Columban Missionaries celebrate centenary in Britain and Ireland

Ellen Teague
May 22nd, 2018

Columban Centenary Cloth

The Columbans in Britain have organised a Mass of Thanksgiving, followed by buffet refreshments as part of their celebrations to mark their 100 years of mission and the many blessings they have received from families and benefactors down the years. It will be held at 12.30 pm on Saturday 30 June 2018 at St. George's Cathedral, Southwark. The main celebrant is Archbishop Peter Smith of Southwark. All are welcome.

The Mass will include a special Offertory procession marking various aspects of Columban mission, such as remembering the 24 Columbans - including one Columban sister - who were martyred while on mission in China, Korea, Myanmar, Philippines and Peru. The celebration afterwards will include a sharing of stories, music and images of Columban mission over 100 years.

The following day, the Columban Missionaries in Ireland are hosting a 'Family and Mission Day' at Dalgan Park on 1 July 2018. The day of celebration begins at 12.30pm with Mass celebrated by the president of the World Meetings of Families, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin. This celebration of family and mission links the Columbans with the World Meeting of Families (WMOF2018) which takes place from 21-26 August 2018 and will see Pope Francis visit Ireland. After Mass, participants can picnic in the wonderful grounds in Dalgan or buy refreshments from food stalls.

Between 2-5pm, visitors can learn about the story of Columban mission through exhibitions, arts, crafts and videos. A dedicated 'Pudsy Ryan' Childrens' Corner will host events to keep the youngest visitors interested, while ecology expert, Ger Clarke will be on hand to talk about the nature, flora and fauna of Dalgan Park's 500 acres. There will also be a multicultural concert with bands from some of the mission countries where the Columbans have served.

Both celebrations have been organised to say 'thank you' to friends and colleagues who have been so faithful in their support of the Columbans over the years.

In a letter to Columbans missionaries, Pope Francis has paid tribute to members of the missionary order and urged them to see the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on "the great good accomplished" by the Missionary Society of St Columban. Extending his good wishes to all members, he thanked them for their "tireless efforts" past and present in the areas of justice, peace and care for the Earth.