Mission Unplugged

On January 31, the Holy Cross Oriental Institute (HCOI) in Barishal marked 75 years of service to the Church in southern Bangladesh, evolving from a humble language school into a vibrant pastoral and spiritual formation center.

The voice did not merely shout. It rolled across the small cemetery from one end to the other.

For many Catholics, prayer is learned by habit—through family devotions, parish rituals, or personal routines quietly formed over time. But for members of Prayer and Life Workshops (PLW), prayer is intentionally taught, practiced, and lived—until it shapes the very fabric of daily life.

At 12 years old, Jana Palomique was already doing work most adults find unbearable: listening to stories of abuse and helping other children seek help.

What began as a simple “yes” to a marriage seminar has grown into a vibrant prayer community that now serves parishes and marginalized sectors across Oriental Mindoro, Philippines.

In the verdant landscapes of Mindoro, Philippines, where mountains meet the sea, the struggle to protect the environment is often waged not only with placards and protests, but with prayer, science, and a deep commitment to moderation.

In the parishes of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, catechesis in earlier decades unfolded under circumstances very different from today. Resources were scarce, structured syllabi were unknown, and formal training for catechists was minimal or absent. Teaching relied on personal faith, memorisation, prayer, and deep commitment. Over the years, the Diocesan Catechetical Centre introduced well-prepared formation programmes, catechetical book series, training courses, and ongoing support for catechists. Yet long before these systems existed, the foundations of faith in many parishes were laid by men and women whose quiet fidelity shaped generations.

In Mindoro, west Philippines, where faith deeply shapes daily life and community solidarity remains essential for survival, a quiet yet transformative movement in cooperative finance is reshaping lives. At its heart is the Responsible and Empowered Mindoreños Credit Cooperative (REMICCO)—a living testimony to how faith-guided finance can foster dignity, responsibility, and hope.

Six months ago, on August 25, 2025, the Archdiocese of Caceres, located in the Bicol Region of the Philippines, took a historic step toward educational inclusivity with the inauguration of its first college institution, the Colegio de San Rafael Archangel, in Pili, Camarines Sur. Half a year later, the college is already transforming lives, particularly for the most vulnerable youth in the community.

"He was a true man of God who dedicated his life to Him and His people. He lived what he preached and preached what he lived. He had a big heart for the poor, the helpless, the downtrodden, the oppressed, and those deprived of their basic human rights."

In an Asian Church marked by poverty, resilience, and deeply lived faith, religious life often finds its most authentic expression not in prominence, but in quiet presence. Such is the witness of the Congregation of the Franciscans of Our Lady of Divine Providence (FLDP)—a young Filipino-founded congregation rooted in the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi and animated by radical trust in God.

Standing near the seat of power, along Mendiola Street and within sight of Malacañang Palace, the Benedictine Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat has quietly witnessed both prayer and protest for more than a century. Its stone walls and constant rhythm of monastic life have endured amid shifting governments, social unrest, and the persistent search for justice that has marked Philippine history.

Days before Christmas, a 94-year-old man from Puerto Galera passed away quietly at a Church-run home for the elderly. In the days leading to his death, visitors often found him sitting peacefully before the image of the Divine Mercy at Hapag Aruga, absorbed in silent prayer.

“At my age, when I visit the USA, Canada, or Europe, former students come to meet me and show deep respect. Their love fills my heart. I feel my life as a teacher has truly been fruitful,” said Helen Rozario, the 85-year-old headmistress of St. Patrick’s Grammar School in Magbazar, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

In this short reflection, Fr. Kasmir Nema, SVD, a former student of Fr. Eilers and currently the Coordinator for Communications at the SVD Generalate in Rome, shares how Fr. Eilers deeply influenced his life.

Fr. John Mi Shen offers a personal reflection on the life and mission of Fr. Franz-Josef Eilers, SVD, a priest, scholar, and missionary whose life profoundly shaped the Church’s understanding of communication.

Standing at the entrance of the city is a memorial monument at Finnemann Plaza in Barangay Calero, dedicated to Bishop Wilhelm, also known as William Finnemann, SVD, the first bishop of Mindoro and a martyr of the Second World War.

In a country where Catholics make up barely 5.6 percent of the population, one name is repeatedly quoted across Sri Lankan media, Christian and non-Christian alike, whenever Christmas approaches: Rev. Fr. Marcelline Jayakody, OMI.

Christmas, for the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, is not only a season of prayer but a call to presence.

Juan Diego’s reaction reveals his heart. “I am a nobody,” he told her. “Choose someone important, respected.”