COLUMBAN LAY MISSIONARIES - PHILIPPINES: Learning a New Language

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Learning a New Language

By Lilibeth Sabado, CLM

Today I caught myself smiling, realizing that after twenty years of mission in Asia, here I am again anew acting like a child learning to speak a new language.

I was 34 years old when I learned Chinese Mandarin. After 20 years, I am learning Spanish. “What have I gotten myself into?” I asked but then I realized that 21 years ago I wanted to learn Spanish!

In 2002, during our preparation for overseas mission, we were asked our preference for country of assignment. I remember saying Pakistan as my first choice then South America. When asked why Pakistan, my adventurous self replied with another question, “Isn’t it great to be caught in the middle of a conflict and be with the people?” And “Why South America?” My curious and innocent self responded, “I believe beautiful ladies speak Spanish, as seen in beauty pageants. It would be exciting to see beautiful ladies and speak their language especially so that the language program is in Bolivia.”

Two conflicting answers. The first one focused on mission and the second focused more on self. Recalling my answers then made me smile even more. We all live in conflict, most of the time coming within the very core of our being. But what amazes me more is that, the conflict within is transformed by God into something beautiful. Twenty one years! I waited and here I am learning Spanish in preparation for a new mission assignment. Grateful beyond words for the opportunity to learn another language.

To study a new language is like playing games with your language teacher, according to the late Columban Jim Mulroney. Here I am in Bolivia. I am in for the game!


Bolivia, February 2023: Lilibeth with her Spanish language teacher

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WHO ARE THE COLUMBANS

The Missionary Society of St. Columban, better known as the Columbans, is a Catholic Missionary Society founded by two young Irish priests. When they heard about the religious situation in China, with its multitude of people still untouched by the gospel, they gave up everything and started a new missionary society which they initially called the Maynooth Mission to China. The Columbans found others who had a similar vision and in 1920 started to meet the challenges of language and culture to share the suffering of China's poor.

The Columbans came to the Philippines in 1929.The Columbans are composed of priests, sisters and lay missionaries. The Columban priests and lay missionaries have their headquarters in Hong Kong, while the Sisters have theirs in Ireland.

WHAT IS THE COLUMBAN LAY MISSION?

The Columban Lay Mission is an exchange of lay missionaries between the Philippines and other countries where Columbans work. It has a sending and receiving program. The sending program starts with an accompaniment program, application and selection of candidates, orientation program, until the lay missionaries return spiritually enriched by their experience in their mission areas. In 1978 lay volunteers arrived in the Philippines. As a response, three Filipina women served the Church in England for six years in the 1980s. The next team, composed of three active women parishioners, was sent to Pakistan. At present, there are 13 Filipino lay missionaries working in the Philippines, Ireland, Myanmar, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Britain, and the USA-Mexico border. The Philippines received its first lay missionaries from Korea in June 1990. At present, there are 3 lay foreign lay missionaries assigned in the country.

(updated July 2023)

HOW TO JOIN THE COLUMBAN LAY MISSION?

REQUIREMENTS

Committed Catholic;
Graduate of a 4-year degree;
Healthy;
Ideally between 23 and 40 years old;
Single or married, male or female;
Mature, joyful, life-giving, good in teamwork, with a passion for life;
With work and pastoral experience;
Willing to join others for a nine-months orientation program;
Willing to commit at least three years to serve and learn from peoples of another culture, language or religion.

STEPS

E-mail clmssc_phil@yahoo.com.ph or text 0936-9580215 or 0969-6108187 expressing your interest to know more about the Columban Lay Mission.

Join a "come and see" or information day where those interested can have the chance to interact with other applicants and Columban Lay Missionaries, therefore learning more about the Columban Lay Missionaries;

Complete a personal profile form;

Undergo an accompaniment period of 6 months to one year;

Undergo a battery of psychological & intelligence tests, and personal appearances before the Admission Board.

WHAT IS THE ORIENTATION PROGRAM ABOUT?

The orientation program starts August of each year and lasts nine months. Its two goals are to develop teamwork and cultural sensitivity. The focus here is primarily on the person, then on to the context of mission. This is a period of mutual discernment for the Columbans and the LM-trainee concerned. The orientation program includes:

1. Formal and non-formal studies on gender studies, sociology, Christology, theology, scriptures, prayers, creation spirituality, missiology, catechetics , bible, human development, creative liturgy, and other relevant subjects.

2. Eleven weeks Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in one of the hospitals in Manila.

3. Exposure to Columban Family and to the different ministries of the Columbans and other religious congregations and immersion in an apostolate of their choice.

4. Group Processing. Reflections and Retreat. Personal and spiritual direction.

The 9 months orientation end with a directed retreat and vacation. Then their own Christian Communities promise their support and prayers at appropriate “sending ceremonies”.

WHAT DO COLUMBAN LAY MISSIONARIES DO?

Lay Missionaries are engaged in catechesis and bible studies, family life, youth, women, children and prison ministries. Others are involved in programs for migrants, elderly, environment and care for creation, differently abled persons. Still others are engaged in inter-faith dialogue, health and livelihood programs.
Lay missionaries also take time to reflect on their life's journey. They join workshops and seminars, e.g., that which foster better understanding among cultures. They too study so that they are more effective in their chosen ministries. Once a year they come together to share their mission and personal experience by way of the annual gathering. This is the time to strengthen bonds, build bridges, and discuss issues of common concern.

WHERE ARE COLUMBAN LAY MISSIONARIES SENT?

WHAT IS THE RECEIVING PROGRAM?

The Columban Lay Missionaries-Philippines (CLM) does not only send Filipino Lay Missionaries overseas. We also receive lay missionaries from other countries. These foreign lay missionaries are assigned either in Luzon or Mindanao. Those assigned in Luzon learn Tagalog and those in Mindanao learn Cebuano. The Philippines received its first lay missionaries in June 1990 from Korea.

At present, there are 5 foreign lay missionaries in the Philippines. Ana Flores (Peru) works in the Agusan parish and in Cagayan de Oro. Sunny Kim Sun Hee (Korea) is assigned in Malate Parish. Latai Muller (Tonga) and Mereani Nailevu (Fiji) are serving at Barra Parish, Opol, Misamis Oriental, and Lanieta Tamatawale (Fiji) is working at the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro with the deaf ministry.