Pentecost 2008
Dear Columban friend
Pentecost and the gifting of the Holy Spirit is for us the proof that Jesus really did rise from the dead and now invites us to be his sisters and brothers, children of God. It is a promise of a better life, of eternal life in the presence of God the Father.
The Columban Family is always being renewed by the Holy Spirit. We are conscious of the suffering and struggle of so many of our brothers and sisters in the most deprived places on this planet. As energetic as ever we try be a witness of faith to those most in need. The issues that we face are worldwide and seemingly overwhelming, possibly the most urgent we all face is the destruction of our environment.
This planet is our home, it is the world that God loved so much, but because of the changing climate and the contribution that we humans are making to that change, so many places are already or soon will be no longer able to sustain life. This year hundreds of thousands of people are forced to migrate in desperation to find a place to live. This will only get worse as food production declines. Countries like Philippines and Pakistan which used to export staple foods are now having to import the basic foods at prices most cannot afford.
Together, we can do something about it with the help of the Holy Spirit.
For the sake of the Gospel we cross boundaries, standing with the Poor, encouraging understanding between religions and cultures caring for the Earth and our environment and promoting Justice, Peace and Reconciliation.
Columbans today are Priests, Sisters and Lay Missionaries, and Columban Companions in Mission. We invite people of all walks of life and of all ages who are interested in Columban Mission to be supporters through prayer, learn more about our spirituality and concerns being an engaging presence in ones own environment.
I thank you again for your continued support and care.
May you be renewed by the gifts of the Holy Spirit and live in the peace of Christ Jesus now and in the coming year.
We will continue to remember you and your loved ones in our masses and prayers.
Fr. Denis A.V. Carter SSC Director
