Fossil fuels GOD'S WORK. Duterte's War Concern over the spate of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines' war on drugs

Transcription

1 MAGAZINE OF THE COLUMBAN MISSIONARIES Duterte's War Concern over the spate of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines' war on drugs Fossil fuels Columbans divest for the sake of the planet GOD'S WORK The oldest member of the Columban Sisters recalls her missionary life and memories of Bishop Galvin

2 CONTENTS 04 Duterte's War Up to 4,000 deaths are linked to the war against drugs in the Philippines. Fr John Keenan appeals for a more humane way of dealing with the problem. 06 Celebrating 100 A brief look ahead to the Missionary Society of St Columban's centenary celebrations which run from 23 November 2017 to 23 November Sharing Gospel Joy At a recent event in London, the Columban team offered perspectives on 'Mission in Today's World'. Stephen Awre reports on the workshops. 08 Hearing the Cry of the Earth and the Poor Ellen Teague outlines some of the campaigns which the Society in Britain is involved in. 10 God's Work The oldest Columban nun in the world, Sr Damien Rooney, shares some memories of life before she became a nun, and meeting Bishop Galvin. 12 Chiangmai Where Catholics are Increasing Fr Alo Connaughton talks to Bishop Francis Vira Arpondratana of Chiangmai in Thailand about the small but growing Christian population there. 14 Columban Divestment Amy Echeverria explains the significance of the Society's decision to commit itself to care of, and respect for, the earth by divesting from fossil fuels. 16 A Detour Visit Filipina lay missionary Liezl Noya Laradan recalls an important lesson she learnt during her mission with the Indo-Fijian community in Labasa. 18 Obituaries 19 Reflection 20 Columbans Who Died Violently on Mission 21 Stories from the Bible 22 Children's Section 23 Nature: Sassy Starlings

3 EDITORIAL THE FAR EAST Published seven times yearly by the Missionary Society of St Columban (Maynooth Mission to China). THE PURPOSE OF THE FAR EAST IS To promote an awareness of the missionary dimension of the Church among readers; report on the work of Columban priests, Sisters and lay missionaries; seek spiritual and material support for missionaries. Subscription 5 a year. Cheques/postal orders to be made payable to: "The Columban Fathers". Editor Sarah Mac Donald editorfareast@gmail.com Assistant Editor Sr Redempta Twomey Layout & Editorial Assistant Breda Rogers Manager Stephen Awre Original Design Gabriel Carbone Printers Southern Print, Dorset Columban Websites News, reports, reflections etc. Follow us Facebook: fareastmagazine Missionary Society of St Columban Widney Manor Road, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands, B93 9AB. Tel: (01564) Columban Sisters 209 Quebec Drive, East Kilbride, Glasgow, G75 8BB. Tel: (013552) Front Cover Filipino human rights advocates hold candles and placards during a candle light protest condemning recent extrajudicial killings in front of a church in Manila (16 September 2016). Photo: EPA/Francis R. Malasig. Happy new year to allour readers! Many thanks for all your prayers and support during Your unfailing support and encouragement sustains us. In his recent letter to the Church on the occasion of World Mission Sunday, entitled 'Missionary Church, Witness of Mercy', Pope Francis reminded us that All people and cultures have the right to receive the message of salvation which is God's gift to every person. This is all the more necessary when we consider how many injustices, wars and humanitarian crises still need resolution. The end of every year offers us an opportunity to look back at the year that has just passed. We were all impressed by the tremendous performance of our athletes at the Paralympics and the Olympic games. It is fair to say that we were all thrown into turmoil by the Brexit result that came as a surprise to many. We were saddened and shocked at the continuing tragedy of the refugees and asylum seekers and at the same time were encouraged by so many acts of community and individual generosity to help in the tragedy. At the Columban level we were privileged to open a house in a disused parish in Birmingham to give temporary shelter to nine desperate asylum seekers in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Birmingham. In 2018, the Columbans celebrate 100 years since our foundation. You will be hearing a lot about this in the Far East during the coming months. As we look back on 100 years of Columban Mission, we give thanks to God for all the gifts and challenges which have been showered on us. At this important moment in our history we commit ourselves with renewed energy to what the future may bring, confident that the God of Mission will continue to inspire and guide us. The Centenary is an opportunity, not only to celebrate with joy, but also to discern our small but unique contribution to God's mission in the future. In Britain, our basic mission has four aspects: to raise awareness of and ask support for Columban missions; to work in solidarity with the poor and the exploited earth for justice, peace and the integrity of creation; to promote lifegiving relationships between peoples of different cultures and religions; to facilitate mission for others and the exchange of personnel and resources between Britain and other places where Columbans work. In doing all this we are very grateful to the British people who have supported us so well over the years. You are part of our Mission and we invite you to be part of our Centenary celebrations and our discernment on what God may be calling us to. We are grateful to you our readers and benefactors who have so generously supported us and our work of bring God's Good News to the ends of the earth. We Columban missionaries remain optimistic and open to the new things that God is doing in mission. The mission of God continues, at times in surprising ways. May the good Lord shower on you an abundance of blessings during this coming year. Fr Peter Hughes, Director, Region of Britain FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY

