The Story of Christmas - The Magazine of the Missionary Society of St. Columban
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
The Magazine of the Missionary Society of St. Columban December 2021
The Story
of Christmas
C
Volume 105 - Number 8 - December 2021
o n t e n t s Columban
Mission
Issue Theme – The Story of Christmas
Published By The Columban Fathers
Columban Mission (Issn 0095-4438) is
published eight times a year. A minimum donation
of $15 a year is required to receive a subscription.
Send address and other contact information changes
by calling our toll-free number, by sending the
information to our mailing address or by emailing
us at MISSIONOFFICE@COLUMBAN.ORG.
Mailing Address:
Missionary Society of St. Columban
1902 N. Calhoun St.
St. Columbans, NE 68056-2000
Toll-Free Phone: 877/299-1920
Website: WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
Copyright © 2021, The Columban Fathers (Legal Title)
The World that God 12 The Challenge of 16
PUBLISHER
So Loves Gift Giving REV. JOHN BURGER, SSC
DIRECTORUSA@COLUMBAN.ORG
EDITOR
4 Cheap Christmas KATE KENNY
Behind the Glitter KKENNY@COLUMBAN.ORG
6 A Long Wait EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
MARCI ANDERSON
Reflections on a COVID Christmas MANDERSON@COLUMBAN.ORG
8 Love Bears All Things RENEA STEELE
Trusting in the Lord RSTEELE@COLUMBAN.ORG
DYANNE WENDLING
10 Merry Christmas from Preda DWENDLING@COLUMBAN.ORG
An Update from 2020
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
14 A Conversion Story KRISTIN ASHLEY
A New Family EDITORIAL BOARD
DAN EMINGER
15 A Christmas Visit KATE KENNY
Good Work Done ERNIE MAY
REV. JOHN BURGER, SSC
18 Christmas Greetings JEFF NORTON
Pakistan 2020 SCOTT WRIGHT
20 Posada
Listen and Feel The Missionary Society of St. Columban was
founded in 1918 to proclaim and witness to the
22 Christmas Away from Home Good News of Jesus Christ.
In This Time of Pandemic The Society seeks to establish the Catholic
Church where the Gospel has not been preached,
Departments help local churches evangelize their laity,
promote dialogue with other faiths, and foster
3 In So Many Words among all baptized people an awareness of their
missionary responsibility.
23 From the Director
By Fr. Trevor Trotter
Christmas Lights
I
like Christmas lights. In many suburbs of Australia there are marvelous displays of Christmas lights. In the northern
hemisphere I enjoyed the lights with the snow and the cold. They bring a wonderful feel to the whole season. Jesus said,
“I am the light of the world.” Is this our experience? When we see all the confusion and darkness of our world, do we
think of Jesus as being the light? What could He mean?
There is the darkness of ignorance, of oppression by others and depression suffered by many. There are many people who
have no hope and ask whether they should keep going on with life. Many also suffer with the tedium of the regular routines
of life. What does it mean to say that Jesus is the light of the world, when we think about the many dark things of life?
One thought that comes to me is that light helps us to see what is already there. With the coming of Jesus, we can see
what is already there. Jesus came to tell us and show us what is true about God. The story of Jesus casts light on the truth of
God’s wonderful love for each and every one of us.
The early followers of Jesus came to see the truth that God is intertwined with the whole universe. God’s ongoing creating
of us, of the trees, the animals, the earth and everything we can think of, is an amazing truth that is wonderful for us to take
in. The message of Jesus brings light to a solely scientific understanding of the world. Christ is the light that helps us to see that
God’s love embraces and sustains the whole of creation. To ponder this truth helps us to know more deeply the power of love.
Jesus is the light, but he also spoke of the
Holy Spirit. The Spirit has been at work since the
very beginning of time. The Spirit hovers over
the chaos of our world and brings forth form and
T he story of Jesus casts light on the truth of God’s
beauty, but would we have come to know this if wonderful love for each and every one of us.
Jesus had not been the one to reveal the truth of
God and the universe? If Jesus had not been the light, we would be much poorer.
We Christians belong to a strong and vibrant tradition. We heard the story of Jesus from family, from teachers and
preachers. We read books and discussed our questions among ourselves. Jesus is the light of our world. Jesus is the light of
each of our worlds. We do not understand everything that is happening to us, but we now trust that Jesus will support us and
lead us even though parts of our world are still unknown to us.
This is the missionary impulse. We want others to see what we see. Like our Columban friends and supporters, we
missionaries have also seen that Christ is the light that overcomes the darkness. As we celebrate and remember that baby in
Bethlehem, the light of the world, we remember all those who are still searching for the light wherever they may be. Let us
pray for them. Let us continue our missionary effort. In this way we continue the work of God the Father who sent his only
Son, the light of the world.
Columban Fr. Trevor Trotter lives and works in Australia.
WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG December 2021 3
Cheap Christmas
Behind the Glitter
By Fr. Jim Mulroney
“Ask about the labor, not the But while “Christmas comes but of all those that bear the Made in
label,” Australian troubadour, Dermot once a year” may sum up the festive China label. However, while the
Dorgan, says in his award-winning season in most parts of the world, the elves laboring in Santa’s North Pole
song on responsible consumerism. village of Yiwu in China has made it workshop may be a happy lot, for the
The same question can also well an all year-’round affair. hapless laborers in China’s Christmas
apply to the tinsel and flashing lights Sixty percent of all the world’s village, it is quite a different story.
we buy to put on Christmas trees, or Christmas decorations are made in Photographs show Chinese
the Santa costume that the jolly bearer what has been dubbed the Chinese migrant workers sweating it out in
of gifts dons while doing his rounds. Christmas Village, as are 90 percent harsh conditions producing cheap
4 December 2021 WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
decorations for a festival that they In his message for the World Day of
know nothing about. Peace 2015, Pope Francis talks about
Two of the busiest months of the the responsibility of consumers in the
year are April and September. In April, market.
representatives of foreign importers In Australia, restaurants, shopping
flock to Yiwu to inspect the latest malls, churches and even our homes
offerings at a giant wholesale industrial are littered with cheap and junky
estate—measuring almost one mile in tinsel, shiny balls and glittering lights,
area—and make their orders. most of which have a short life span
Then September is the deadline for before finding a permanent home in
exports to leave the village and head the rubbish bin.
for the shipping ports of Shanghai, With China being such a big
Hong Kong, and Xiamen. supplier, it is a fair bet that most of our
Business heats up again in October Christmas decorations come from the
as the domestic orders begin to come village of Yiwu, where they are made
in, stretching the peak season right “Every person ought to have the under sweatshop conditions. And, if
up to December 25. There is then they bear the label Made in China, it is
a bit of slack in the schedule until awareness that purchasing is almost a certainty.
preparations for the following year “Every person ought to have the
begin. always a moral—and not simply awareness that purchasing is always a
One young worker told a foreign moral—and not simply an economic
an economic act,” the Pope says.
reporter that he does know that act,” the Pope says.
