Photo of Bishop Edward Galvin and Fr John Blowick, Cofounders.
29th June, the great feast of Sts Peter and Paul, the first Missionaries. It is also the Foundation Day of the Missionary Society of St Columban, officially recognised on this day 104 years ago, 1918. We give thanks to God for the great foresight and vision of our two Cofounders, Bishop Edward Galvin and Fr John Blowick. Today we also give thanks for the many Columban Missionaries (and here I include Columban priests, brothers, Sisters and Lay Missionaries) who worked in some very difficult situations over the years, some of whom met violent deaths. Today we also give thanks for our very faithful and generous supporters, living and dead. We remember them with gratitude. I also remember with gratitude those who journeyed with us but who decided to follow another path. I also include in prayer the members from other Missionary Societies and Congregations.
We are living in changing times. Our numbers are smaller but there is a great generosity of spirit. Many are to the forefront in the mission challenges of today - Interfaith/interreligious dialogue, care for the environment, addressing poverty, participating in various projects that enhance the livelihoods of people, the empowerment of people especially women and the wonderful contribution they make. Sadly their contribution hasn't always been appreciated. We give special thanks for our Korean, Filipino, Fijian, Burmese, Peruvian, Chinese, Vietnamise and Chilean members.
On this our Foundation Day we pray for all who are the victims of war and violence. We double our prayers for the people of Ukraine, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Yemen, Nigeria and so many other places. It is a day to give thanks to God. Attaching some photos from our Centenary celebration of four years ago. May the Lord of life continue to guide us.
Fr. Pat Raleigh