4 PHILIPPINES Fr John Keenan has seen first hand the cost of the crackdown on drugs in the Philippines. Here he appeals for a more humane way of dealing with this menace. duterte's war The 'war on drugs' initiated by President Rodrigo Duterte on 1 July 2016 has made headlines around the world. The 5th commandment 'Thou shall not kill' has been widely ignored. Most of the extrajudicial killings take place among the poor. Even women are killed and sometimes children are caught in the crossfire. I celebrate Mass in a shantytown each Sunday morning. After Mass recently, I was invited to bless a house. Filipinos will not sleep in a house where a murder has taken place until it is blessed. We proceeded along the narrow pathways in the shantytown. Towards the end of the pathway I was led through a narrow passageway which then led to very narrow stairs up to a small room. The couple living there told me their brother, who had slept on plywood in a corner of the shack, had been shot dead at close range by a policeman who had made his way up the narrow stairs. Such incidents are all too common especially in poor areas in this ongoing war against drugs. Since the new government took over in July 2016 some 4,000 people have been summarily executed. They are suspected drug dealers and addicts denied the due process that is their right. This is despite many concerns raised by prominent human rights advocates. Agnes Callamard, the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial and summary executions has highlighted, "The State has a legally binding obligation to ensure the right to life and security of every person in the country, whether suspected of criminal offences or not." I was asked to bless another home where the man of the house had been shot dead as he rested. It was a twostorey rickety shack. His wife showed me their small baby. Afterwards, the woman living downstairs asked me to bless her room. She pointed out to me the ceiling boards where the victim's blood had trickled down. The wake was held on the street because the shack was too small for the coffin. Another woman talked about how her husband had been shot in front of their children. He pleaded to be allowed to kiss his children goodbye. That was denied to him and he was taken outside and summarily executed. Even when people surrender they are shot dead in this sustained 'war on drugs'. To add insult to injury the poor people have to raise funds to bury their murdered loved ones. In the Year of Mercy the killing went on without mercy. The appeals of human rights groups, the US, EU, the International Criminal Court, to end the summary executions are ignored. The aim is to kill three million. President Duterte has made his intentions clear as a GMA 4 FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

5 News report revealed. "If Germany had Hitler, the Philippines would have...," he said, pausing and pointing to himself... "There are three million drug addicts. I'd be happy to slaughter them." The root cause of drug addiction is poverty. Many children cannot go to school so they are illiterate and can find no employment; then they become involved in the drugs trade to survive. Some live on the streets, others in oneroomed shacks in inhumane conditions. They sniff glue and the solvent shabu to assuage the pangs of hunger. There are no concrete programmes to address the problems of unemployment, inadequate housing, subsidised food and education for the poor. The human cost of the 'war on drugs' is enormous. Families are devastated. Communities are infiltrated by spies and informers. Many become widows and orphans. Even women are being killed by the police or vigilante groups. One woman was hired by her husband to become a killer; as no one would have suspected her to be an assasin, she was able to move in and kill at close range. She has already killed six. She regrets what she has done as she herself has children. But if she quits this bloody 'job' she fears that she too will be killed. In theory, suspected drug users are given the choice of surrendering or being shot. Often those who surrender are still shot dead. If not, they are imprisoned in inhumane over-crowded jails in terrible conditions. They are supposed to go to a rehabilitation centre but these are few and far between. There is a serious shortage of doctors, nurses and trained counsellors to help addicts to recover. They are sick people in need of healing from their addiction not criminals to be shot at sight. Church people are being asked to help in the rehabilitation process but they are unprepared for the huge numbers. The killing must stop and the victims of drug addiction must be given a chance to recover and rebuild their lives. That is their basic human right. Unless the Government changes its policy, the killing will continue and we'll have many more destitute widows and orphans. There must be another way to deal with the drugs menace. The people deserve better. Fr John A. Keenan is from Scardaune, Claremorris, Co Mayo. He has served in the Manila area of the Philippines since 1966, apart from ten years spent in Ireland, England and Scotland. The root cause of drug addiction is poverty. Many become involved in the drugs trade to survive. To make a comment on this article go to facebook.com/fareastmagazine Photos: Shutterstock.com FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY

6 centenary CELEBRATING 100 This commemorative year opens on St Columban's Day 23 rd November 2017 and concludes on St Columban's Day 23 rd November T he Missionary Society of St Columban will mark a very important milestone in 2018 when it commemorates 100 years since the Maynooth Mission to China was officially founded in Events connected with this momentous anniversary will take place in 2017 and This commemorative year opens on St Columban's Day 23 November 2017 and concludes on St Columban's Day 23 November During the centenary year, the Far East will mark its own milestone. In January 2018, the magazine will have seen 100 years of continuous publication. Looking back over 100 years of Columban mission, Fr Peter Hughes, the regional director in Britain observed, We give thanks to God for all the gifts and challenges which have been showered on us. The centenary is an opportunity, not only to celebrate with joy, but also to discern our small but unique contribution to God's mission in the future. As Fr Pat Raleigh, regional director for Ireland has highlighted, it is about looking forward as well as looking back. The Far East will, from the November 2017 issue, and to coincide with the opening of the centenary celebrations, republish some material from our archives as part of our recognition of all that has gone before us. The magazine will also highlight mission today in the 21st century, underlining that the same Spirit animates the Church then and now, and that the same commitment, generosity and tireless dedication exists among Columban members today as it did yesterday. 01. Bishop Edward Galvin baptises an infant in China in the early years of the Maynooth Mission to China. 02. Fr Edward Galvin from an article in the Far East of December Bishop Galvin and Fr Blowick in Dalgan Park in FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

7 We britain SHARING GOSPEL JOY Stephen Awre, office manager in Solihull, writes about a recent event in London where the Columban team offered perspectives on 'Mission in Today's World'. Pictured above is Fr Tom O'Reilly with the author, Stephen Awre. must never tire of sharing the joy of the Gospel," Fr Tom O'Reilly told those gathered last October in the Archdiocese of Westminster to look at how mission has evolved since Vatican II. Fr O'Reilly, who was Director of the Society in Britain for five years, and worked for a decade in Pakistan, underlined that "all of us are missionaries, rooted in our baptism". "Reading the signs of the times" he said, "we must listen and receive before we speak and give". Using Rublev's icon of the Trinity as a focus, he called for a Church that is "open, welcoming and hospitable", particularly to people who are poor, strangers or migrants. A transcript of Fr Tom's talk is available at co.uk or from the Columban Mission Office in Solihull Tel: In 2016, the Columbans visited parishes in Westminster Archdiocese for the Annual Mission Appeal, and the day was offered in thanksgiving for the welcome, hospitality and generous support received. Participants sat at tables named after countries where Columbans work, and browsed stalls of Columbans, Pax Christi, CAFOD and Westminster Justice and Peace Commission. Four workshops included a 'Perspectives-on-the-ground' meeting with three Columban missionaries Fr Liam Carey who is based in Peru, Fr Denis Carter who worked for 17 years in Pakistan and Julia Corcoran who spent a year as a Columban 'Faith in Action' volunteer and visited Columban missionaries working on the US/Mexico border. Ellen Teague of the Columban Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) team ran a workshop on 'The inspiration of Laudato Si'. She highlighted Columban action on environmental justice and promoted a study programme based on the 2015 environment encyclical. Mauricio Silva, the Columban Inter- Religious Dialogue and Lay Mission Coordinator, spoke about Fatima House, a collaborative project between the Archdiocese of Birmingham and the Columbans, which offers temporary accommodation to up to nine destitute women asylum-seekers. The Westminster Diocesan Agency for Evangelisation's Fr Chris Vipers and Ausra Cane ran a workshop exploring ways to create a secure legacy for evangelisation in Westminster Archdiocese in response to Evangelii Gaudium. The day concluded with Mass celebrated by the current Columban Director, Fr Peter Hughes, who used the Prayer of St Francis as an inspiration for Columban mission to work for God's Kingdom on Earth. Bernadette Farrell's Jubilee Song concluded, with the lyrics: "Through all times and through all ages, your Word is our living way. That the world be made new, keep your gospel people true. Let us once again with courage, rise and follow you." FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY

