Recent developments that make the invitation from North Korea possible include the provisional agreement signed between the Vatican and China, which is a major sponsor of the North Korean regime.

Sr Philomena and her colleagues faced an extremely turbulent environment when they arrived at the end of the Korean War, with large numbers of people suffering from tuberculosis and malnutrition or in need of treatment for landmine injuries.

Missionary priests who left over celibacy tell their stories in television documentary which was directed by the wife of one of the 13 ex priests interviewed.

“It was an amazing experience and I met so many remarkable Irish missionaries doing incredible work" - former RTE journalist Charlie Bird.

Columban priest Fr Noel O’Neill from Limerick awarded the Manhae international award for his work helping people with special needs.

Report on the work of Irish missionaries in the Philippines and Korea helping the marginalised and most disadvantaged.

“We will not heal those whose lives have drifted from Jesus Christ by throwing books of dogma at them," warns Archbishop Martin.

Pontiff warns that a spiritual desert is robbing young people of hope and even life itself.

Columban critical of planned visit to controversial Kkottongnae centre, a care home for 4,000 physically and mentally disabled people.

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin among the 5,000 participants from 110 countries.