The Columbans are a missionary society of priests who work in 16 countries including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Britain, Ireland, China, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Myanmar (former Burma), Philippines, Taiwan, Pakistan, Chile, Peru, and the United States of America.
Columban priests work together with, Columban Sisters, Columban Lay Missionaries and lay Co-workers from a standpoint of solidarity with the poor and the integrity of creation. Solidarity with the poor means that we recognise the moral challenge of worldwide and local poverty. It means supporting the struggle of the poor for real participation and against injustice. We go in the name of the Church to announce, by deed and word, the good news of Jesus Christ.
Our objectives are to:
- Promote Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation from a standpoint of solidarity with the poor.
- Promote dialogue between Christians and those from all other religious traditions.
- Facilitate interchange between local Churches.
- Help local Churches grow into evangelising communities open to all peoples.
- Establish the Church where the Gospel has not been preached.
- Help build a Culture of Peace.
- Promote respect and care for the earth and environment.
Columban Missionaries see solidarity with the poor and commitment to the integrity of creation as essential elements of our missionary commitment. Within this framework, we often find ourselves working with and accompanying people who are suffering great injustices. We believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ demands that his followers, the Church, challenge the scandals of poverty, suffering and violence.