8 jpic in Britain 01 hearing the cry of the earth and the poor Ellen Teague marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Columban publication Vocation for Justice and outlines some of the other JPIC campaigns the Society is involved in. In his inspiring 2015 encyclical Laudato Si', Pope Francis urged the faithful to "Hear the cry of the Earth and the Cry of the poor". His appeal resonated with Columban missionaries who in 1994 said, "in looking at the world and the missionary challenges it presents, we do so from the evangelical standpoint of solidarity with the poor and the exploited Earth." In all the countries where Columbans work there is a mission for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC). In Britain, the JPIC mission outreach team comprises Peter Hughes SSC (Coordinator), Ellen Teague (Media), and James Trewby (Education). Focus is on the international Columban priorities of migration, environmental justice, economic justice and peace. Welcoming Migrants On 2 October last, Columban priests and lay missionaries joined Birmingham's Archbishop Bernard Longley on a Refugee Walk of Witness. He carried a Lampedusa Cross made from pieces of a refugee boat that was wrecked off the coast of Italy. Walkers carried the words of Pope Francis: "We ourselves need to see, and then to enable others to see, that migrants and refugees are brothers and sisters to be welcomed, expected and loved." The previous week, Columban Fr Aodh O'Halpin and Ellen Teague supported a similar refugee solidarity march in London, calling on the Government to do more to aid refugees ahead of a UN Summit on refugees and migrants. Earlier in the year, Columban Superior General, Fr Kevin O'Neill, joined Columban missionaries for the annual Migrants' Mass at Westminster Cathedral, celebrated by Cardinal Vincent Nichols which attracted around 2,000 migrants. Environmental Justice Ellen Teague was part of a Columban delegation to the Paris Climate Talks in December 2015, which concluded with an international agreement to tackle global 8 FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

9 warming. In the first five days of climate negotiations, the fasting, praying, and handing over of multi-signatory petitions impressed negotiators. The Columban delegation felt blessed to have played a role in that, networking with the Global Catholic Climate Movement. Climate change has been kept in the public eye, with Columbans in the Philippines and Fiji reporting the devastation caused to poor communities after mega-typhoons. Columban JPIC supports the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on 1 September and the Season of Creation - 1 September to 4 October. The Columbans' announcement on 4 October 2015 that the Society was divesting from fossil fuels was advertised, and also Sean McDonagh's new book, On Care for Our Common Home, Laudato Si. Columban JPIC has given many Laudato Si' talks in England and Scotland and promoted a Columban study guide based on the encyclical. Ellen Teague is an assessor for the Livesimply Parish Award, where parishes commit to living simply, sustainably and in solidarity with poor communities in the global south. Peacemaking Columban JPIC has supported Pax Christi's peace education work looking at the issues of refugees and war, the global arms trade, the billions spent annually on war and war preparations. On Ash Wednesday, Columban JPIC attended the annual vigil against nuclear war preparations at London's Ministry of Defence. In Spring 2015, Ellen Teague chaired training sessions in London on 'Sowing the Seeds of Peace: Getting across our message on Trident', focusing on Britain's plans to upgrade its nuclear weapons system at a cost of at least 100 billion. Columbans support the annual peace service at Westminster Cathedral on 8 August Nagasaki Day. Also, Columbans showed solidarity in South Korea with Jeju Island residents who have challenged the building of a nuclear naval base at a pristine World Heritage site. Invitation to Mission James Trewby regularly runs school retreats and JPIC days in Catholic schools, exploring a faith that calls for action on justice and peace, for example through using an interactive justice and peacethemed 'pic 'n' mix prayer stations'. He is involved in a 'Meet a Missionary' programme where young people interview missionaries such as Fr Liam O'Callaghan in Pakistan over the internet. He has brought youth workers to visit Columban inter-faith ministry in Birmingham. The 'Invitation to Mission' programme has now seen two groups from Britain undertake short exposure visits to see Columban mission to migrants at the US/ Mexico border. First they had preparation weekends, exploring homelessness, mission and migration. Newsletter marks 30 years Vocation for Justice is a 12-page magazine sent out three times a year from the JPIC team to around 8,000 readers, and 2016 saw its thirtieth year. It was founded in 1986 by Columbans Ed O'Connell and Mike Kelly. Over the years Vocation for Justice has promoted many campaigns, including Jubilee 2000, Stop Destructive Mining in the Philippines, and Make Poverty History. It is very much appreciated by the National Justice and Peace Network, whose annual conference is supported with workshops, media and by a Columban stall. The July 2017 conference has a Columban as keynote speaker - Fr Peter Hughes, who formerly served as part of the Conference of Latin American Bishops Secretariat, based in Colombia. Ellen Teague is a London-based freelance Catholic journalist who is a member of the JPIC team of the Columban Missionary Society in Britain. She edits their newsletter Vocation for Justice. Married with three sons, she is also a member of the National Justice and Peace Network of England and Wales' (NJPN) Environment Working Group. 02 The 'Invitation to Mission' programme has now seen two groups from Britain undertake short exposure visits to see Columban mission to migrants at the US/ Mexico border. 01. Columban JPIC delegation at the Paris Climate talks. 02. Archbishop Bernard Longley and Fr Peter Hughes SSC at the Refugee Walk in Birmingham. 03. Current JPIC team (l to r) Peter Hughes SSC (Coordinator), Ellen Teague (Media), with Vocation for Justice founder Ed O'Connell, intern Julia Corcoran and James Trewby (Education). To make a comment on this article go to facebook.com/fareastmagazine 03 FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY

