After spending a year in Yangon to learn the Burmese language, Columban lay missionaries Catharina, Columba and Lenette moved to Banmaw (Myanmar) to start their ministry. They provided the following reflection:
Upon our arrival we were warmly welcome by the Bishop, priests, religious and parish leaders who even organized the house blessing, and there was welcome dinner in clergy house on the same day. The two Columban seminarians from Banmaw joined us in celebration. We thank seminarians Francis and Columban for their presence during the celebration before their leaving for the Philippines.
After the consultation and dialogue with Bishop Raymond, we finally settled into our new ministry in Banmaw. Catharina is assigned to the Diocesan Youth Commission, Columba is working in Karuna (Caritas) while Lenette is in the Diocesan Curia office. We are happy to have settled into our different ministries and embrace our new beginnings.
We sincerely thank the overwhelming hospitality and generosity of Banmaw Diocese especially to Bishop Raymond for his great support to us Columban Missionaries. Also we acknowledge with gratefulness the prayers and support of people who have helped us along the way.
The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.