The Challenge of Gift Giving

The Challenge of Gift Giving

Christmas is the season of gift-giving. During Advent, we are preparing our souls to welcome the Christ-child. It is a gift designed for us by God. Preparing well what we give to others can help us prepare to receive the supreme love of God, writes Fr Jim Mulroney....
The Waiting – December Reflection in Far East

The Waiting – December Reflection in Far East

Advent is a time to pause, listen and look back on the past year, writes Columban missionary, Sr Rebecca Conlon. There is much to ponder. Mother Earth is suffering. There have been droughts and famine in some places while in Pakistan there have been floods of epic...
Advent Greetings from the Columban Leadership

Advent Greetings from the Columban Leadership

Society Leader, Fr Tim Mulroy, offers Advent greetings on behalf of Columban missionaries in 17 countries around the world, and thanks friends and benefactors for their generous ongoing support for Columban projects with the poorest and most marginalised. The message...
Advent Retreat

Advent Retreat

Fr Tim Mulroy recalls a friend’s theory that nothing captures the spirit of Advent like a fishing expedition. Each year, at the beginning of December, as those around him begin preparing their Christmas shopping list, Ben begins preparing his fishing gear. Then, as...
China: Advent as a time of waiting and hope

China: Advent as a time of waiting and hope

Reflection by a Catholic in Wuhan who prefers not to be named. As Zhu Liqing walked towards the altar in the Offertory procession for the first Sunday of Advent in Wuhan, I wondered about what might be happening deep in her heart with each unfolding step along the...