10 columban sisters 01 god's work Sr Damien Rooney is the oldest Columban Sister in the world. She shares some of her memories of life before she became a nun and meeting Bishop Edward Galvin in China. I went to China because we used to get the Far East. I was the eldest of six children - four girls and then two boys. We grew up between Roscommon town and Castlerea. I read about China in the magazine and decided this is where I would like to end up. I wrote to the Columban Sisters and I was invited to meet the person in charge of vocations in Dublin when I was seventeen." "I had a boyfriend, and would you believe it, he helped in my vocation. His name was PJ. My mother would ask me in the evening to get two cans of water from the pump. PJ would offer to come with me. 'I'll go up with Molly, and I'll help to carry the cans of water.' My mother didn't refuse." One day he said to me, 'Will you marry me?' I responded, 'If you'd asked me last year maybe I would have, but this year there is somebody...' And he asked me, 'Who is the fellow?' and I told him, 'Jesus Christ.' He replied, 'Not another!' A previous girl in his life had entered the Presentation Sisters in Galway. She only died a few years ago." "The day I entered, the 1 st October 1940, PJ came to see me that morning to say goodbye. He was a true blue. He did get married to a very nice lady six years after I entered. They had no family and he died at 45 from kidney trouble. He was such a good fellow. He is certainly in heaven." "It was very hard leaving my father and my mother very hard. The only thing about it is that God was in it. They told me, 'If this is what you choose, we're all for it'. We said goodbye and we thought we would never meet again." "After I entered and did my postulancy, I was told to do nursing, which took three 10 FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

11 years, because I was going to China after I was professed. Mother Mary Patrick was our superior general." "We travelled to China on an aircraft carrier. It was after the Second World War and there was nothing else available. We left from England. It was hard going and took a month to get there. We went out to China and we thought we would never see home again." "In 1946, I was missioned in Hanyang city. Bishop Edward Galvin was there (the first bishop of Hanyang) and Fr Dan Fitzgerald. Bishop Galvin was very gentle and very nice. He would come over to the Sisters' home just across the road to tell us whatever news there was. We liked him very much; he was a very good holy man." "Fr Dan was always the perfect priest always. He too was a very good man and he loved Jesus Christ. He was the same his whole 100 years until the day God took him (9 August 2016). He is above in heaven now. He was a priest to the day he died." "Our life in China was tough, in a way it was much tougher than now. But we had a vocation. I was working in a hospital the Columbans were setting up which dealt with maternity matters as well as general health. It was hard going, but you were doing it for a purpose you were doing it for God with other Sisters who were of like mind." "Learning the Chinese language was a necessity; you had to know the language. It is a difficult language but we did our best and learnt enough of it to carry on our daily life. Some of our Sisters are excellent at Chinese." "Bishop Galvin was a great man and was looked up to by the people as well as the missionaries. He was out there 40 years and in the end he was expelled. We all had to leave. The Communists had Bishop Galvin there night, noon and morning." "After the expulsions from China we went to Hong Kong. I was based at the TB sanatorium for 10 years looking after the patients and then I came home for a holiday for a few weeks and I got to see my family, it was lovely." Sr Damien spent most of her missionary life in Asia, China and then Hong Kong. Over the years she held various positions of authority, including Matron of Ruttonjee Sanatorium and superior of the community. "I was in Hong Kong until Then I was sent to 02 Birmingham in the UK, to help in the formation of our young Sisters. While there, I used to visit the men in Winson Green prison every week, a ministry I loved. I am back in Ireland since about 2006." She has a wide circle of friends, especially Chinese, with whom she keeps in touch. She prays unceasingly for the missions. "This is my mission now. I am 95 now; life now is so different. But when you look back on the whole thing, it is one continuous line. God was in the whole thing. I believe in religious life absolutely it is God's work. I just loved it and the God who directs us." On the death of Fr Dan Fitzgerald, Fr Pat Raleigh wrote: It was very fitting that his lifelong friend of 70 years, Sr Damien Rooney was present for his Funeral Mass. 00 During the Mass I presented Sr Damien with a Miraculous medal and chain that Dan very much cherished. 01. Sr Damien with a mother and child at the Caritas Centre in Fanling. 02. A recent picture of Sr Damien Rooney. 03. Sr Damien visiting the boat people in Aberdeen on Hong Kong Island. 04. Sr Damien with Hakka people in Fanling. To make a comment on this article go to facebook.com/fareastmagazine FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY

12 THAILAND 01 Chiangmai - where Catholics are increasing Fr Alo Connaughton interviews Bishop Francis Vira Arpondratana of Chiangmai in Thailand about the small but growing Christian population there. Q Could you give a rough idea of the terrain and the people in your diocese. a Chiangmai is the most northerly of the ten dioceses of Thailand. It is bordered by Myanmar and Laos and a drive of less than an hour will take you into China. About 90% of the people belong to six big ethnic groups. In the past many of them migrated from Yunnan in China. It is a mountainous area and in the years gone by one of the main activities was growing poppies for the opium trade. In more recent times, big efforts were made to change this and a lot of the people now grow conventional crops like rice, tea, coffee, fruit and flowers. Q You mentioned six large groups; what are they? a The largest group, the Karens (or Kariens) make up about 60% of the population. These are close 'relatives' of the Karens across the border in Myanmar (Burma). The Akha, with 20% of the population are the next biggest group. The others are the Lahu, Lisu, Yao and Hmong. All the groups are quite different in language, culture and character. For example, the Karen people tend to be reserved, even shy, whereas the Hmong who make up 5% of the population are the opposite; they are extrovert and very successful business people. Q What about the religion of the people? a About 92% of Thailand's 68 million people are Buddhist and around 4% 12 FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

