A very Happy Christmas to you from all the Columban Missionaries!
At this time of year we always hear that well-worn adage, “Christmas is a time for giving”. Indeed, we Columbans are deeply grateful for the donations and prayers supporters give to us, which have enabled us to continue our missionary work for over a century. However, the corollary to that also holds true: Christmas is a time for receiving as well. The process is reciprocal, with you supporters receiving from us Columbans as well as the Columbans from you.
When I visit our Columban friends in their homes and parishes, I’m always curious to know how people became supporters in the first place. What inspired them to start contributing to our mission? What inspired YOU?
Some heard a Columban speak at Mass. Others came across us in our magazine, the Far East, or their attention was caught by an update on Facebook or our website. Some supporters have ‘inherited’ us from their parents or other family members, but even then, we must have left a mark on someone, somehow, at some stage. During my visits, I have met people who ‘found’ us in the Philippines or Korea while serving in the military, and one who discovered Columban mission in Peru while on holiday!
The common factor is that something in what the person heard or read ‘touched a nerve’. They started giving to the Columbans because the Columbans had given something of value to them. Of course, this two-way traffic extends itself, because we are then able to continue sharing the Gospel values with the poor and marginalised in South America, Asia and the Pacific, whilst in turn being enriched by their lives.
Fr. Vinnie Busch’s work with the indigenous Subanen people in the Philippines is a powerful example of this and one of many ministries that your Christmas Appeal donation will support.
“We need to embrace the Subanen people’s ability to live within the limits of their habitat if we are to restore the beauty and bounty of our damaged Earth.” explains Fr. Vinnie, “When we do not, habitats are destroyed and families forced to seek new homes and livelihoods elsewhere.”
Fr. Vinnie and Subanen artists together create Christmas cards which link the Nativity story with the life of the Subanen people, and show how ordinary acts of kindness make God’s love visible. Many of you buy these cards to give to family and friends, who receive not only your love and seasonal greetings, but also an invitation to build communities that care for each other and the wounded Earth.
It is all a wonderful God-given merry-go-round of giving and receiving, all of which is helping to build up God’s Kingdom on Earth. Hallelujah!
This Christmas, I simply ask that, in your kindness, you could help this merry-go-round to keep circling by contributing to the work of the Columban Missionaries.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you! May God bless you and keep you at this sacred time.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John Boles
Columban Director in Britain
