Editorial - The lives of the saints
28.11.2008
“THOSE who journeyed with us” is a book that records the anniversaries of deceased Columbans. Each Columban is accorded seven to 12 lines depending on the circumstances of his life. It is a thumbnail biography of where he came from, where he went to school, when he was ordained and what mission he was assigned to. Some were caught up in wars, others lived quietly, some died young and others lived long lives. There is a small photograph, a thumbnail once again to show what this Columban looked like.
Some of the photographs are of young men unfortunately, others of old men; some look outgoing, others reserved. When the priests come together for Mass in the chapel, they bring out the book and state whose anniversary it is. Then, if that Columban is known to any of the priests there, they will speak about his life giving a good account of his virtues and his foibles if outstanding!
I am writing this editorial on the anniversary of Fr Sean Lavery, an Irish Columban from Lurgan. I met him in Jamaica where we had the western toe of the island to ourselves in contiguous parishes. He was a wonderful host whom I visited across the mountains regularly. He had been a Professor of Sacred Music lecturing at the seminary/university college in Maynooth but resigned his position to do parish work in Jamaica. Some people thought he was wasting his prodigious talent and time in Jamaica. Who can say? He had no regrets he told me in one of those quiet moments that happen.
Fr Charles O’Mahony, at 89 years of age made a surprising comment about the book, “Those who journeyed with us.” He said that sometimes it was like reading the ‘Lives of the Saints’ when a Columban was remembered and recalled by the traces of life he had left behind him.
Fr Gary Walker
TFE@columban.org.au