13 are Muslim. The Christian population of the country is less than 1%. In the north of Thailand the people who live in the mountains are generally animists. They are close to nature, they have a strong belief in spirits and in many ways this leaves them more open to Christianity. Q When did Christianity come to Thailand? a The first Catholic missionaries came with the Portuguese in the 1500s. The Protestants were the first to go to Chiangmai and, in fact, Catholics were unable to work there for a long time because of hostility from them. The Paris Foreign Missionaries came to Chiangmai in the 1930s and later, the Betharram Congregation. Today there is a good ecumenical spirit among the Christians. Q In many parts of the world the number participating in the Catholic Church is declining how about Chiangmai? a Quite the contrary; each year we have had around 1,700 adult baptisms and in fact at the moment we have around 16,000 catechumens; that is adults who are preparing for Baptism in the Catholic Church. Q What attracts people to the Church? a The first thing you have to take into account is the action of the Holy Spirit. But there are other factors. For example, our diocese does a lot for the promotion of education for both Catholics and non- Catholics. For people who live in isolated villages this is important. Many parishes have boarding facilities for children and youth from the mountains who want to attend schools. Often the Catholic communities are seen as more tolerant and forgiving than the traditional religions. Q What is the state of personnel in the diocese? a We have 95 priests, 160 Sisters and 11 religious brothers and a team of lay catechists. We have 48 parishes but some of those parishes have up to 50 of what we call stations. These are chapels or places where the local community meet for Mass and they can be 70km or more from the parish centre. Many of these stations are in mountainous areas and involve a lot of walking. In all, we have 850 stations and 550 of these are chapels. Obviously, with so many small communities the priest can't visit very often. Lay leadership is important. We have 180 catechists but 70% don't have much preparation. Q How about youth participation? A We have a lot of youth involvement. For example at the last event in Chiangmai we had around 1,000 young people present. Big annual events can bring as many as 6,000 together. One reason of course is that in the rural villages the families still have 4-5 children and there isn't much competition for the attention of youth; in big cities like Bangkok the situation is very different. Q If someone appeared with a magic wand to grant you three wishes what would they be? a I'll mention two. The first one would be to give better continuing religious formation to newly-baptised people. Priests are so stretched that they have little possibility of doing much more than attend to the basic services. A second wish would be to get sponsorship to finance the education and formation of a lot more lay leaders. Outsiders are often willing to offer money for buildings but less interested in the formation of people. We urgently need more lay leaders. Sometimes we get offers of help from outside but of course the ability to speak Thai language is absolutely necessary. Fr Alo Connaughton is a former editor of the Far East magazine. Ordained in 1969, he is now involved in the formation of seminarians in Thailand and China. Often the Catholic communities are seen as more tolerant and forgiving than the traditional religions. 01. Dance group of Akha women. Photo: Nat. 02. Bishop Francis Vira Arpondratana of Chiangmai in Thailand. Photo: Alo Connaughton. 03. Outdoor Mass in the mountains of Chiangmai attended mainly by Karen. Photo: Fr Boolaert Sangkusolnaipasuta. To make a comment on this article go to facebook.com/fareastmagazine FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY

14 environment Columban divestment Amy Woolam Echeverria writes about the Columbans' decision to divest from fossil fuels as part of their commitment to care and respect for the earth. St Columban, known for his mystical relationship with the natural world, is quoted as saying, If you want to know the Creator, know Creation. Today, Columban missionaries incorporate this spirituality of care and respect for Creation as integral to our missionary identity and way of participating in God's mission. This has led Columbans to dedicate ourselves to education and advocacy, nationally and internationally, on key ecological issues like climate change, water, food, extractive industries and biodiversity. Similarly, our grassroots projects in places like Chile, Pakistan, Philippines, Peru, and the US, which include sustainable farming, reforestation, renewable energy, access to water, and partnership with indigenous peoples, offer local and global witness to our commitment to bringing the human and natural world into a relationship of healing and wholeness. For nearly a century, gospel values of solidarity with the economically poor and the wounded earth, dignity of all of God's Creation, and dialogue with peoples of other religions and cultures has permeated Columban mission. Since the late 1980s, and specifically from our 1988 General Assembly, Columbans began to articulate more socially and environmentally responsible policies (SRI) that guide our investments. Our current SRI policy states, "We believe our investment policy is an important dimension of our missionary charism which offers a Christian witness in the business community." More recently, we see how the global climate crisis, a Columban priority, is creating permanent wounds both to the human and natural world with the increase in disastrous weather patterns. These result in unprecedented storms like Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and Cyclone Winston in Fiji. Not uncommon are intense earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis in places like Japan, Chile, New Zealand, Pakistan, Myanmar, and China. We see droughts in Australia and the US that go on for years. We know, both through our missionary experience, and by what global climate scientists tell us, that our 14 FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

15 human dependence on fossil fuels is a significant cause of climate change and its devastating consequences. Faced with this reality, in 2016, on the feast of St Francis, in a joint announcement coordinated by the Global Catholic Climate Movement the Columbans pledged to take steps to divest from fossil fuels and move towards positive impact investing - to align ever more closely our investment practices ever more closely with our missionary vision, values, and witness. The statement explained, 'This is a concrete step we can take as missionaries to demonstrate our commitment to the care of and respect for the earth as well as faithful stewardship of the goods entrusted to us.' 1 Pope Francis, and his encyclical Laudato Si' has been a significant source of inspiration and action for Columbans and the Church as a whole. Dedicated entirely to reimagining our relationship with the natural world, the Pope is clear and specific in Laudato Si' as to what kind of actions we are called to take. For example, he says that... "technology based on the use of highly polluting fossil fuels.needs to be progressively replaced without delay" (par 165) and that, "A change in lifestyle could bring healthy pressure to bear on those who wield political, economic, and social power. This is what consumer movements accomplish by boycotting certain products" (par 206). For Columbans, these two statements offer leadership and practical guidance in our discernment process to choose divestment and positive impact investing as two key SRI strategies. We are happy to join in and partner with a growing movement of Catholic institutions such as universities, religious orders, missionary societies, and dioceses that are committing to divestment from fossil fuels and towards positive impact investing. We see this as another way of offering our global solidarity and financial stewardship. The divestment movement is also an opportunity to work ecumenically and with interfaith partners who are also taking steps to move away from fossil fuels investments, and towards positive impact investing. Our most recent General Assembly in 2012 affirmed that, "Our commitment to communion, and our solidarity with the poor and the exploited earth, challenges us as individuals to personal lifestyle change. As a Society, we are called to use the resources entrusted to us for the life of the world." 2 We know that divestment from fossil fuels and an increase in positive impact investing will take years to implement to their fullest potential, but we are hopeful that, with each step taken, we are participating in and contributing to the right relationships with all of God's Creation. Amy Woolam Echeverria serves as the International Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Coordinator for the Columbans and is a member of the Society's Central Administration. Amy began her missionary life with the Columbans in Chile. She is currently based in Washington DC. 1 Missionary Society of St Columban, General Council Divestment and PII Statement, Missionary Society of St Columban. Called to Communion General Assembly p.17. Our commitment to communion, and our solidarity with the poor and the exploited earth, challenges us as individuals to personal lifestyle change. To make a comment on this article go to facebook.com/fareastmagazine Images:

