Update from Columban Lay Missionaries
By Rowena D. Cuanico
There are always exciting happenings at the Columban Lay Missionaries – Philippines, reasons for us to celebrate, rejoice and give thanks.
L to R Sherryl Lou Capili, Nanise Mounga, Joan Yap
PH 19, comprised of Joan Yap (Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay), Sherryl Lou Capili (Silang, Cavite) and Reina Mosqueda (Los Baños, Laguna) have completed their nine-month orientation program. After their commissioning Masses in their home parishes (9 May, 1 May and 8 May respectively) they will go to Taiwan for three years, the first of which will be spent learning Mandarin. As PH 19 implies, Joan, She and Reins belong to the 19th group of Filipino Columban lay missionaries to be sent on overseas mission.
PH17, L to R Virgie Tanate, Marivic Quilab, Marifei Padao, Lenette Toledo and Lorelei Ocaya
We have also welcomed back to the Philippines PH 17 – Lenette Toledo, Marivic Quilab, Virgie Tanate, Marife Padao and Lorelei Ocaya, after three years of missionary work in Ireland. They are currently enjoying their time with their families.
Philippines, new Korean LMs (K13) with Fr Colm McKeating; L to R Noh Hye In, Kim Sun Hee, Park Juri and Shin Hyun Jeong
After nearly 11 years we have welcomed again a new group of Korean lay missionaries. The members of K 13 are Kim Sun Hee, Shin Hyun Jeong, Noh Hye In and Park Juri. Part of their Orientation Program has included sessions on the Columbans in the Philippines, the History of Columban Lay Mission in the Philippines, and the History of the Philippines, during the last of which they visited the National Museum. They participated in the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at Our Lady of Remedies, Malate Parish, and took part in the Visita Iglesia. They have just begun their six-month Tagalog language studies.
L to R -Antonio Salas Villagomez, Marisol Tomasto, Ana Flores
We also welcomed back Marisol Rojas from Peru for another three years of mission work in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao. Marisol is currently taking a spirituality course at the Institute of Spirituality – Asia. Ana Belma Flores will be returning to the Philippines after she completes her English studies in Peru.
John Din on the left
We greeted with joy and gratitude to God the appointment of John Din as the new LM Coordinator of the Columban Lay Missionaries – Philippines. John, from Dinas, Zamboanga del Sur, has spent six years in Brazil and nearly 12 years in Peru. He also served as a member of the Central Leadership Team of the Columban Lay Missionaries.
Quezon City, Rowena D. Cuanico and Kyung-Ja Lee
As John returns to the Philippines, Kyung-Ja Lee returns to Korea to be Coordinator of the Columban Lay Missionaries – Korea. Kyung-Ja first arrived in the Philippines in October 2000. She has served in two parishes and has worked with the Migrants’ Ministry. She was a member of the Lay Mission Leadership Team for three years.
Fr Eamon Sheridan with lay missionaries Joan Yap, Reins Mosqueda, Au Luceno, Sherryl Lou Capili, Rowena Cuanico, Nanise Mo'unga
Nanise Mo’unga from Tonga continues with her various ministries at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Malate. Nani also serves as a member of the Lay Mission Leadership Team. Aurora Luceño is writing her thesis proposal for her masters at the East Asian Pastoral Institute. Au is also doing some volunteer work with the Center for Ignatian Spirituality.
Pakistan, Rowena Cagauauan, now in Fiji
Australian Fr Pat Baker has joined the Lay Mission Leadership Team as priest representative. He brings with him his vast experience in working with lay missionaries particularly in Mindanao.
Pakistan, L to R Annie Budiongan, Rowena Cagauauan (now in Fiji), Gloria Canama, Carmela Capistrano.
With these comings and goings, there are also endings. Aniceta Budiongan (Loboc, Bohol) has left after nearly 14 years on mission. She was in Ireland for six years and then spent three years in the Philippines as LM Coordinator. She went to Pakistan in 2007, working with indigenous communities.
Pakistan, Annie Budiongan
Pakistan, Carmela Capistrano on right.
Ana Carmela Capistrano (Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur) has also decided to leave the Columban Lay Missionaries after nearly five years on mission in Pakistan. Annie and Carms were together in the same parish in Badin in Sindh.
Fiji, Rowena D. Cuanico
Fiji, Columban Frs David Arms & Patrick Colgan with Rowena D. Cuanico
Rowena Cuanico (Catarman, Northern Samar) will also be finishing her commitment on 31 May. Rowena was in Fiji for nearly eight years. Since June 2008 she has been the LM Coordinator in the Philippines.