Christmas is some kind of western Not only that, he adds that
festival and even though he does However, a long production line organizations, the Church included,
not know what it is all about, he will separates the giant wholesale estate have the task of awakening consciences
celebrate anyway. from the raw material. Families labor and promoting whatever steps are
The reporter says, “At first glance, at home designing and producing necessary for combating and uprooting
the Chinese Christmas Village items big and small for little profit, the culture of enslavement.
seems to be a place full of Christmas while others spend long days in often The next time you are after a bit of
celebration; but in fact, it is a place that makeshift factories churning out cheap, junky tinsel or a few lights to
only regards Christmas as a business to Santas, lights, cards and even mangers. brighten up your life, it may well be
celebrate.” The reporter notes, “In Yiwu, worth at least asking about the labor
She adds that the people do not faith lags far behind the speed of and, even if you cannot find the label,
really care what Christmas means. the market; a godly holiday has at least question yourself as to why they
“They just know that Christmas will suddenly turned into a money-making are so cheap! It can be part of making
bring them financial profit and thus it opportunity. Unfortunately, this Christmas holy. CM
is about an industry, the production mood is not confined to the small
of related products and earning commercial street in Yiwu; it has Columban Fr. Jim Mulroney resides in
commercial profit.” flooded the entire society.” Essendon, Australia.
WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG December 2021 5
ones with very limited support due
A Long Wait to restrictions. Likewise, wedding
celebrations have had their numbers
limited, and many have had to be
cancelled or postponed.
So how can we remain hopeful?
How can we get into the festive spirit of
Christmas amid this gloomy backdrop?
As Advent approaches I think of Mary,
a young woman carrying a baby, yet
having to confront many challenges
Reflections on a at that time. Heavily pregnant she
COVID Christmas fled to Egypt in order to find safety
from Herod’s hands. She experienced
By Nathalie Marytsch rejection and uncertainty. In a way, her
experience reminds us of the struggles
W
e are about to enter the the world is facing today. We are sailing
Advent season. This is a This time of Advent is an invitation through uncharted waters, we are going
unique time of waiting, a through days filled with anxieties and
to wait in hope for the birth of Jesus
time of preparation, much as it would being socially distanced from our loved
have been for Mary carrying a baby Christ, when we hold on tighter to ones. Days in which we no longer have
in her womb. This is a beautiful and full control of our lives.
God’s promise of journeying with
joyful season, not only for Christians This time of Advent is an invitation
around the world who await the birth humankind always. to wait in hope for the birth of Jesus
of Jesus, but also for many others, for Christ, when we hold on tighter to
whom this is a special time for family months Masses were not allowed to God’s promise of journeying with
reunions and festive celebrations. be celebrated with congregations. The humankind always. The same promise
Colorful lights, ornately decorated virus has thrown a spanner into our that the young woman from Nazareth
trees and carols help create a festive daily routines! kept in her heart when she faced
atmosphere. Yet, this year Advent and In the United Kingdom, troubling times. Life may be different
Christmas will be somehow different. the economy has shrunk, and from the normal we knew before, but
Since early 2020, the whole world unemployment has hit record highs. is yet, a life full of hope that we are yet
has been affected, in one way or Concerns about domestic violence to discover. CM
another, by a global pandemic. We and mental health issues are frequently
have become accustomed to signs and raised by experts. Families have Columban lay missionary Nathalie Marytsch
posters in church buildings, mobile endured the pain of burying loved lives and works in Britain.
billboards and government briefings
telling us to keep a social distance,
not to mix with other households, to
wear face coverings, etc. We have seen
arrows painted on the floor showing
people which direction to follow in
order to prevent close contact with
others, and thereby to stop the spread
of the virus. Sometimes, even when
you are out and about walking, you
can see people stepping off the curb
when they see a stranger approaching
in the ”wrong” direction. Education
and employment have suffered huge
disruptions. Churches also had to
close their doors and for several
6 December 2021 WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
Stations of the Resurrection
Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Station 4
Jesus Rises from the Dead The Disciples Discover The Risen Lord Appears to Mary The Risen Lord Appears on
the Empty Tomb Magdalen, Apostle to the Apostles the Road to Emmaus
Station 5 Station 6 Station 7 Station 8
The Risen Lord is Recognized The Risen Lord Appears to the The Risen Lord Breathes Peace The Risen Lord Strengthens
in the Breaking of the Bread Community of Disciples and Gives the Power to Forgive the Faith of Thomas
Station 9 Station 10 Station 11 Station 12
The Risen Lord Eats with the The Risen Lord Forgives Peter and The Risen Lord Sends the The Risen Lord Ascends
Disciples on the Shore of Tiberias Entrusts Him to Feed His Sheep Disciples into the World into Heaven
Station 13 Station 14
Mary and the Disciples Keep Vigil in The Risen Lord Sends
the Upper Room for the Spirit’s Advent the Holy Spirit
A heartfelt apology to our faithful benefactors…
While we do our best to avoid mistakes in all of our print materials, occasionally one gets past us. Clearly, our failing to correctly label
many of the Stations of the Resurrection in our 2022 Columban Mission Calendar was just such an error. And one that should have been
caught by both us and our proofreader(s). It is actually reassuring that many benefactors took the time to let us know about our mistake!
I sincerely apologize for any distress this has caused, as we would never want any such error to distract from our intended purpose –
sharing the glorious events in the life of Jesus through these Stations. To help clear up any confusion, pictures of the individual Stations and
their respective captions are shown on this page.
