May-June 2018
From the Editor
Giving Honor
By Arlenne Villahermosa
Everyday in our lives we meet people of various ages and coming from different backgrounds. Many of them we don’t know but some of them we know and interact with. And maybe, in one way or the other, whether we know them personally or not, certain people make an impact on us . . .
“Patience Obtains All Things”
By Mary Joy Rile
This article first appeared earlier this year in issue 30 of Columban Mission, the 12-page newsletter published three times a year by the Columbans in the Philippines. The author, who is assistant editor, interviewed the Tabaco Family in their home in Agusan, Cagayan de Oro.
Tabaco Family
L to R: Eriberto (Erl's father), Grace (mother), Fr. Erl, Siara Isabel (niece), Rhea Joyce Mae (older sister), Earlick John (younger brother), and Mr. & Mrs. Eric Glenn (older brother) & Yoradyl (sister-in-law)
“Milukso ang akong dughan sa kalipay nga napari na jud si Bobong,” Grace captured the very sentiment of her heart when her son, Rev. Erl Dylan J. Tabaco, was ordained a priest by Most Reverend Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, DD, Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro at the Most Holy Rosary Parish, Agusan, Cagayan de Oro City on February 17, 2018. No words could describe what the family truly felt, just tears to express it. Holy Rosary parish was jubilant to have its first ordination. It was under the Columbans since 1971 until 2012. The Columbans are grateful for the gift of Erl in time for its centennial celebration . . .
Celebrating the Gift of Vocation in Mission
By Joan Yap
Joan is a Columban lay missionary assigned to Taiwan. Here is what she shared during her renewal of commitment with the CLM along with RP 19 on February 12, 2018.
Today is a special day as we celebrate the gift of lay vocation - a celebration of thanksgiving for Sherryl Lou Capili, Reina Mosqueda and me. We finished our second-term as Columban lay missionaries in Taiwan having learned many new things and having had memorable experiences of joys and challenges . . .
A Meaningful Visit . . . An Inspiring Recollection
By Fr. Michael Martin
Fr. Mickey, as known to many, is a Columban priest assigned in Malate and is the author of the books Walking in Their Light and Remembering Fr. Niall O’Brien.
February has always been a special month for me in the Philippines: it is usually the coolest, and always the shortest month in the year; we priests would often take our local vacations during this month.
But February became even more special when I was assigned to Malate. So much Columban History was lived out there: in February 1945, all five Columban priests assigned to Malate Parish were killed in the Battle for Manila. Four of the Columban priests along with some twenty male parishioners who had taken refuge in the Church, were arrested and killed by the Japanese military on February 10. A fifth priest was killed three days later while working with the sick and the injured in Malate School, which had been transformed into a Hospital. He died from American shells which killed hundreds who had taken refuge in the school on that fateful day – February 13, 1945 . . .
“Sharing with the Poor is Always a Grace - a HOPE”
By Fr. Jude Mirasol Garceniego
The author wrote the article My First Fiat To God's Call when a seminarian, which we published in Misyon (then a magazine) May-June 2007 issue. Fr. Jude was ordained priest in 2013. He founded SPAG-Asa on September 22, 2016 while doing further studies in Rome, Italy. You may visit the Facebook Group of SPAG-Asa here.
I was baptized by Rev. Fr. Donal Hogan, a Columban Missionary, on February 10, 1985, a day before the Feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes, in Candoni, Negros Occidental. I was then two months and one day old. I finished my secondary education in Our Lady of Lourdes High School of Candoni established by the Columbans, and attained my bachelor’s degree in Kabankalan Catholic College, also a Columban school. Furthermore, I finished my five years of Philosophy in the Little Way College Seminary, as one of the pioneering seminarians, supported by the Little Association – a group closely connected with the Columbans Missionaries. Presently, I am a priest of the Kabankalan Diocese assigned to the Parish of St. Paul in Cauayan, Negros Occidental. This was the last Columban parish in the Diocese of Kabankalan. Fr. Michael Doohan served as the last Columban parish priest in this parish. Fr. Seán Coyle confirmed this in his message to me during my transfer on September 2, 2017 . . .
A Privilege and a Pleasure
By Ma. Criselda A. Mendoza
Crissy started working with the Columban Missionaries in Singalong in 2013.
“Didn’t you do Creative Writing?” – A question Fr. Patrick O’Donoghue, aka Boss #1, asked me while coaching me on writing a letter for him.
The big thing about working as a Secretary to the Regional Director is that, not one day is the same as the last day or the day to come. It is an aspect of the job that I love and, on the really bad days, detest. There is always something different to do, someone new to meet. Sometimes you get surprises, like you get asked to write an article for Misyononline and you find yourself picking up old, rusty skills, talents or tricks, and it gives you a bit of a thrill, a touch of risk. I’m not really complaining, though. I have expected this unpredictability from the start, when I accepted the job. And I wouldn’t really have it any other way . . .
I remember enjoying the sight of beautiful ladies and lads parading during Santacruzan in the month of May when I was still a kid. But for more than a decade now, I didn’t get a chance to witness such event again. It’s a shame maybe but I must admit that I never understood its significance as I observed rather that people are more busy dressing up and taking pride as it seemed to be a beauty pageant. It was only a few months ago that a good friend told me that it is something Marian and a religious practice? Will somebody enlighten me please?
This is the work of the mercy of our God, who comes from on high as a rising sun, shining on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, and guiding our feet into the way of peace.
~ Luke 1:78-79