Birmingham: Columban Centenary Mass of Thanksgiving

Archbishop Longley

All are welcome to attend a Mass of Thanksgiving for 100 years of Columban mission this coming Saturday 25 November, 2017 in the parish church of St Catherine of Siena in Birmingham.

Today is Feast of St Columban, patron of the Missionary Society of St Columban. This is the day the Society has chosen by the Society to begin their centenary celebrations.

The Most Reverend Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, will be the main celebrant at the Mass on Saturday and Fr Kevin O'Neill, the Columban Superior General, will give the homily. They will be joined on the altar by Fr Peter Hughes, the Columban Director in Britain.

Fr O'Neill will be travelling to Britain from Ireland, where he will have attended their Mass and celebration for St Columban's Day and he will bring with him the Centenary Pilgrim Altar Cloth, which will be used as the altar cloth for the Mass.

Following the Mass, all are invited to join the Columban community in Britain for an informal reception in the school hall of St Catherine of Siena RC Primary School, which is next door to the church. There, you will have the opportunity to see some Columban images from the past and present day and can claim your copy of an exclusive new booklet and prayer card produced for the centenary.

Many have already informed the Columbans that they will be attending. They are very much looking forward to welcoming you and the opportunity to express their thanks for your participation and support.

If you wish to attend, please e-mail to SHARINGGOSPELJOY@COLUMBANS.CO.UK or call the Mission Office on 01564 772 096.