Thank you very much – for sharing your proofreading skills, your gentle honesty and for your boundless generosity. Be assured of our
constant prayers for you and yours now and throughout 2022.
The revised, corrected calendar can be viewed at www.columban.org, and a new calendar may be ordered by emailing us at mission@
columban.org or calling us at 877.299.1920.
Gratefully yours in Christ,
Fr. John Burger, Director, U.S. Region
Love Bears All Things
Trusting in the Lord
By Mavic Mercene
Editor’s Note: The following article was But the magic of Christmas lives the market at all, will my feet endure
written prior to Christmas 2020. on. Celebrations, while simple, will the walk? If I have food delivered, will
continue. I feel that despite what has my budget suffice, because apart from
A
s I write this, it is the Feast of been, we still have so much to thank the delivery fee, the food itself is more
the Immaculate Conception. God for. This most wonderful and expensive.
A few days from now would meaningful time of the year will be As the weeks passed, many intense
already be Christmas day. This is the celebrated with my whole family emotions like loneliness and anxiety
most holy and meaningful occasion together in spirit. which were a bit paralyzing, emerged
of the year when families gather and Early this year we were astounded and overwhelmed me. As I dealt with
celebrate together. by the coronavirus pandemic. my own anxiety, I also worried for my
This year will be my first Christmas Then quarantine ensued. Suddenly, adult twin boys’ mental health. I tried
outside my native Baguio in the everything came to a standstill. to engage them in conversation and
Philippines. Those Christmases in Ordinary things like securing food household chores, but it was difficult
Baguio were always happy and special became a mental exercise. Should I go to know what was going on in their
because I was with my family. Then minds. I thought it would help to be
there is the bonus and excitement of I feel that despite what has been, more creative with the food I serve
having other relatives, friends and them. This way they have something
classmates with whom I would reunite, we still have so much to thank to wake up and get up to. And so I did
reconnect and celebrate kinship God for. This most wonderful just that. From YouTube, I learned to
and friendship, spend time with cook the food my husband used to
my daughter and listen to her many and meaningful time of the year indulge them with and which they
dreams and aspirations, or simply will be celebrated with my whole enjoy and added few more from my
find peace and solace in my mother’s favorite food vlogger (video blogger)
garden. This year will be different. family together in spirit. recipes.
Christmas 2020 will be different In addition, I agonized over my
simply because our family will not be out to get our food in the market or mother’s high blood pressure attacks
together physically. My twin boys and I should I have it delivered? If I go to and her heart palpitating at a faster
will be in Quezon City, my husband in the market, what is the best time to rate, both of which were getting more
Mindoro and my daughter in Baguio go? Is my regular 6:00 am market time frequent. I would video call her until
City. I am happy with the advantages when most people are still getting out she was better because I know that she
of social media which will allow us to of bed still safe, or should I go midday only needed someone to talk to, to
FaceTime with them but it is always when people are trying to avoid the listen how her day went or simply hear
better to be with them. heat from the midday sun? If I go to her woes and small triumphs. I am glad
8 December 2021 WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG
that my daughter has always been vocal dining table, and I used the coffee table tight as if it was the end of the world.
about her feelings and opinions that I beside my sofa bed. I assigned separate My sons embraced me back. I was
knew she was okay. While it is difficult toothpaste, bath soap, and dining happy but was shocked at what I did.
to get hold of my husband for regular utensils for each. All the restrictions we set ourselves
call or FaceTime due to the poor signal At first, I found all these are now down the drain with just one
where he is, I always trust that he is accomodations cumbersome, but embrace.
also coping well, being alone on the these are necessary. As the weeks During these times when I felt
farm and with our family’s physical and months followed, I found the so low and a little depressed, I was
separation. In our 23 years of marriage, physical distance from my twin boys grateful to my Columban lay mission
I have seen his resilience when faced agonizing. Likewise, I found myself family for allowing me my own space
with any challenge. We may be very lonely and a little desperate and of quiet when I was in the Columban
separated physically but our lives are asking the universe when can I see my lay mission house, for listening to me
but one. 1 Corinthians 13:7 says “Love husband and daughter again, and hug without judgment when I was ready to
bears all things, believes all things, my twin boys again. For three days in share, and they made me feel they were
hopes all things, endures all things.” there for me. With them, I did not feel
In July, I reported back to the We may be separated physically alone.
office on a rather regular basis and The pandemic is not yet over,
was scheduled to go to the Bureau of but our lives are but one. 1 the road to COVID-19 freedom is
Immigration on July 21. At home, we Corinthians 13:7 says “Love long, and they end is not yet in sight.
had to rethink our way of interacting However, I continue to have a heart
with each other especially since cases bears all things, believes all and spirit of gratitude even for what
were rising by the thousands each things, hopes all things, endures 2020 has been, to seek refuge and
day. Normally, we would use only the strength in HIM for 2021. I remain
air conditioning in one room to save all things.” to trust the Lord’s love for us, the
on electricity. This time we decided love that assures us of his mantle of
that the boys will use one bedroom September, my tears fell uncontrollably protection, the love that promises us of
each, and I chose to set up camp in at missing my family. It was a painfully His gentle calm and peace when we are
the living room where there was a sad time. Thankfully, on these days my overwhelmed with worries. I trust that
sofa bed. We observed strict physical twin boys regularly checked on me the Lord’s love will see us through this
distance from each other. We agreed when I was at home. ordeal. CM
that I will use the common bathroom, On the first week of October, I
and they will use the bathroom in the just could not restrain myself any Columban lay missionary Mavic Mercene
air conditioned room. They ate at the longer, and I embraced my sons so lives and works in the Philippines.
WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG December 2021 9
Merry Christmas from Preda
An Update from 2020
By Fr. Shay Cullen
W
e are sharing with you three years old. They were welcomed, emerge from their fear and trauma,
some of the highlights given affirmation, support and all their feeling free and begin to smile for the
of the work of Preda personal needs as soon as they arrived. first time in years.
