Columban Sisters in Mindanao, celebrate their 80^th Anniversary
 

On Saturday Sept. 25, 2004 the Columban Sisters in Mindanao came together with  Columban Fathers, co-workers in mission, alumni of their various schools and college, families of the Sisters and friends to celebrate the 80^th anniversary of their foundation as a Congregation.  It was a day of rejoicing.
The day’s celebration began with Mass in the local church.  It was a colourful liturgy with flags representing the different countries in which the Sisters are on mission. 
Many varied symbols were offered at the offertory.  It was truly a Eucharistic celebration – a real thanksgiving.

While the Sisters may now be small in number their  present  involvement in mission is still very vibrant.  A very present theme in the day was celebration for the many ways Columban Sisters mission in Mindanao has continued.
In Midsalip two Sisters are carrying on the mission to the Subaanen people.  This mission began in 1980 and over the past 24 years their involvement has borne fruit in myriads of ways above all in the way the Subannen people now celebrate their culture with pride and grace.  A team of committed co-workers reach out to the various communities, many of which are several walking hours distance from the town centre.  Health, sustainable agriculture and literacy are just three of the many interventions the Sisters have made in the lives of the Subaanen people in the hills of Midsalip.

In Ozamiz the Community of Hope, a community-based programme for children with special needs and their families, is another vibrant missionary outreach of the Sisters. Many children with differing disabilities avail of this centre. Among them are many children and youth with impaired  hearing. These   are already partially integrated into the local Catholic school. While the school is responsible for the supervision of the class work the Community of Hope  remains financially responsible for all costs involved.
It Works, a treatment  centre in Ozamiz for persons addicted to alcohol or drug abuse, is also a concern of the Sisters.  One Sister works closely with the  dedicated lay staff to make this service possible.  Many have discovered new hope in their lives through this programme.

The Sisters have also been closely involved with the local major seminary through the services of one of the Sisters.  This is now being maintained through  regular spiritual accompaniment of the seminarians.
In Pagadian, one Sister is involved with a Diocesan Ministry to Women. This is the only diocesan ministry of its kind in the Philippines. It has a special concern for women, victims of violence and abuse.  It also responds to the needs of children so victimized.
The newest venture of the Sisters in Ozamiz is called the Mother Mary Patrick Mission Centre.  This has involved retired staff of Immaculate Conception College which was once the college run by the Sisters.   The members of this Centre were very involved in making the whole 80^th celebration possible.

After the Mass most of the congregation returned to the Sisters’ house for a meal and a short programme.  It was a time to meet and to greet each other and to give thanks, through shared food,  for 80 years. of lived mission.
Many friends and benefactors gave generously to the Sisters’ mission in honour of this occasion.  Grateful thanks to one and all for a truly memorable day.

To contact the Columban Sisters,
E-mail:  

colozamiz@webgate.net.ph

or

msscph_alt@yahoo.com.ph