Traditionally missionaries used to go from west to east. Now they are going from east to west. Six young Filipino women have gone to Ireland to share their faith in a country which is struggling to retain its own faith. This is apart of the Columban Lay Mission Program.

Maria Leonora “Leonor” Fatimah Agan

Leonor is 23 and is from Davao City and graduated wit ha Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. While her family describes her as shy and dependent, her friends find her funny, brave and adventurous. Singing and fencing are among her hobbies. She came to Lay Mission from working as an account executive in Makati.

“Although I’ve had no experience in working with and for refugees, I have always had this special interest in them. Coming from a broken family, I feel that I can also work in a family ministry especially with the youth who come from dysfunctional families.”

Maricel “Macel” Bedra

Macel is 24 and is from the sugar-producing town of Victorias, Negros Occidental. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education. As Macel loves to dance, she became a Physical Education teacher at a school for girls in Bacolod for three years before finally deciding to be a missionary.

“The career was satisfactory but still I opted to experience the fullness of life with the people. Serving God as a lay missionary is my way of giving Him back all His goodness to me and to my family.”

Eden “Ed” de la Cruz

Ed finished a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture. She is originally from Gloria, Oriental Mindoro. She is 37 and has already worked as a volunteer at the Center for Filipino Migrant Workers in Hong Kongprior to joining the Lay Mission Program.

“While working in Hong Kong and spending my free time as a volunteer with ASEAN migrant workers. I met a Columban priest who interested me in joining lay mission.

Angelica “Angie” Escarsa

Angie is 25 years old and completed her degree in Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. Playing the guitar and watching basketball games are among her many hobbies. She came to layMission from working as a full-time catechist in Subic, Zambales.

“I’ve know personally several Columban priests who were assigned to our province even before I joined the Lay Mission Program. It was through them that I learned about the Society of St. Columban and their vision as missionaries inspired me to also go on mission.”

Venus “Vines” Guibone

Vines, raised in Cagayan de Oro City, is 36 years old. she is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Masters in Pastoral Ministry. She loves singing, reading, gardening and housekeeping. She has worked as a teacher for almost 15 years and as a retreat director. While still studying at LST Ateneo she decided to join the Columban Lay Mission Program.

"In between my teaching career I got involved in pastoral-spiritual programs which brought me to different places and parishes in Mindanao.  my great passion for life has brought me face to face with the desire to be a missionary."

Aurora “Sancha” Magat

Thirty-seven-year-old Sancha graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. A few of her interests include books, sports, cross stitching. She comes from Bulacan and was a Physics teacher in a Quezon City high school before joining the Lay Mission Program.

“My missionary inclination started even when I was still studying where I was involved in a nutrition and environmental awareness program. When I was already working I was with my sister in a Dental-Medical mission, serving people in depressed areas.