Four Columban lay missionaries now in their third year in Korea share their reflections as they began their mission there.

Cristina B. Simpron

They say ‘You don’t have to be rich in order to give. All you have to do is to be good; the person who is good can always find something to give.’ When I remember these words, which became the inspiration of my vocation, I also remember other lay people working in the church. I have seen their dedication, the simplicity of their lives and I admire them very much. They are catechists and parish workers whom I have been privileged to help. I can say I have a passion for working with young people.  They have given me the capacity to learn many things about life and love. I believe in the capacity of young people to be agents of love, peace and transformation in society and the Church.

Then I realized that I too wanted to be a missionary. It was hard for me to leave my family, friends and community and join the Columban program. I am glad to share my experience of the Risen Lord with a new culture, new tradition, new friends and new family.

Arlenne B. Villahermosa

It all started with a dream. The attraction of mission work remained in my heart as a desire, and in my mind as a dream, for such a long time. I tried listening to it and responding in my own way. Apart from my job in the bank and my part-time teaching in the university, I made myself available with great joy to help in retreats, seminars and spiritual direction. I was happy with my life but I still felt called to something deeper. I finally decided to join the Columban Lay Missionary Program. I enjoyed the formation program with its different modules, courses and experiences. The detachment needed to leave my family has been difficult. But the mysterious and unconditional love I’ve received from God through my family, friends and the Columbans have encouraged me to share with others what I have so abundantly received

Tina M. Comacho

It was 1996 when I first met some Columban missionaries, a priest and a Sister. I was asked to help sell copies of Misyon in different parishes in Metro Manila. Because I myself had found the stories of missionaries in the magazine both fascinating and inspiring, it was easy for me to encourage others to read it also. Much later, after a long period of discernment, I realized that I also had a missionary vocation, and I was accepted for the Columban Lay Mission Program. I met various missionaries who shared their own experiences of mission. They fanned the flame that was already kindled within me and I knew from that time that one day I too would have my own story to tell.

I felt that the whole community was solidly behind me. With God within me, I know I am already a missionary story.

Necita A. Fetalvero

A call is a journey, a response to the innermost depths of longing for a presence and meaning within. It was from this mystery of longing that the biggest steps in my life began. I remember when I was first accepted to join the Columban Lay Mission Program. I struggled through the process of formation, but yet I found it an experience of growth towards the fullness of life. It was difficult for me to go beyond the limits of my boundaries and to offer myself for cross-cultural mission, yet I still chose to go. In spite of the joy and warmth, the love and security which I had always experienced as an only child, I still chose to be a missionary.

I realized that in being a missionary in Korea, the important thing is not so much what I do as who I am. It is the gift of myself that will give meaning to my vocation.