Past Magazine Stories

“It ain’t like it used to be.” How often have we heard that one? And it’s usually true. I joined the Columbans in 1976, wanting to go overseas to some poorer country and…

The mission of the Church flows directly from the heart of Christ. Before ascending to the Father, Jesus entrusted His disciples with a sacred task: “Go therefore and make…

Hi, my name is Sherryl Lou Capili. My first assignment as a Columban lay missionary was in Taiwan, where I served for thirteen years. One story from my mission that I will…

The foundation stone for St. Columban’s Cathedral in Myitkyina Diocese in Kachin State in Myanmar was laid in 1955. For 75 years it has been the spiritual home of the…

For the past six years, I have overseen the Year of Spiritual Formation for the Columban seminarians in Manila, Philippines. During the winter break of 2023, together with…

When I was younger, people often noticed my hands. Some would remark that they were smooth, unmarked, even beautiful. Others assumed that perhaps I did not help with…

It had been a long time coming. After about thirteen years of active fund-raising, planning, prayer, and hope, the new church of St. Mary’s in Fontana, California, was…

In the “Kingdom” at 94, I am a senior citizen. Sometimes I have an experience like this: I see something that triggers images of an event or of a person from long ago. Do…

During a mission in the Narulang community of Barra in Misamis Oriental, Mindanao, I met many people, especially women, who face various problems and hardships. Many…

I live in a neighborhood where migrants and asylum seekers dwell side by side. One section has already been vacated due to redevelopment, and all access routes have been…

Before entering the seminary, I was interested in studying architecture. And I still enjoy looking at buildings. I think that the first step in doing a painting is…

Ciudad Juarez, located on the U.S.-Mexico border across from El Paso, Texas, has become one of the most significant transit points for migrants attempting to enter the…