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Stories from Columban Missions

University students at the Columban Mission Center, El Paso, Texas
Child's Play

As I sat in my office at the Columban Mission Center in El Paso, Texas, I felt that something was missing. It had been a busy morning so far, on…

Living in poverty in Chile
Learning from Those with Least

Chileans are hardworking people. Mothers and fathers instill their work ethic in their children from an early age, in many families that I have…

Columban Fr. Tony Coney
Man with a Mission

“For me, life began at 40,” laughs Fr. Tony Coney, remembering how he arrived in Lima on August 30, the Feast Day of the city’s patron, St. Rose…

A statue of Mary holding the baby Jesus
For the Sake of Her Children

Ma Hkawn was married for 20 years. She lived with eight family members including her five children, their grandmother as well as her sister-in-law…

The original four crafters, from left, Josie Balido, her sister Rodilyn Balido, Fr. Vinnie, Marcelita and Andonie
The Death of Andonie

On Feb 13, 2024, Andonie, one of the four original Subanen Crafters, died in childbirth. She died in her hut, on a remote hillside, in the middle…

Deacon Francis and parishioners
Giving Means Receiving

In a country racked by poverty, civil war and military dictatorship, Columban missionaries like Deacon Francis Xavier help shine small lights of…