16 Fiji A DETOUR VISIT Filipina lay missionary Liezl Noya Laradan's ministry during her first term of mission in Fiji was with the only Indo- Fijian community in Labasa. She was known to the locals by her Hindi name, 'Lata'. She went for regular home visits and joined prayer meetings in the town and she was also involved with the Catholic Women's League in the diocese. One day, after coming from a visit to an Indian family, I found myself resting comfortably at the mission house. But then, Auntie Bebie, one of the women I worked with in the community, came in saying, "Lata, we will go tonight to visit the Hindu family who invited you." I remembered that I had given my word to visit them before, so I agreed to go despite feeling tired. I prayed that God would give me strength and lead me. After resting awhile, I went with one of our parishioners, Uncle Sammy, who was accompanying me on the visit. Walking at night, with only the torch to guide us, I had no idea where we were going. Soon enough, we arrived at the house, which was located near a small bridge, and saw a man outside called Muna, whom I had visited before. I was disappointed when he told us that the family was away. I realised then that they were not informed that we were coming. After a short conversation with Muna, I asked my companion, "So, where to next?" We decided to visit another family instead. The starry night gave me peace of mind and soothed me as we continued on our journey. I felt excited because although the family might be surprised by our unexpected visit, I had been to their house before to attend their daughter's engagement. When we arrived, the family was confused, asking who was knocking at their door. As we entered, I saw them tidying up the room where there was a mat and the yangona (ceremonial drink) on the floor. I spent time talking to the children in Hindi, and their mother and I conversed about the usual family matters. But it was their grandmother, seated beside me, who shared more deeply about their family. She told me that her daughter-in-law had three children, but the third child is the son of her present husband. I didn't quite understand what she meant until she confided their story to me. The first husband was her eldest son. Sadly, he died, leaving his young family. Then her second son married his deceased brother's wife. This is because the family wanted to keep everyone 16 FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

17 together and take care of the two children. They thought no other man other than the son would marry her and love her children as his own. She continued to share more stories about hardships and problems within their family, which led to the story about her second son. When he was born, he was healthy and well. But when he was about four years old, he had an accident. His uncle, who liked to play with him by tossing him up into the air and catching him, failed to catch him. So he fell hitting his head on the ground. The accident affected his hearing, but still, he was able to study in school. It was when he finished Form 7 (the equivalent of high school) that the family found out that he was hard of hearing. I'm amazed how he managed to deal with this challenge on his own, keeping it from his family for many years. He received a lot of help from others. There was a good man who gave him a hearing aid, but unfortunately, he lost it when a flood hit the town. People around town offered him work like cutting grass or repairing electrical problems. He works very hard to provide for his family. He and his wife love each other and he lives peacefully with his family. I am touched by his life story and that of his family. They reminded me of the story of Cain and Abel from the Old Testament in the Bible, when God asked Cain: "Where is your brother?" We are called to be always mindful of the people around us, especially within our own family for we are accountable to each other. My unplanned visit to this family was an opportunity for me to see their reality. I realise that sometimes detours are much better than the planned visits I take. It is always a blessing for me to come across people who welcome my presence and share with me their stories, joys and insights. For I've learned many lessons in life from being with people. Liezl Ladaran is from the Philippines. She has been a lay missionary in Fiji islands since May She is currently assigned in the Columban parish in Ba. He received a lot of help from others. There was a good man who gave him a hearing aid, but unfortunately, he lost it when a flood hit the town. 01. Indigenous Fijian and Indo-Fijian friends. 02. A group of Fijian men in ceremonial dress. To make a comment on this article go to facebook.com/fareastmagazine FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY

18 Obituaries REST IN PEACE Sr M Enda Staunton was the eldest of eleven children from Carraholly, Westport, Co Mayo. On finishing her secondary school education in the Presentation Convent, Tuam, she joined the Columban Sisters in After profession she studied medicine and qualified as a doctor. In 1955, Sr Enda was sent to Korea where, with three other Sisters, she laid the foundation for a new mission, and began her ministry to the underprivileged in Mokpo. People were recovering from the devastating effects of the Korean War which left many families in great poverty. With the help of the Columban Fathers, and generous benefactors, the Sisters built up a fine clinic and later opened a hospital where hundreds of patients were treated. Always cheerful, her selfless dedication to the sick and the poor characterised her whole life. After nearly ten years she was sent to Chunchon where she set up a clinic serving tubercular patients in their homes in rural areas. Her next assignment, in 1975, was to Jeju Island where she again treated the poor and the sick, ministered to prisoners, prostitutes, alcoholics, lepers, and patients with AIDS. Later she saw the need for hospice care for the terminally ill. Her work featured on Korean television a number of times and among the many awards accorded her was the 'President's Medal' for her outstanding contribution to Korean life. She returned to Ireland in 2007 and after a long illness, she returned home to the Lord peacefully on 16 November 2016 at almost 94 years of age. She is buried in Magheramore. May she rest in peace. Fr Michael Augustine Duffy was born on 28 November 1931 at Johnstown, Co Meath. He was a younger brother of Columban Fr Fergus Duffy who died in Michael was educated in Navan and Dublin and came to Dalgan in He was ordained priest on 21 December Michael obtained an MA in Social Studies at Antigonish, Nova Scotia and this was followed by studies in Journalism at Denver in 1959 while awaiting a visa for Burma. In May 1960, when his request for a visa had been refused, he was assigned to promotion work in the US from Westminster and San Francisco houses. In 1962, he was appointed to the college staff at Milton, MA and in 1963 to Silver Creek. He was appointed to the Philippines in 1966 and spent 20 years in Zambales in the parishes of San Narciso, San Antonio, San Felipe, Castilejos, Poonbato, and Botolan. In 1986, he was appointed Director of College Formation in Cebu and in 1988 he went to Manila where for three years he worked on Justice and Peace issues from a base in Tondo. In 1989, he was appointed to the Region of Britain where he served until During those years he worked on Mission Promotion and served several terms as vice-director of the Region from 1995 to Michael was a gentle, quiet man with a self-deprecating sense of humour. Appointed to Ireland in 2003, he served as editor of the Regional Newsletter until deteriorating health confined him to Dalgan Nursing Home. He died peacefully on 21 November May he rest in peace. MAKING YOUR WILL? Make a Difference! Please remember the needs of Columban missionaries and their missions. Without your help we cannot continue our work. Your gift could help some of the most marginalised and neediest. Missionary Society of St Columban, Widney Manor Road, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands, B93 9AB. 18 FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

