Pope Francis has chosen the motto "Miserando atque eligendo," meaning lowly but chosen; literally in Latin "by having mercy, by choosing Him." I was reminded at a Lenten recollection facilitated by another Columban priest that only those who experienced real mercy will also be able to show so much mercy to others.
In February 2015, I was appointed vice-rector to the Columban formation program in Korea. Just like any journey, my journey into formation ministry has been a step into the unknown. Along the way everything seemed new and, as a result, I felt anxious and excited at the same time.
We pray to You,
O almighty and eternal God!
Who through Jesus Christ
has revealed Your glory to all nations,
to preserve the works of Your mercy,
that Your Church,
being spread through the whole world,
may continue with unchanging faith
in the confession of your name.
Amen.
We adore you, O Christ,
and we bless you;
because by your Cross
you have redeemed the world.
Heart of Jesus,
I place all my trust in you.
Sweet Heart of Mary,
be my salvation!
Jesus, Mary, Joseph,
I give you my heart and my soul.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph,
assist me in my last agony.
On this 100-year anniversary of the Missionary Society of St. Columban, we lift up the Gospel values of mercy and justice at the heart of Columban mission.
Dear Lord Jesus and Mary, Mother of God,
Hold all these brave souls in the palm of your hand,
comfort them and their families.
Send angels of protection, love, and comfort
to all the service men and women still at war,
bring them home safely and comfort their families.
We ask all our prayers in Jesus' name.
Amen.
Movements and changes continue in the Philippines, at this time of celebration of 100 years of the Society of St. Columban. By God's grace we continue our mission of spreading God's love, especially with those on the margins.
Let not your hearts be troubled.
You who believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father's house there are many mansions.
Were it not so, I would have told you,
because I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I am coming again,
and I will take you to myself,
that where I am, there you also may be.
God of the desert,
as we follow Jesus into the unknown,
may we recognize the tempter when he comes;
let it be Your bread we eat,
Your world we serve
and You alone we worship.
As Columban missionaries celebrating our centennial, we look back with gratitude to God and to you, our benefactors, who have so generously supported us and our work for the past one hundred years. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our cofounders, Bishop Edward Galvin and Fr. John Blowick for their