Mar 2009 Issue Index
Contents
The Far East magazine is published by St Columban's Mission Society. It features articles and photographs by Columban missionaries from those countries where the missionaries work. The magazine was launched originally to promote mission interest in Catholic homes in Australia and New Zealand. The Far East magazine in Australia was published for the first time on 15th October 1920 and sample copies were sent to every parish and school in Australia and New Zealand.
No need for hangover cure
01.01.1970All the Irish received an invitation to a reception in the Irish Embassy at 6:30pm. I presumed it would be just an affair for the Irish residents but as I arrived it was clear that the entire diplomatic community of Beijing had been invited! more
Only small children smile
01.01.1970The dark, mosquito and cockroach- ridden cells have witnessed many acts of brutality by prison officers over the years dispensing "Fijian justice" to inmates. Now these cells are more likely to be filled with the melodies of Sunday choir practice more
Traveller extraordinaire
01.01.1970A spanner fell in the works. Air Bagan reputed to be the best private airline in Myanmar cancelled my flight to Myitkyina and then cancelled the re-scheduled flight! The only solution was to fly to Mandalay... more
Japanese Ingenuity
01.01.1970The garage door breaks down. I can't open or close it except by hand and backbreaking effort. I call the phone number of the company indicated on the machine and ask for a repairman. The person I get on the line has never heard of the device and cannot help. more
Reflection - The scandal of grace
01.01.1970Many of us, if we are honest, will admit to a feeling of empathy with the elder brother of the prodigal son (Lk 15). Here he is, the dutiful son, working hard year after year, doing all his father asks without complaint. "I never once disobeyed you." And for what? more
Pakistan revisited
01.01.1970I was moved by the genuine welcome and hospitality of Columbans and people who live in harsh and adverse conditions, by their efforts to live simply and expand people's horizons. Most of all I was impressed by their commitment and their deep faith. more
Free at last
01.01.1970In cutting hedges and pruning the trees around the centre, Sam found an outlet for his energy and began to leave behind some of the mental baggage he had brought with him from the institution. He took delight in watering the shrubs and flowers. more
An evening with Mrs Misho
01.01.1970For a second, I wondered if I had heard her say these words. I was confused as to why she had said them. But when I looked into her eyes, I knew immediately that she meant them. I sat at the table speechless. I didn't know how to accept her apology more
Mission World - March, 2009
01.01.1970'From the valley of tears, from blood-drenched Gaza, whose one and a half million residents have been robbed of the joy they once had in their hearts, I send you these words of faith and hope. As for love, that's a word that even we Christians no longer dare utter, not even to ourselves. more
A good news story
01.01.1970Alone, Magda has managed to look after her children by washing clothes three days a week. She earns about 250 soles (AUD$90) per month. With this money Magda has to feed her family, pay medical bills, buy clothes and educate her children. Luckily she receives a little help from the Australian Sisters of Mercy more
There is hope
01.01.1970The Earth today is crying out, groaning under the effects of profligate human behavior. This is why the late Pope John Paul II and now Pope Benedict XVI have been calling the whole world to an "ecological conversion". The environmental crisis is perhaps the biggest public issue of our time. more
The Way We Were - A new mission field for St Columbans
01.01.1970The Far East in 1933 announced the exciting news of an exciting new mission to Korea. We are thankful to God and honoured by the Holy See in receiving this new trust which we pray will be the means of bringing grace and the knowledge of God. more
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