19 reflection What do you want me to do for you The blind beggar heard the crowd passing him on the road. Feet hurrying, people talking, all moving quickly along. What was going on? "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." It was enough. Immediately the beggar shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!" He was making a nuisance of himself. Shut up, they warned him. But this was not a man to be silenced. He had heard of the Nazarene. He knew, beyond a shadow of doubt that he would help him. This was his chance and no one, no crowd was going to stop him. So, he shouted louder, "Son of David, have pity on me!" (Mk 10: 46-52). Jesus stopped. The crowd stopped. The man was still shouting. Jesus ordered that he be brought to him. And now those very people who wanted to be rid of the noisy beggar had to make way for him to bring him to the Lord. These two men stood on the dusty roadway, face to face. One, the light of the world. The other in darkness. Then, with courtesy, with respect Jesus asked, "What do you want me to do for you?" What a question! Today the Lord is asking you this question. He is asking how he can help you. How he can serve you. Of course he knows what you need, just as he knew what the beggar needed. But he wants you to turn to him believing absolutely that he will hear you and heal you. "The Lord," the prophet Isaiah said centuries before, "is waiting to show you favour" (Is 30:18). This is the God who is "full of tenderness and compassion," who is always ready to help us if we could only believe. Trust is the bottom line. Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, knew what he wanted above all else. "Lord, let me see." And because he had faith, it was done. As we move into the New Year let us hear this question of Jesus. How will you answer? What is it that you really and truly want above all else? Go deep into your heart, beyond the chatter of the crowd, beyond the endless distractions of the day and listen. The Lord stands waiting, knocking at your door (Rev 3:20). He is patient; we too must be patient, and above all have faith. Then, with humility, maybe you can turn the question and ask, "Lord, what do you want me to do for you?" What is he asking of you this day, this year? At the end of the story in St Mark's Gospel, Bartimaeus "immediately received his sight and followed him on the way." How will you respond? Sr Redempta Twomey These two men stood on the dusty roadway, face to face. One, the light of the world. The other in darkness.

20 In our ongoing series on 'Columbans who died violently on mission', Fr Donal O'Keeffe recalls the lives of three Columbans killed in their parishes in South Korea in Fr Anthony Collier Fr Jim Maginn Fr Patrick Reilly columban martyrs in KOREA A t the end of WWII, Korea was divided by the great powers at the 38 th Parallel. Tensions between the two parts erupted into armed clashes which eventually ended with the invasion of the South by the North on Sunday morning 25 June Anthony (Tony) Collier was born at Clogherhead, Co Louth in Educated in CBS primary School, Drogheda, and St Patrick's College, Armagh, he went to St Columban's College, Dalgan Park in 1932, was ordained in 1938 and assigned to Korea in His brother Kieran worked as a Columban in Burma and his nephew Ray, also a Columban, today works in Birmingham. Tony had barely finished language studies in Korea when along with other Columbans he was placed under house arrest when Japan joined the war in Released in 1945, he was appointed in 1949 as the first parish priest of the new parish of Soyangno, Chuncheon city. After Sunday Mass on 25 June 1950, the escalation of violence was the main topic of conversation. People talked of fleeing and wanted the priests to come with them. In Chuncheon that afternoon, Tony Collier met Frs Tom Quinlan and Frank Canavan to discuss the situation. An American officer offered to take the priests to safety but they declined. Tom Quinlan later wrote that Tony refused saying, I want to be with my parishioners. Two days later, Tony and the parish worker Gabriel Kim were arrested by North Korean soldiers. Accused of being spies, they were tied together and shot. Tony was killed instantly and Gabriel was injured but when falling to the ground Tony fell over on Gabriel. The soldiers left them believing both had died. Gabriel eventually escaped and gave an account of Tony's death to the Columbans. Tony was the first foreigner to die in the Korean Conflict. He was 37. Meanwhile, 135kms to the east in the coastal city of Samcheok, the second Columban to die, Jim Maginn had celebrated Mass that Sunday. Born in 1911 in Butte, Montana, his family returned to Ireland where he went to school at St Mary's Newcastle, Co Down and St Malachy's, Belfast. He came to Dalgan in 1929, was ordained in 1935 and assigned to Korea in Like Tony he was placed under house arrest when Japan joined the war. Released in 1945, he was appointed pastor to a new parish in Samcheok city in The parishioners pleaded with Jim to flee but, as many of them testified later, he declined saying, As pastor I am staying here in the church. He divided up the money in the safe giving it to the people. He was arrested some time later and eventually shot on 4 July He was 39. Just 10kms to the north of Samcheok, in the parish of Mukho, it was a similar story for Patrick Reilly. Born in Drumraney, Co Westmeath, in 1915, he was educated at Drumraney N.S. and St Finian's College, Mullingar. He was ordained in Dalgan in 1940 and assigned to Korea. However, due to WW II he was unable to travel until He had worked in Clifton Diocese from After language studies he was assigned as the first pastor of the new parish of Mukho to the north of Samcheok. After Sunday Mass the people tried to persuade Paddy Reilly to leave but as they later attested he told them, A pastor cannot desert the flock. He did move from the presbytery to stay in the home of the catechist where he celebrated Mass frequently for the remaining believers. However, he was arrested on 29 August. Later, his body was found on a mountain path - he had been shot through the chest. He was 35. All three were buried close to where they died. Their bodies were later reinterred behind the Cathedral in Chuncheon. All three made conscious decisions to stay with their people even though they had ample opportunities to flee. For that reason the Korean Church views them as martyrs and is promoting their beatification. Since 1976 Columban Missionary Donal O'Keeffe has worked in Korea with factory workers, urban poor and more recently in mission promotion/education. 20 FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