Foundation and wish you all a blessed This year, several were reintegrated
Christmas. into their families. Many Convictions
Legal action by the healing and
Many Children Saved Healing and Empowerment empowered children in Preda homes
As many as 100 children have been Grace, 13 years old, was raped by her has been very successful in 2020
saved and recovered at the five biological father. Her mother held her despite the lockdown and closure
Preda homes for abused children in down while she was raped, a horrific of the courts for several months.
2020, a happy record of healing and heinous crime. She was threatened In 2020 the children, assisted by
empowerment. One of the important to stay silent, but she bravely told her Preda, succeeded in winning sixteen
highlights during 2020 is that all the sister who told a neighbor. It got to convictions against their rapists and
children and the staff have thankfully the police, and she was rescued and traffickers. In one major case, a young
remained free of Covid-19. The referred to the Preda home. She is now trafficker and pimp that sold two
protective measures implemented safe and has begun to heal and recover young girls to a foreign pedophile
and strictly maintained has made this from the trauma she experienced. received two life sentences. In 2019,
possible. During the last year, we were With the other children, Grace joined the children won 20 convictions,
able to receive in our homes 41 girls, many activities and volunteered to and most of the convicted received
rescued and saved from sex abusers, take Emotional Release Therapy. In the life sentences so they will not be able
human traffickers and from sex slavery. padded therapy room, she cried and to rape any more children. There
At present, there are 43 children in shouted out her pain and anger at her are many more cases filed by Preda
the homes for girls. The youngest is abusive parents. The children slowly children pending to be resolved by
the prosecutors and others are stuck
in the court judicial system waiting
for a court hearing, some since 2014.
For the first time in our history, the
children participated in court hearings
online, a more child-friendly way than
appearing in the court room with the
abuser present.
Saving Boys from Sub-human Jails
The Preda Foundation has two homes
for male children in conflict with
the law (CICL), one in Zambales
and one in Cebu. We rescue the boys
from filthy, abusive and subhuman
government detention centers and jails.
They are frequently subjected to abuse
and even torture by older inmates and
abusive guards. In 2020, Preda rescued
more than 30 boys and brought them
to start a new life in the Preda home
10 December 2021 WWW.COLUMBAN.ORGfor boys in conflict with the law in The learning center is an excellent Preda Accreditation
Zambales. In Cebu, we rescued fifteen boarding and day school exclusively The Preda Foundation is a DSWD-
boys, and they are recovering in the for indigenous children run by the licensed and accredited social welfare
Preda New Dawn Home in Liloan. Franciscan Sisters that gives them a and development agency, founded
peaceful environment to learn together in 1974. It is accredited by local
Commission on Human Rights without the discrimination, bullying, government and it has now reached
In Preda, the children, some as young as racist remarks, teasing and exclusion the highest status and standard of
10 years old, told their stories of torture that some lowland children inflict on excellence. It has been accredited in
and abuse in government detention the indigenous children. 2020 by the Philippine Council for
jails. Preda reported it to the Philippine NGO Certification (PCNC) and as
Commission on Human Rights and Buying Mangos and Sharing Food a result it has been certified by the
with help from international supporters, Preda has worked with 361 Aeta Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as a
the Philippine CHR was encouraged to subsistence farmers in Zambales “Donee Institution” since November
open an investigation. The investigators and provided them with relief food 2020. Philippine donors are exempted
confirmed and verified the torture, and packages consisting of ten kilos of from paying the 30 percent donor’s tax.
they are taking measures to monitor and rice and mixed groceries four times in All donations will go to the children,
prevent more such torture. 2020. in 2020. Also, similar food relief none to administration.
Preda contributed to the drafting packages were distributed to 320 poor
of a new anti-trafficking ordinance families and snacks, candies and toys New Partnership with UN Agencies
in Olongapo City and conducted for their children in Olongapo City The United Nations Anti-trafficking and
the first rescue of eighteen trafficked area three times in 2020. Anti-slavery agencies have recognized
women, among them four minors, at Preda bought at higher fair-trade Preda as a high standard organization for
a beach resort in Barangay Barretto. prices the internationally organic- helping trafficked, enslaved and abused
The minors were referred to the Preda certified Pico 21 tons and Indian children and has granted partial funding
home for healing. mangos 35.50 tons from the 77 Aeta for 2020 and 2021.
families out of ten communities that
Preventing Changes in Law have mango crops this year. Preda Awards
In 2020, Preda Foundation continued Fairtrade shared out bonus payments In November 2020, Preda marked
and increased its lobbying with other of $2,767 U.S. to the Aeta families. the anniversary of the awarding of the
NGOs to stop the changing of the The mangos are made into organically- prestigious International Martin Buber
child protection law to reduce the age certified mango puree. Plaque Prize for defending children’s
of criminal liability to twelve years old rights. In January 2021 Preda marked its
and succeeded to maintain it at fifteen Mango Sapling Distribution fourth nomination for the Nobel Peace
years of age. Then, we campaigned Also, with the help of the Columban Prize. Preda was nominated by the
during the pandemic for the release of Fathers and Merry Year Foundation German Human Rights Commissioner
children from detention centers, and in South Korea, we provided the Dr. Barbel Koefler. It was endorsed
as many as 350 children were released Aeta with 2,000 mango saplings. The by several members of the German
by the authorities to their parents. Aeta families planted them over the Parliament. That makes seventeen
Some children were rescued by Preda mountains of Zambales to help them international awards for defending
social workers. However, many more reforest and strengthen their claim human rights. Despite the spread of the
minors with pending cases remain in to their ancestral lands and prevent Covid-19, lockdowns and economic
jails. mining companies and grabbers downturn the work of the Foundation
stealing their lands. In Mindanao, has succeeded and will continue in the
Helping Indigenous Children Preda bought 659 tons of fair trade years ahead with your support and help.
In December 2020, the Preda mangos from the members of our It is with gratitude that we thank
Foundation turned over six laptops small farmers fair trade association. you for your support and wish you a
and installed a full CCTV system in The mangos are all for export as Merry Christmas. CM
the St. Francis Learning Center in dried mangos and conventional
Subic town for the use of indigenous purees to World Shops in Germany Columban Fr. Shay Cullen lives and works in
Aeta children of Zambales. and the UK. the Philippines.
WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG December 2021 11The World that God So Loves
Celebrating with Christmas Cards
By Fr. Vincent Busch
T
he Subanens are an while living in a stable. My job was to enhance the nation’s progress and
indigenous people whose create card-sized drawings of Mary and development turned out to be hostile
ancestral habitat is the Joseph doing those activities. to the common good. These policies
highlands of Western Mindanao This first drawing is an example of allowed extractive industries to make
in the Philippines. Guided by the what the cards look like before and quick profits at the long-term cost of
Columban Sisters who had been after they are hand-colored and inlaid polluting and degrading the nation’s
living and working with the Subanens with colored paper. In this card Mary seas, rivers, forests, air and farmland.
since 1983 I began working with the holds Jesus securely in a Subanen-style For example, from 1950 to 1990
Subanens in the year 2000. I came to sling while Joseph repairs the manger. logging companies deforested huge
see how their traditional way of life Subanens constantly have to repair areas of the Subanens’ homeland.
helped keep their habitat healthy, and, their tools, belongings and homes, so it These companies made huge
how, in turn, their habitat provided was natural that we would have Joseph profits which allowed their owners,
their daily food. I also came to see using his carpenter skills to repair the shareholders, and a few workers to
how the beauty of their habitat manger. acquire the food that they prayerfully
evoked in them an awareness of the Instead of a stable I drew Mary and asked God to give them but in the
spiritual dimension in the natural Joseph within an image of our planet process they caused permanent damage
world, and I came to appreciate – the temporary shelter of all God’s to the food-producing forest and soil
how they communicated with that creatures. Above Mary and Joseph I of the Subanens.
dimension through music, ritual, and drew the mountainous homeland of The damage went beyond the
dance. the Subanens whose climate, forest, Subanens’ homeland. Without
The Subanen way of life had a long rivers, and soil provide them with a safe forest cover monsoon rains quickly
crafting tradition. They developed, for and bountiful habitat. The Subanen became torrents of muddy water that
example, clever ways to shape rattan, people know that just as Joseph made cascaded down the mountains clogging
bamboo, grasses, and palm leaves into the manger a safe place for Jesus they irrigation systems and smothering
baskets, tools, furniture, mats, hats, need to make their habitat a safe and coastal reefs and fisheries. In the
musical instruments and even the walls healthy place or their children. aftermath of this deforestation many
and roofs of their homes. Attracted This next card shows Joseph Subanens left their homeland to seek
by their crafting tradition I worked giving Mary some food. Subanens work in cities and towns as servants
with Subanens to form a project called make nutritious soups using leaves, and menial laborers. In our small way
Subanen Crafts. Each year, as part vegetables and root crops from their the Subanen crafters are working with
of that project, we create Christmas small garden plots. To cook these programs of the Columban Sisters
cards whose images celebrate ordinary, ingredients they need water and that are restoring their God-given
thoughtful ways that Joseph and Mary firewood which are readily available if habitat so that its ecosystems might
cared for each other. In this article I’ll their forest and its streams are healthy. continually provide a better life for all
share stories about how their cards This card calls to mind the words in into the future.
celebrate Christmas, their habitat, the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us this day our The next card shows a thoughtful
and the ordinary but profound acts of daily bread.” The words in that prayer shepherd bringing some kindling
caring people. and in that phrase that make it a prayer wood to Mary and Joseph as fuel for
The process we used to design our for the common good are “Us” and their warming fire. This image has a
cards began with listing ordinary, “Our.” How limited that prayer would meaningful background story. I once
thoughtful ways that the Subanen sound if it said, “Give me my daily saw a Subanen man carrying a huge
people cared for each other. From bread.” bundle of kindling wood down a steep
that list we then selected activities that In the Philippines economic mountain trail. I learned later that this
Joseph and Mary might possibly do policies that many thought would man regularly hiked 10 kilometers,
12 December 2021 WWW.COLUMBAN.ORGor about 7 miles, to the town so he love to include all creation: “Go into to myself, “What if Mary saved that
could sell his burden for a few coins – all the world and preach the gospel handful of straw she was placing
enough to buy a few handfuls of rice to the whole creation.” (Mark 16: 15) in the manger and somehow it was
for his family. The Subanens belong In our cards the globe represents the passed down to this day as relic of the
to families who supported each other whole of creation that God so loves. place where Jesus was born?” Such
through such ordinary but profound In this last card we show Joseph a relic would be venerated in all our
acts of love. This card honors one such pouring water into a basin while Mary churches. No doubt, when Mary
act and, in doing so, helps us see the puts fresh straw in the manger. For and Joseph fled Bethlehem to escape
deep love that the Christ child will the Subanens, fetching water often Herod’s soldiers the straw remained
experience with his parents. involves a steep downhill hike to a as animal feed and, once eaten, would
In this next card we show Joseph forest-fed stream. The Subanens can be recycled as dung to fertilize the
sweeping the stable while of Mary easily imagine Joseph needing to go soil, and there it would become, yet
spreads a blanket over the manger. some distance to get the water he is again, a nurturing resting place – this
It looks like Joseph has stopped his pouring. time as fertile soil for plants and
sweeping to look at Mary and Jesus. I As deserts spread throughout trees. In the vastness of the universe
can imagine him experiencing the bond our over-heated planet thousands of the Earth is but a tiny, fragile “stable”
parents have with their children. Mary people, mostly women, have to walk for all God’s creatures. God so loved
and Joseph will deeply feel the joys and ever greater distances to get water for the world that He sent His Son to be
sufferings of Jesus throughout their their families. Jesus praises those who born in that stable. In a wee corner of
lives. give drink to the thirsty (Matthew 25: that stable I have come to know many
The Bible points to this parent- 37-40) so it makes sense that he would Subanens who are nurturing their life-
child bond as an example of God’s praise people who, through their work giving habitat. Their Christmas cards
enduring love for His people: “Can a and their way of life, enhance the celebrate the ordinary yet profound
woman forget the baby at her breast ecosystems that provide that water. ways that they care for each other and
and have no compassion on the child As Joseph pours water he for the world that God so loves. CM
of her womb? Though she may forget watches as Mary prepares a safe and
I will not forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15) comfortable resting place for Jesus. Columban Fr. Vincent Busch lives and works
Jesus expands the embrace of God’s While I was drawing Mary I thought in the Philippines.
