Feast of Saint Columban

November 23, 2010 – Columban missionaries, friends and partners in mission gathered at San Columbano Retreat House in Himamaylan City and celebrated the feast of Saint Columban, the patron saint of the Missionary Society of Saint Columban.

The feast started with the Eucharistic Celebration officiated by Fr. Brian Gore together with Fr. Sean Coyle and four diocesan priests. The assembly began with the ceremonial tolling of the bell in commemoration of the Ampatuan Massacre victims whose first death anniversary falls on the same date. The bell was tolled fifty-seven times for the fifty-seven victims who were brutally murdered last year.

In his homily, Fr. Gore shared the story of Saint Columban, his missionary zeal and his great part in unifying Europe. Fr. Gore also told the assembly about the shift in the Missionary Society of Saint Columban as the society adapts to the changes of the modern time.

More stories and experiences were shared during the fellowship lunch that followed. After the meal, the Little Way Group and the Columban Partners in Mission had a short meeting in preparation for the incoming activities and for the promotion of mission awareness.

With a refreshed missionary zeal, undying missionary spirit and the inspiration of Saint Columban, the group bade farewell and returned to their respective parishes ready to face the challenges that await them as they continue to journey with the Columbans in following the footsteps of Christ throughout this life.

Please visit San Columbano. The new looks of San Columbano makes it more comfortable and conducive for retreats, seminars, recollections and gatherings. Located near the famous beach resorts in the province, San Columbano also provides the same ambiance its neighboring resorts offer.