21 bible Story john baptises jesus John the Baptist lived alone in the desert wilderness dressed only in camel skins. For food, he ate wild honey and insects such as locusts. Everyone knew he had given his life to God, and they flocked to see him and listen to him preach. John's message was simple: he urged his listeners to be sorry for all the things they had done wrong in their lives and to turn back to God for forgiveness. Hundreds of people came to confess their sins, and John would baptise them in the River Jordan as a sign they had repented. "I baptise you with water," he told them, "but there is one coming after me who be far greater. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit. He is so holy that I am not worthy to even undo his sandals. I am preparing the way for him." One day, Jesus also came to John to be baptised. As soon as he saw him, John said, "It is not right that I should be baptising you: it is you who should baptise me!" But Jesus replied, "Let it be this way for now. It is what God wants." He walked into the river with John and as soon as he had been baptised, the Holy Spirit appeared from heaven in the form of a dove and hovered over his head. The voice of God said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." Illustration by Val Biro, from One Hundred Bible Stories for Children published by Award Publications Ltd. Read also: Mark, chapter 1:

22 Bible Quiz number 62 1 In I Samuel ch. 18, what was the name of Saul's daughter who married King David? 6 In Luke ch. 8, what was the name of the synagogue leader whose daughter Jesus healed? 2 In Genesis ch. 35, how many wives did the patriarch Jacob have? 7 In Matthew ch. 10, Alphaeus was the father of which apostle? 3 In Matthew ch. 1, how many women are named in the genealogy of Jesus? 8 In Job ch. 42, how many more sons did Job have after his time of testing had finished? 4 In Mark ch.1, what was name of the apostle Peter's brother? 5 In Genesis ch. 6, how many daughters-in-law went on to Noah's ark? Name: Address: PRIZE 10 VOUCHER! Vouchers for the first two correct entries received! Consult your Bible, answer the questions above and send your entry to: Bible Quiz Nº 62, St Columban's, Widney Manor Rd, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands, B93 9AB, before 28 th February KIDZONE I betcha nobody knows how hard we traind for our las futball match cos Mr Brinley med us run up and down an kep shoutin faster and faster til we were nearly half dead an I was shure we'd all collaps. Then he sed all back in for the pep talk and we sed whas that sir and he sed its taktiks so we can concintrat an outfox the others and a whole lot of other hard words like that. Cept I fell asleep and when I woke I asked Bump what's he sayin bout foxes and he sed when you get the ball run like a fox or somethin so I sed Pudsy's Diry thas obveus intit? When I got the ball I ran like mad dodged eveyone and shot the ball into the net like a bullet and all the mammies and grannies and cousins cheered sayin what a great goal that was and it was the only goal of the whole match.! But whin I was goin for goal Mr Brinley was jumpin and shoutin no no no so I askd Bump why was he not sayin yes yes. Bump sed dunno cept mebbe you kicked the ball into the wrong goal. But grandad sed twas the bes goal he ever saw... Bible Quiz N o 60 Winners: Mrs Mary Doran, Whickham, Newcastle on Tyne and Mrs Allison Dean, South Shields, Tyne & Wear. PRIZE 10 WIN! Help Pudsy correct his spelling and grammar. Send your entry to Pudsy's Diry, St Columban's, Widney Manor Rd, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands, B93 9AB, before 28 th February VOUCHER! Rosie May Kamalagharan London Competition Winners - November 2016 Harriet Wiseman Pinner, Middlesex Camille Broad Green, Liverpool Colpaint - Age 8 and Under Colpaint - Over 8 Pudsy's Diry 22 FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

23 Sassy Starlings Many of us are familiar with starlings from the bird table and unfortunately, they are more often referred to as 'bird table bullies' than very opportunistic and intelligent birds which take advantage of favourable situations provided by humans. Flies, beetles, crunchy grasshoppers, slimy snails and garbage are among their favourite foods. A survey has shown that Tesco scones also rate very highly on their menu. Their talent for mimicking is exceptional and the ancient Romans taught them to mimic human speech. They are often seen sitting in a tree making a series of chirps, creaks and chatters as they impersonate crows, buzzards, cell phones, jack hammers and creaking doors. We know that God has a special place in His heart for birds and how He must laugh at their mischief. Go outside and look for some sassy starlings and I guarantee you will laugh too. Colour the drawing and send it with your name and address to: COLPAINT, St Columban's, Widney Manor Rd, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands, B93 9AB, before 28th February Winners receive a 10 VOUCHER! Colpaint s the howling January gales sweep the countryside, it is hard to believe how any bird would want to be out and about at this time of year. Starlings are an exception and they love to be out and about, sporting their glossy winter plumage of black, pale tipped feathers, tinged with shimmering green and purple highlights. In wintertime, the resident starling population is joined by a huge number of starlings from the Continent that fly in to overwinter here. Some birds travel from as far as Russia and Poland, depending on how cold the weather is there. At sunset, they gather in great swirling flocks, forming beautiful patterns in the evening sky. When darkness begins to fall, the birds drop suddenly to spend the night perched shoulder to shoulder on tree branches, reed stems or rooftops. As they settle down, they chatter to each other like happy, gossiping grannies before finally falling asleep, whereupon a great silence descends. A rdle By Elizabeth McA PR IZ ES FO AN R U D ND Name: Age: AG OV E E 8 ER R! Address: FAR EAST - JANUARY/FEBRUARY