Columban missionary Fr Michael Sinnott set up the Hangop Kabataan (The Children’s Shelter) foundation for children with special needs in the Philippines in 1998. In October 2009 he was kidnapped by six extremists and held for 31 days.
“This Muslim leader learned from these two Columbans the value of love and forgiveness and this brought a radical change to his life and a new and more life-giving interpretation of the Koran.”
Joe Little of RTÉ launched the book about Columban priests Fr Des Hartford and Fr Rufus Halley’s efforts to foster peace between Muslims and Christians in the Philippines.
Climate activist Dr Lorna Gold commends student journalists for their willingness to write about climate change ahead of the first climate strike at Dalgan Park, Co. Meath.
“He was a very human man who sought to live out his Christian vocation as a monk in a radical way. He walked a tightrope between being an outsider and yet having to operate within power structures – a balancing act which he did not always manage to negotiate successfully.”
Ordained in 1995, Fr Tim Mulroy is a former school teacher from Swinford, and has served in Japan and the US.
“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.”
The Columbans have left “an amazing legacy” and have made “an amazing investment in people” - Dr Mary McAleese.
“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.”
As part of its centenary celebrations, the Missionary Society of St Columban held an international colloquium in Dalgan Park last week aimed at mapping out the future direction of mission in the Church.
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.
The objective of the competition is to encourage students to use their writing and mobile skills to look at a topical issue which is relevant to Catholic Social Teaching and resonates with Columban mission.
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.
The co-founder of the PREDA Foundation will receive the award in recognition of his work with abused children in the Philippines.
Three honourees recognised for their contribution to the continuation of the work and mission of St Columban in the 21st century.
Seven Columbans were killed during the early days of the Korean War.
