London: 'Sharing Gospel Joy' Day with the Columbans

Fr Tom Ryan at Notre Dame de France church, where he preached in French.

Columban missionaries have been visiting Westminster parishes this year for mission appeals. "There is genuine interest, appreciation and support for Columban missionary work today and many assure me of this on my parish visits" says Irish Columban Tom Ryan, who worked in Peru for two decades and is now based at the Columban house in Ealing. "I have been warmly welcomed by priests and people in the Diocese of Westminster" he adds "and have been privileged to experience a little of the international flavour of many home parish congregations."

Fellow Irish Columban Jim Fleming, who worked in Pakistan, reports great interest in Columban outreach to the wider world, crossing boundaries of culture, language and religion.

The Columbans have organised a day in thanksgiving for the welcome and support received in Westminster parishes. All are welcome to, 'Sharing Gospel Joy: Perspectives on Mission in Today's World' on Saturday 22 October 2016. This event will be from 11am to 4.30pm at Maria Fidelis RC School at Somers Town near Euston Station. The day will conclude with Mass. Lunch will be provided.

Columban Fr Tom O'Reilly SSC, a former Columban Director in Britain who was a missionary in Pakistan, is the keynote speaker and the day will include workshops on outreach to migrants (Mauricio Silva, Columban Lay Mission Co-ordinator), care of creation (Ellen Teague, Columban Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Team) and building missionary parishes (Fr Chris Vipers, Agency for Evangelisation in Westminster). There will also be a panel discussion with Columbans talking about their missionary experiences. A Resources Fair - including stalls from Westminster Justice and Peace, CAFOD, and Pax Christi - will provide practical ideas and resources.

Booking forms at: www.columbans.co.uk/news/sharing-gospel-joy-22-october-2016/