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.

There are a good number of people who, by their works, words and simply by their being, have given voice to those who have none – especially the poor, those in the margins and creation – and have become inspirations to those who are wanting. They have given hope to peoples and nations to continue the works for justice, peace, dignity of life and integrity of creation, bringing about the love of God, the source of all life and goodness.

As the Missionary Society of St. Columban celebrates its 100 years this year, we honor those people who have given much from what they have, others have been maltreated, abused or ill-treated for the sake of the Gospel and some have been killed for standing up for what they believed in. There are also those who generously and selflessly helped out in whatever way they can so that the mission that Jesus started will continue to flourish.

It is our hope and prayer that the efforts and lives of these courageous people will not fade in vain but will spark a light in our troubled times and awaken our consciousness to the great work of loving life in all its forms and living out love amidst all the difficulties and challenges. And we do this with joy and gratitude to God who is love and life itself.

As we celebrate Flores de Mayo, which will culminate with the Santacruzan procession, we ask the help of the Blessed Mother to show us the way of peace and loving obedience to the will of the Father.