As the festive season approaches and we embrace this time of preparation and joy, we extend a very warm Christmas greeting to you from the Columban Missionaries. I take this opportunity to thank you for your friendship to us in 2024, while at the same time calling once again on your generosity.
The donations you give to us are mainly directed to missionary work overseas, particularly in countries experiencing the traumas of conflict and poverty, such as Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines and Peru. However, God calls us here in Britain also to accompany people suffering hardship or fleeing injustice.
Recently I accompanied our new Society Leader, Fr. Andrei Paz, around Columban ministries in Birmingham. St. Chad’s Sanctuary, near the Catholic Cathedral, is a “drop-in” and welcome centre for asylum-seekers and refugees, where Columban priests, lay missionaries and volunteers have served over the years, including Fr. Ray Collier. Fr. Andrei was moved to see men and women from troubled areas of Africa, Asia and the Middle East queuing outside, and impressed at how efficiently and kindly the volunteers were dispensing food, clothes and advice to people in need.
Leaving the Sanctuary, we paid a visit to the nearby Anglican Cathedral. Although not as grand as the mediaeval cathedrals of England, it does boast one glorious feature — the colourful Victorian stained-glass windows by Edward Burne-Jones. One window in particular struck a chord. It depicts the Nativity scene, complete with Holy Family, shepherds and angels. This wonderful image connected us to what we’d witnessed in the Sanctuary – God giving Himself to us, while silently inviting us to give to others.
It is in this same spirit that I appeal to you now on behalf of the world-wide Columban family. In humble anticipation, thank you so much, and may the baby Jesus, so lovingly given to us, grant YOU every blessing, this Christmas and throughout the year ahead.
Your unwavering support to us over the past year has been a source of strength and hope, enabling us to continue our mission in solidarity with the poor. You have prayed with us, and your generosity and kindness have touched many lives.
Be assured that Columban missionaries across the world, from Santiago de Chile to Labasa in Fiji, will remember you especially in their prayers and Masses over the Christmas season. We gift to you also a seasonal prayer by Fr. Pat Sayles title ‘Born Among the Poor’.
In 2025, a year of Jubilee, we are called to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. Let us journey together in solidarity through the forthcoming year, bringing hope to the stranger and to the Earth, our common home.
May the peace of Christ be with you always,
Fr. John Boles.
Born Among the Poor
Lord Jesus,
You took on our human weakness
And chose to be born among the poor.
Open our hearts to feel
Your love for everyone in the world.
May we recognise you in the face
Of the poor and needy and suffering.
May we offer them a share in our plenty.
May we always seek you,
Always find you,
Always follow you.
Fr. Pat Sayles - The Prayer Trust