1. Initial drawing prior to adding 1. Joseph repairs the manger 2. Joseph gives food to Mary
color and shapes
3. Shepherd arrives with kindling 4. Joseph cleans the stable 5. Joseph pours the water
WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG December 2021 13A Conversion Story
A New Family
By Fr. Patrick Colgan
A
til Kumar Singh (aka Bobby)
is an Indo-Fijian carpenter
who lives beside a Fijian
village called Natunuku, in the parish
of Christ the King, Ba. He was a
Hindu and married an Indian woman,
a relationship which produced one
son but broke up after a couple of
years. He then married an ethnic Fijian
woman from Natunuku, who is the
sister of our parish catechist there, Mr.
Savenaca Nakuturi. They also broke
up, after the sad death of their child. In Bernard, Fr. Pat and Bobby
this sadness, it was the support of the
Fijian Catholic community and their
persistent invitations to Bobby to come
to church and their social gatherings,
which kept him sane and kindled an
interest in him to consider leaving the
religion of his parents and become a
Christian. For fifteen years, he came
to church, barely understanding the
words of the liturgy spoken in standard
Fijian. He speaks Hindi and the Ba
dialect of Fijian. He also does not read
or write well so couldn’t follow the
texts easily. But he hung in and on my
arrival in the parish in June 2020, and
noticing the unusual sight of an Indo
Fijian attending our village liturgies,
I invited him to consider joining the The church before the baptism
RCIA program to be baptized. He
accepted and with the help of an Indo It was never a burden, in fact I looked in-law) and Master have taught me
Fijian school teacher, Mr. Bernard forward to every class.” everything. As long as I live, I will
Saverio, we were able to teach Bobby The village catechist, his brother- follow this Church. This is my family
the basics of the faith. What he might in-law said: “After Bobby’s divorce now.”
not know through book learning, he with my sister, he was very lonely. Atil Singh Kumar (aka Bobby)
more than makes up for by faith and We kept inviting him home and to was baptised, confirmed and received
enthusiasm for his new family and church. We are close. He was coming into full communion of the Catholic
church. to Mass for fifteen years, but only in Church on the Feast of the Holy
This is what Bernard said of the last year, got really enthusiastic Family, December 27, 2020, by
their classes together: “This was an about it.” Columban Fr. Patrick Colgan. CM
enlightening experience. I have never The final word goes to Bobby
met such a candidate before. He was so himself: “I am so happy today. This has Colubman Fr. Patrick Colgan lives and works
eager and made my teaching enjoyable. been a blessing. My tavale (brother- in Fiji.
14 December 2021 WWW.COLUMBAN.ORGA Christmas Visit
Good Work Done
Fr. Patrick Colgan
O
n December 19, 2020, 29 that batter this part of the island. and Hindi, and his nightly ritual
years and three days after They also spotted the grave of Sr. of kava drinking accompanied by a
his burial in Lautoka, Fiji, a Loyola Grehan and cleaned it too. fixed succession of tobacco products
small group went from Ba parish to A chance for further work came the – Benson and Hedges, sukhi (local
investigate the condition of Fr. Keelan’s following Wednesday when Paul and tobacco wrapped in newspaper), pipe
grave, and pay him a Christmas visit. the parish priest of Ba, Columban Fr. and finally one Cuban cigar per night.
The group was Columban Fr. Teakare Patrick Colgan, went with oil based And of course, his noisy motorbike!
Betero, assistant parish priest, along white gloss and brushes. The sunny In contast, Sr. Loyola was born
with Paul Qalo and his son Isaac. but cool conditions were perfect. on December 27, 1918, in Drummore
Armed with knives normally used We met prisoner officers supervising West, Co Sligo, a month after the end
for cutting the sugar cane for which more grave digging and one of them, of World War One. From 1947 to
Fiji is famous, as well as a kerosene a Catholic, proudly remarked that he 1962 she taught in New Zealand and
powered brush cutter, they located too would sometimes visit the graves Australia. In 1962 she came to Fiji
the grave with the help of the prisons of the Irish missionaries buried there. and taught at Loreto High School and
department (who normally dig our Fr. Keelan was born in Dublin in 1935 then at Saint John’s College, Levuka.
graves here in Fiji) and set to cutting and died of a sudden heart attack It is remembered that she taught with
adjacent grass and washing it. while working the parish of Lautoka in passion and an expectation of only the
Paul, who remembered his father- 1991. He was a Clongowes Wood and best from her students, both in the
in-law, would often reminisce about Boston College graduate, and taught classroom and out of it. She died at the
the late night, motorbike-chugging at the Columban school of Xavier age of 100 on July 31, 2019. May they
visits of Fr. Keelan, was determined College for 20 years. He was famous both rest in peace. CM
to return and paint the grave, to for his encyclopedic knowledge of
protect it further from the extreme English literature, his fluency in many Columban Fr. Patrick Colgan lives and works
heat and frequent monsoon rains languages including Spanish, Fijian in Fiji.
WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG December 2021 15The Challenge of
Gift Giving
Undreamed of Fruit
By Fr. Jim Mulroney
P
ing-pong played an instrumental In any other circumstance,
part in thawing the freeze Zhuang’s gesture would have passed
between the People’s Republic unnoticed by the world. It was a brave
of China and the United States of act of giving, but much of its power lay
America in the 1970s. While far in the graciousness and joy with which
from being the cause, as friction with Cowan received and cherished the gift.
Russia was already pivoting Beijing While naturally there is a lot more
towards Washington, a simple gesture to this story, it was the sort of meeting
of welcome from Zhuang Zedong, an English monk of some 800 years
Gifts play an important part
a member of the Chinese Table
Tennis Team at the Nagoya World
in our society and Christmas
Championships, towards a stranded
is our biggest season of
American rival proved an important
catalyst to the thaw.
gift-giving. Some gifts are
Zhuang overcame a lifetime of anti-
cherished and a source of
American education to give a small gift
to Glenn Cowan, who was hitching
great joy; others put aside
a ride on the Chinese team bus after
with little care or even passed
missing his own. The gift of a cheap
screen painting of a mountain scene in
onto others.
his home country may have been small,
but it was the best Zhuang could find
in his bag.
