The story is told of a good and prayerful woman who claimed to have had a vision of Christ. She went to see the bishop. "Did you talk to him?" he asked. "Yes," she replied, "I did." "Well," said the bishop, "the next time he appears to you ask the Lord this question: 'What was the bishop's greatest sin before he became a bishop?'" About three months later she returned.
August 1, 2018
On October 2017, I returned to Taiwan as a second term lay missionary. When I came back to Taiwan, I was so glad to see again many things that I am already quite familiar with. Seeing again the old neighborhood, the parks and the university campus where I used to visit, the restaurant where I used to eat, gave me great comfort.
August 1, 2018
We read and see reports about the terrible number of child sexual assaults and how few perpetrators ever get convicted. That is changing with the appointment of highly trained female judges to the Philippine family courts.
August 1, 2018
A fund-raising bazaar took place at Raviravi church today. A large multi-ethnic crowd attended, and there were different cultural items presented. We enjoyed a couple of mekes (traditional Fijian dances). Then a young Hindu lady, specially invited by the organizers, performed a classical South Indian dance. As she danced, an indigenous Fijian lady approached her, placed a two dollar note on her ear, knelt, did the cobo (clap of respect) and returned to her place.
August 1, 2018
Jesus Christ, my God,
I adore You and I thank You
for the many favors You have bestowed on me this day.
I offer You my sleep
and all the moments of this night,
and I pray that You preserve me from sin.
Therefore, I place myself in Your most sacred side,
and under the mantle of our Blessed Lady, my Mother.
May the holy Angels assist me
July 31, 2018
Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous,
to serve You as You deserve:
to give without counting the cost,
to fight heedless of the wounds,
to work and not seek for rest,
to toil and not seek for reward,
save the reward of knowing I am doing Your will.
Amen.
July 30, 2018
Saints of God,
who owe Your happiness to the Blood of Jesus;
Angelic spirits,
who sing Its glory and power,
Heavenly Virgin,
who to It owes the privileges
of your Immaculate Conception
and Divine Maternity,
help me to pay to the Precious Blood of my Redeemer
a perpetual homage of adoration,
reparation and thanksgiving.
Amen.
July 30, 2018
It started out like any other normal evening meal in the formation house in Fiji when we were informed we will be going to Peru for our FMA (First Mission Assignment). Two days after our arrival in Lima, Tex and I were called to a meeting with our FMA Director where he outlined the program. He mentioned there was a possibility of doing pastoral work in a school.
July 29, 2018
On Calvary you heard a voice,
well-known to you, which said:
"Woman, behold your Son".
By these words you were appointed the Mother of all believers.
July 28, 2018
Eternal Father,
turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind
and especially upon poor sinners,
all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus.
For the sake of His sorrowful passion show us Your mercy,
that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever.
Amen.
The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.