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Fr Aminiasi Ravuwai Today we Columbans received this email from our Superior General Fr Andrei Paz: With a heavy heart, I write to request your prayers for our dear brother, Fr Aminiasi Ravuwai. Recently, Amini has been hospitalized in Lima, and after undergoing a series of tests, it has been confirmed that he has an inoperable tumor in his pancreas. He is experiencing significant pain, which has left him unable to travel for medical treatment outside of Peru. This news has deeply affected him and all of us who care for him. In this difficult time, prayers are needed for Amini’s strength and peace, as well as for the grace to face the challenges ahead. I also ask for prayers for the Columbans in the Region of South America and for his family, who are dealing with this difficult news. The Columbans in Lima are deeply moved by his suffering, and his family is grappling with the emotional weight of this situation. Amini’s loved ones, both near and far, are struggling with the uncertainty ...

  Readings   (Jerusalem Bible: Australia, England & Wales, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland) Readings   (New American Bible: Philippines, USA) Gospel   Matthew 10:26-33  ( English Standard Version Anglicised, India) Jesus said to the Twelve: So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.   What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.   And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.   Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? [ b ]  And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.   But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.   Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.   So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Fa...

From The Gospel of John (2003) Directed by Philip Saville. Gospel John 18:33B-37 (NRSV, CatholicEdition, Can.) Christ Before Pilate , Tintoretto, 1566-67 Pilate said to Jesus: “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice. Last Saturday Pope Francis referred to the attacks in Paris the night before as 'piece' of the 'Piecemeal Third World War'. In ...

Fr John O'Connell (1933 - 2013) by Fr Leo Donnelly  I thought I'd share this since we're observing All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. And I know from experience that missionaries can have an enormous impact on the lives of the people they serve. From the beginning Columbans have lived and worked among those whom Fr Donnelly refers to as 'nobodies'. Fr Leo Donnelly writes about his close friend Fr John O'Connell who died recently in Lima, Peru. Father John is one of a small number of Columbans who have served as Regional Director in two different countries. A regional director is the equivalent of provincial superior in religious life. We are not religious but secular priests, members of a society of apostolic life. That means that we don't take a vow of poverty nor are we required to live in community. I've added a memory of my own. So many of our happy memories are connected with music and with festive gatherings. I don...