Hanju (second from right) together with Korean lay missionaries. Photo: Song Hanju F. Javier
In October 2021, amidst the peak of the pandemic, I first participated in the Come & See gathering for prospective participants in the Columban Lay Missionaries. As face-to-face meetings were restricted, the gathering took place over Zoom. I vividly remember the unfamiliar feeling of sharing through a monitor. My journey towards identifying with the calling of a "Columban Lay Missionary" and embarking on a spiritual pilgrimage was not solely prompted by the conventional methods mentioned above – browsing the sections about the gatherings in the diocesan bulletins. There was a personal and special story behind it.
About five years ago, I left Seoul, where I had lived with my parents for a long time and established my roots in my hometown of Chuncheon. Personally, it was a time of struggle, returning to the midst of the world after failing to fulfil the purpose I had set for myself in life. I was lost, not knowing where to go and how to live, having lost sight of life's ultimate purpose. I longed to seize even the slightest opportunity to move forward, no matter what.
During that period, my mother suggested that I meet a nun whom she occasionally met and had consulted. Although initially declined a few times, I eventually met the nun upon my mother's earnest request. There, I encountered Sister Margaret, a nun who resembled my grandmother – white-haired, petite yet firm, gentle, and had the appearance of a clear soul. Sister Margaret encouraged me to continue conversing with her in English despite the challenge and difficulty of conversation. As our discussions progressed, I found myself peering deeper into aspects of myself that I had not seen before. It was transformative.
Throughout that winter, I met Sister Margaret once or twice a month for conversations. Sister Margaret referred to herself as a member of the Columban Sisters. She provided me with the name and contact information of the priest in charge of vocations for the Missionary Society of St Columban. She also recommended that I reach out and consider attending the lay missionary gatherings affiliated with the Columban Mission Society. Thanks to my unique connection with Sister Margaret, I am grateful to have participated in the Columban Lay Missionary Come & See gatherings for nearly two years. This journey has led me to discern my vocation and to be invited to identify a missionary calling.
Looking back, I cannot help but think that Sister Margaret was an angel sent by God to call me back from my wanderings and uncertainties. Like many who dream of becoming missionaries, the title of "missionary" carries significant weight for me. I have come to understand through life's experiences that becoming the person we envision is far from easy.
Our lives are filled with challenges, adversity, humility, and joy. As I attended prospective participant gatherings, I approached the journey with an open heart. Initially, I focused on sharing my story, but as time passed, I became more open-minded. By regularly attending these gatherings, I found peace and took small steps towards embracing my calling. Eventually, I realized the need for an unwavering commitment to missionary life.
Later, when the situation of COVID-19 began to improve, I was delighted to hear about the upcoming Columban Society Invitation to Mission program in Taiwan. Through this mission exposure program in Taiwan, I hope to take another step forward on the path of the Columban Mission in my life. In this brief yet profound journey, I pray that this precious time allows me to draw closer to the Lord. Amen.
Song Hanju F. Javier is a participant of the CLM Korea Come & See Program (Edited and translated by Hyein Noh Anna)
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban eBulletin.
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