80th Anniversary of our Missionary Presence in the Philippines

80^th Anniversary of our Missionary Presence in the Philippines.

Dear Friends,

Warm Christmas greetings from the Philippines!

We, the Columban Sisters in the Philippines celebrated our 80^th Anniversary of our missionary presence in the Philippines beginning in Malasiqui, Pangasinan in 1939.  We had the celebrations on November 30^th 2019, in San Juan, Metro Manila.  We had invited the relatives of our mission partners from Malasiqui. Lingayen, Labrador and Olongapo, Zambales.  They were delighted with the old photographs from the different mission areas, seeing the faces of their relatives in their younger days with the old buildings and convent.

Bishop Jesus Cabrera was the main celebrant with Fr. Paul McGlynn as co-celebrant.  The guests included the Columban family, priests, students and lay missionaries.  Monsignor Cacho, the director of the Columban University in Olongapo came, a good friend of the Columbans.  Some Sisters from different congregations were present.  The family and friends of the Columban Sisters also came to celebrate with us.

After the Mass we shared a delicious meal catered by a former student of Malate Catholic School during the time of Sister Letty.  The students from Sr. Bella’s ministry provided a shore entertainment with songs and dance.  We had also a band provided by one of our benefactors, a relative of the late Sister Sally.

It was a day of meeting old friends, telling some funny stories and remembering the Sisters who worked against all odds to bring the Gospel message to the people wherever they are, in the barrios, in schools and in communities.

The day ended with people taking pictures and words of gratitude for everyone.

United in prayer

From Philippine Area.

If you would like to know more about the Columban Sisters:
E-mail us : weboffice@columbansisters.org