Lord Jesus hanging on the Cross,
I raise sorrowful and shameful eyes to you.
You have granted me untold blessings
and I have repaid you by contributing to your Passion and death.
My hands took part in your scourging,
my voice was among those who denied you
and called for your death,
my thoughts brought about your crowning with thorns,
December 9, 2017
December 8, 2017
O God, who by the Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son,
we ask You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son,
You did preserve Her from all stain,
so too You would permit us, purified
through Her intercession, to come to You.
Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
December 8, 2017
When I joined the Columban Lay Missionary orientation program in 2002, I knew that my decision entailed a lot of letting go. I knew that there will be special occasions at home that I would miss. This includes one of the most important gatherings, a time to be home, a time with family during Christmas. Since 2003, I have only spent two Christmases with my family: 2009 and 2016.
December 7, 2017
Father, you prepared the Virgin Mary
to be the worthy mother of Your Son.
You let her share beforehand
in the salvation Christ would bring by His death,
and kept her sinless
from the first moment of her conception.
Help us by her prayers
to live in Your presence without sin.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ,
December 6, 2017
The year 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the Missionary Society of St. Columban. Below is a list of events and activities across the United States that are being held in celebration of our centennial. Please join us!
December 6, 2017
For millions of Filipinos, Christmas is a celebration of the family. They come together from around the world; they delight in the togetherness and sharing of respect. They honor the aged, bless the children, and feed the hungry. They fill the churches with light, song and festival, and they have joyful celebrations.
December 6, 2017
God Our Father we pray,
that through the intercession of St. Nicholas,
You will protect our children.
Keep them safe from harm,
and help them grow,
and become worthy of Your sight.
Give them strength,
to keep their Faith in You,
and to keep alive their joy,
in Your creation.
Through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen
December 5, 2017
May Christ support us all the day long,
till the shadows lengthen,
and the evening comes,
and the busy world is hushed,
and the fever of life is over
and our work is done.
Then in his mercy
may he give us a safe lodging,
and holy rest and peace at the last.
Amen.
December 4, 2017
I am standing in the center of the spacious main hall, the atrium, of the new Preda children's home for girls. The light from the transparent roof throws its soft and gentle light on the children playing nosily, shouting in glee. They are happy, running about, playing games, and laughing, cheerful and joyful. They had a sumptuous Christmas dinner and gifts and new clothes.
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.