding the wearing of masks came into force. Now,
not to, particularly among the poor and homeless. As a with the pandemic, the opposite has become the norm and
person who smiles a lot, I found that although I could not everyone is required to wear a mask to prevent the spread
connect to people by means of language a shared smile of the disease.
made all the difference. When a smile is given to you, it
brings about relationship and relaxation. It makes you feel We know how important wearing a mask is to protect
more at home rather than in a strange and foreign place. It oneself and others from the virus, but we do not want
makes you feel good and brightens your day. A frown or a to use our masks to disguise who we are as persons, as
scowl has the opposite effect and leaves you feeling unsure individuals and as friends, neighbors and missionaries.
of yourself and even anxious. That is why a simple smile is Of course, we hope and pray that soon this virus that
so important. You never know the impact it can have on a arrived in our world so unexpectedly will eventually lose its
person and how it can change a situation or a relationship. virulence and allow us to throw our masks away and let us
So we are having to learn how to see the world and its see people smile again. Like everyone else, I pray that we
people through a mask and we don’t know how long it is will soon see the end of lockdowns and restrictions and that
going to be a condition of our lives in the future. When we we will be able to get back to work and play again in the
first started to wear masks one of my colleagues jokingly normal way. In the meantime may we do all we can to make
asked me: “Can you see me smile?” To be honest, no, I up for the absence of visible smiles by the way we engage
couldn’t, although I knew that beneath the mask she was and care for and relate to one another in every other way.
smiling. We now have to rely more on the expression of the
eyes, but they too can often be hidden behind dark glasses Kevin Sheerin is a member of the Columban Lay Missionary Central
and some people have very expressive eyes and others, not Leadership Team in Hong Kong.
so much.
A person’s face, we can say, is a window to the world! Our
facial expressions are so important for communication We know how important wearing
as they combine with our words in communicating our
feelings, our fears, our joys, our moods, our personalities, a mask is to protect oneself and
our relationships. Without them we can become others from the virus, but we do
indistinguishable from one another, like robots made in the
same mould. not want to use our masks to
Research confirms how vital facial expressions are in human disguise who we are as persons,
interactions, more so than mere verbal communication. as individuals and as friends,
One experiment involved the communication between a
mother and her baby. neighbors and missionaries.
This experiment proved what we all know from our own
observation of babies recognising and being comforted
The Far East - March 2021 21Robots, Ethics and the Future of Jobs
W
hat would we do without our technology?
Researchers have used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to
find vaccines for the coronavirus in a
record-breaking nine months. Platforms such as WhatsApp
and Zoom have enabled millions of families to communicate
with each other during the pandemic and Alexa (A virtual
assistant AI technology developed by Amazon) is now a
common presence and aid in many homes today. But have
we considered the deeper implications of this technology?
Fr Sean McDonagh has!
In his new book Robots, Ethics and the Future of Jobs,
well-known Columban environmentalist and author, Fr Sean
McDonagh, demonstrates that the same tools that we use
to connect, protect and support us can also be put to use
in ways that have a huge negative impact on our privacy,
our freedom and our life choices. Thus, the software
that guided the track-and-trace efforts in combating the
coronavirus could be used to trace migrants or refugees.
Drones and robots used in the retail, education, hospitality,
manufacturing and building industries certainly create
efficiencies but will have a huge negative impact on jobs in
the future, potentially increasing to 40%-50% of people out
of permanent jobs in these sectors.
Fr McDonagh argues that we need to understand and
address the potential repercussions of developing
technology in an ethical vacuum. Our digital future is fast
approaching with little regulation and few institutional
policies and protections. Respect for human rights must be
at the heart of these new technologies.
Karlin Lillington, writer and Karlin Lillington, writer and columnist for the Irish Times who
has written the foreword to the book calls it “an accessible
columnist for the Irish Times who and thoughtful look at these fascinating, yet disturbing
has written the foreword to the technologies, poised to bring societal change of the magnitude
of the Industrial Revolution.”
book calls it “an accessible and Professor John Sweeny, former president of The National
thoughtful look at these fascinating, Trust Fund for Ireland, says, "As we enter the brave new world
where control and automation potentially remove our hard
yet disturbing technologies, fought freedoms as well as our jobs, this book asks searching
poised to bring societal change questions of how society should respond ethically to the
of the magnitude of the Industrial threats posed."
Former president of Ireland, Professor Mary McAleese, also
Revolution.” draws attention to the potential polarisation of society:
"This hugely informative book shakes us out of our massage
22 The Far East - March 2021You can also read