The then-chairman of the Chinese
Communist Party, Mao Zedong,
later described Zhuang as having ago described as a combination of expected. The simple remembrance
good hands for table tennis, before belief in the other, harmony in the may be appreciated, but equally
enthusiastically adding, and a good soul, deep respect and a hefty dose of regarded with scorn. Ignoring the
head for international relations! While goodwill, which, he noted, can bear occasion can also be a source of hurt.
a furthering of international relations undreamed of fruit. It’s a sort of Catch 22.
was the furthest thing from Zhuang’s Gifts play an important part in There are many dimensions to gift
mind at the time, he has gone down our society and Christmas is our giving, and Advent is a good time to
in history as a significant player in biggest season of gift-giving. Some think about them. Our purchases have
instigating what today is referred to as gifts are cherished and a source of an economic impact, so we can think
Ping-Pong Diplomacy. great joy; others put aside with about where we source them. We can
And it all began with two agonizing little care or even passed onto others. choose to support big, conglomerate
decisions. Firstly, welcoming a stranger Perhaps it is true it is the thought that companies or small business
from China’s number one enemy, and counts, but the single, well-considered enterprises. And, most importantly,
secondly, giving the lone American thought can be worth a thousand cast we can ask about the condition of the
some memento of their meeting. Both in haste. labor that went into the manufacture,
ran against the grain of his entire life’s There are occasions that society rather than the glamor attached to the
education. mores dictate giving. Little is maker’s label.
16 December 2021 WWW.COLUMBAN.ORGThere are some things we can Chinese table tennis player, but perhaps During Advent, we are preparing
make ourselves, which can touch a gift given to someone or some our souls to welcome the Christ-Child.
the recipient deeply. Others can enterprise we have been conditioned to We are on the receiving end of this
relate to an important occasion believe is our enemy can do wonders to gift and that is a challenge. It is a gift
in a relationship. We can give an our ability to receive with a graciousness designed for us by God and preparing
experience, a tour of an historic site or that is truly life-giving. what we give to others well can help us
During Advent, we are
place of importance to the recipient. prepare to receive this most precious of
Thought and preparation put into all gifts—the supreme love of God.
preparing our souls to welcome
the choice of a gift can add to the Given with love and received with
the Christ-Child. We are on
enjoyment of the giving, as well as the joy, it can truly be a combination of
joy of receiving. It does not have to belief in the other, harmony in the
the receiving end of this gift
be designer label, but if designed for soul, deep respect and a hefty dose of
and that is a challenge.
the person on the receiving end it can goodwill, which can bear undreamed
be a great boost to the relationship of fruit. CM
between us.
Not all of our gifts can be as Columban Fr. Jim Mulroney resides in
earthshaking as the one from the Essendon, Australia.
WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG December 2021 17Christmas Greetings
Pakistan 2020
By Fr. Liam O’Callaghan
C
hristmas greetings to you, ended but the arrival of vaccines offer well as an economic relief package
and I hope this finds you and hope to a struggling world, though we from the government. As lockdown
your loved ones well and in are still going to have to be very careful was lifted, numbers did not grow as
good health. It is hard to believe that for a while yet. much as was feared and people became
another year is almost over. I would In Pakistan, the first two cases were complacent about wearing face masks,
like to share with you some of this confirmed on February 26 in Karachi etc. If it spread like in other countries,
year’s happenings for me. and quickly spread to all provinces; the consequences could have been
2020 has been turned upside down on April 1, the country was put on a disastrous, how it did not—different
by the Covid-19 pandemic, which nation-wide lockdown and extended strain of virus? immunity?—can
has caused such devastation, death twice until May 9. The lockdown only be guessed at. On November 26,
and suffering. With further spikes caused much suffering especially the government announced “smart”
of infections and new variants of the to daily wage earners, who became lockdowns and closed all educational
virus emerging, especially in Britain unemployed overnight, and many institutions until January 11, as cases
and elsewhere, resulting in fresh Christians fell into this category with began to rise. The official figures for
lock-downs in many countries, 2021 various church groups and NGOs Pakistan [for year end 2020] were
is going to begin very much as 2020 helping out with food rations, as 469,482 infections and 9,816 deaths
though the actual figure is likely to be
much higher.
Once the lockdown started, so
much of what is considered normal
was put on hold with schools,
churches and normal activities closed
or postponed for later. The means
of communication were now Zoom
calls, and it helped the Columban
group here stay in touch. A number of
meetings were held this way as we are
scattered in four different cities around
Sindh province. We are nine in total
in Pakistan– two lay missionaries and
seven ordained – from four different
countries, namely, New Zealand, Fiji,
Philippines and Ireland. Our priority
areas of work are tribal ministry, justice
and peace, ecological work and inter-
faith relations.
I am based in an apartment in a
Muslim community in Hyderabad
city, population 1.73 million, the
second biggest city in Sindh province
after Karachi. I am working full-time
in Justice, Peace and Integrity of
Creation ( JPIC) and Interreligious
dialogue (IRD) issues in the diocese
18 December 2021 WWW.COLUMBAN.ORGdiscrimination, and persecution,
with authorities often failing to
provide adequate protection or hold
perpetrators accountable. Pakistani
law enforcement agencies
were responsible for human rights
violations, including detention without
charge and extrajudicial killings.
