Archbishop Martin describes 37-year-old mother of five as a “woman of deep faith” who made "a deep impression right across the country”.

“Today, Columban missionaries are at the forefront of teaching about reconciliation and justice, caring for the earth, our common home, and pointing out how the poorest peoples of the world suffer most from the throwaway culture of greed and waste.”

“The Columban tradition has been one that embraces a unified mission of preaching the name of Jesus, caring for the poor and addressing the root causes of poverty and damage to God’s creation.”

“It is so shameful that this horrific death took place here in Ireland of a young vibrant young woman out walking and with a very bright future ahead of her. We ask for forgiveness from the Filipino people.”

The Far East magazine is holding a competition for young journalists which invites students (aged 15-18 inclusive) to write an article or make a video report on the topic: ‘Migrants Are Our Neighbours’.

The Columbans were “our heroes and we looked up to them, we admired their courage, and the way in which they risked everything for the Gospel of Christ" - Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam.

Robert will bring to this role his vast knowledge and experience of teaching in this area of the life of the Church – Fr Kevin O’Neill, Superior General of the Missionary Society of St Columban.

One hundred years ago, on 10 October 1916, the Bishops of Ireland gave their blessing to a new venture known as the Maynooth Mission to China. It became known as the Society of St Columban on 29 June 1918.

Founded in 1918, the magazine has been in continuous publication for almost one hundred years. Currently it has a circulation of 75,000 copies per issue.

Columban priest whose family were involved in the 1916 Rising links the faith of the rebels with the emergence of the great Irish missionary movement.

Programme recalls murder of Fr Rufus Halley in Philippines in 2001.