By Father Don Hornsey - Lower Hutt
''Ka hao te rangatahi,'' is a Maori proverb that means, ''the new net goes fishing.'' It is a picturesque way of saying that it is time for the young people to do the work.
I thought of that proverb recently when someone asked me if there are any young Columbans. My answer was 'no' and 'yes'. Talking about Aotearoa, I have to say unfortunately 'no'. The last Kiwi Columbans were ordained in 1987! However, I can say 'yes' because two Columban lay missionaries left New Zealand last month to take up their overseas appointments.
Ling (Hui Ling Chuah) and Sophia Ting NZ Columban Lay Missionaries as they prepare to depart for their first assignment in Britain
Fortunately, I can say a much louder 'yes', because our official directory lists 12 young Columban missionaries who were ordained in the last 5 years. They come from countries where Columbans work, such as Fiji, Korea, Philippines, Peru and Chile.
Columban Seminarians in Fiji
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