There continues to be a high level
of fear among religious minorities and
the continued abuse of the so-called
blasphemy laws leads to much of this
fear. The Pakistani government did
not amend or repeal blasphemy law
provisions that provide a pretext for
violence against religious minorities,
as well as arbitrary arrests and
prosecution. Hundreds have been
of Hyderabad with Columban co- the Imran Khan regime. They held arrested over blasphemy allegations,
worker, Danish Yakoob. Pakistan is the big gatherings in a number of cities in most of them members of religious
fifth most vulnerable country in the recent weeks and plan a “long march” minorities. The death penalty is
world to climate change for the 20- to Islamabad in January. The political mandatory for blasphemy, and about
year period from 1999-2018 according climate of great uncertainty is sure to forty people remain on death row.
to Germanwatch Climate Risk Index continue in the New Year. Over five million primary school-
2020, which has led directly to 10,000 Economically, the country is age children are out of school, most of
deaths through extreme weather events struggling very badly with a high level them girls, for reasons including lack of
in that period. Our environmental of indebtedness. According to the schools in their areas, child marriage,
project this year had to be cancelled; IMF, Government debt rose to 76.7% and gender discrimination. School
and with their agreement, the unspent of GDP, Pakistan already owes the closures because of the lockdown and
funding was diverted to our Covid-19 IMF $5.8 billion from past bailouts, many people’s limited access to on-
response efforts. and has only once completed its past line facilities means that this school
Politically, Pakistan is struggling programs. Due largely to the Covid-19 year will be severely affected for many
once again. In July 2018, the general pandemic, economic growth is children and may have to be repeated.
election took place which brought expected to slow to -1.5% in 2020 and Pakistan still has a lot to do according
former cricket World cup winning pick up to 2% in 2021. A weaker rupee to the report to create a fairer society,
captain, Imran Khan, and his PTI resulted in an inflation rate of 6.7% and there is not a lot to indicate it will
party to power. However, he failed in 2019, and it is expected to peak happen any time soon.
to get an overall majority and had at 11.1% in 2020 (according to the I wish you all the blessings you and
to enter into a fragile coalition. World Economic Outlook, IMF). your loved ones need at this time and
However, as the government continues The Human Rights Watch 2020 that the celebration of the birth of
to struggle, there have been three report makes for sobering reading, Emmanuel, God-with-us, will assure us
cabinet reshuffles, two of them in 2020 Although Prime Minister Imran all that God is with us in the ups and
(April and December). The Covid-19 Khan pledged to make social justice downs of daily life. I especially pray
pandemic is having a severe effect on a priority after taking office in July that the newborn prince of peace be
the political situation in 2020 as the 2018, his administration has increased a source of good news, love and peace
government struggles to cope with restrictions on media, the political for you this Christmas and throughout
the on-going crisis. In September, a opposition, and nongovernmental the New Year. CM
coalition of eleven opposition parties, organizations (NGOs). Women,
the Pakistan Democratic Movement, religious minorities, and transgender Columban Fr. Liam O’Callaghan lives and
was formed with the aim of replacing people continued to face violence, works in Pakistan.
WWW.COLUMBAN.ORG December 2021 19Posada
Listen and Feel
By Sainiana Tamatawale
N
ine days before Christmas,
the Christian community
where I live takes part in what
they call the “Posada.” It’s an annual
tradition of faith practice among the
Mexican people here, remembering
the time when Joseph and Mary went
looking for an inn where she could give
birth to Jesus Christ.
During those nine days I usually
participated with our parishioners
for the Posada in the Corpus Christi
parish, in Rancho Anapra, Juarez,
Mexico. I was really touched by the
words of the song sung during the
ceremony. We travel to one house
each night over nine nights. At each
house, one group was outside holding
the “Peregrino” which is the statue of
Mary on the donkey with St. Joseph.
The group inside responded to their
request singing a song, and the pair are
recognized and allowed to enter. My journey with the people is joyful wants to dwell. I asked myself then,
When the people sang: “Mi esposa and life giving. I feel the peace to be how often do I open my heart to listen
es Maria, es la Reina del cielo y Madre able to look beyond my little faith. and feel Jesus’ presence in me, in the
va a ser del Divino Verbo” (“My Wife is In silence I prayed that in our innermost depth of my being?
Maria, she is the Queen of Heaven and journey of faith together, we will open CM
Mother of the Divine Word”) I was our hearts to allow Jesus to lead our After several years working in Mexico,
Columban lay missionary Sainaina
really touched, that these were the words lives always. I believe that it is when we Tamatawale recently accepted an
that St. Joseph spoke while searching really feel the inner peace within us, appointment to the Columban Lay Mission
for a place where Jesus would be born. I then we will be able to share the peace leadership team in Hong Kong.
learned to see and honor St. Joseph for of the Lord Jesus to one another. This
being the guardian of the Word. beautiful faith tradition of the Posada
On the eighth day of the Posada, has become for me, a way of entrusting The Meaning of Posada
the people asked me to hold the to the Holy Family the protection Posada is a Spanish word meaning
peregrine statue and lead the group of all the people and their beloved lodging, or accommodations,
to knock at the door. I saw the families, especially the migrants which in this case refers to the inn
crowd following me. I looked at the who are fleeing from their countries from the Nativity story. It uses
peregrine statue I was holding, and be-cause of violence, war, injustice, the plural form as the celebration
I was reminded that this is the way I discrimination, and poverty. It is the lasts for a nine-day interval (called
am invited to journey with the people reality we live in today. the novena) during the Christmas
here in Rancho Anapra, to be open, to In reflecting on this symbolic faith season, which represents the nine-
be part of their family and to journey journey with the Mexican people, I month pregnancy of Mary, the
with them, placing the holy family as came to a deeper awareness that within mother of Christ Jesus.
the center of our lives and our families. me is a space where the Lord Jesus
20 December 2021 WWW.COLUMBAN.ORGLIGHT FOR THE
WORLD
1% of Your Estate Continues the Mission Work
One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, and
He will repay him for his good deed. Proverbs 19:17
Good intentions are important, especially when it comes to giving. And a planned gift—a gift you
designate to start after your lifetime—can have long-term impact. By designating just 1% of your
estate as a gift to the Columban Fathers, you insure that the work you have supported during
your lifetime will continue.
Columban lay missionary Noh Hyein, better known as Anna (pronounced En-na), a teacher by
profession, lives and works in the Philippines. After getting to know the women in her parish,
and realizing how desperately poor they were, Anna, with the help of Columban benefactors,
launched a candle making livelihood project called “Light the Life.” The women make candles
and earn income for their families. The program also helps in the holistic development of the
women, making them value their own self-worth. The women in the program make candles that
light the homes of others, but they are lighting their own paths as well.
Contact us to learn about the many different ways you can give to the Missionary Society of
St. Columban.
Missionary Society of St. Columban www.columban.org
1902 N. Calhoun toll-free: 877/299-1920
St. Columbans, NE 68056-2000 donorrelations@columban.orgYou can also read
