Dear Columban Friends,
Columban Fr Leo Donnelly SSC from Ballarat worked and lived with the people in Peru for over 50 years as a missionary priest. He died peacefully on the 4th February, 2014.
In the homily at Fr Leo Donnelly's funeral, Columban Fr John Hegerty, said, "Leo wore 'the smell of the sheep', be it the sacristan or the mayor, the catechist or those who attended him in the parish house or the hospital.”
"Priests should be shepherds living with the smell of the sheep," Pope Francis.
In our prayers let us remember the good work of the Columban missionaries. In particular, Fr Leo Donnelly, who in the last few days of his life was moved from the comfort of the Columban House, to a crowded clinic, where he died in a public ward with 30 other patients. He lived to the last drop, his priestly missionary ministry with and as one of his adopted people.
Mid-Year Appeal 2014: Giving to those in need
Each year the Columban mission reaches out through their Mid-Year Appeal to help raise funds for those in need and struggling under the weight of poverty and crisis.
Donate and give online: columban.org.au/donations or phone the Columban Mission Centre on
+61 3 9375 9475. Alternatively, you can mail your donation by downloading our Mid-Year Appeal - Donation mail form (pdf)
The Columban mission works in cooperation with lay people from a standpoint of solidarity with the poor and the integrity of creation. To read inspiring stories about how your support and donation to the St Columbans Mission are put to good work read our latest issue of The Far East magazine (read)
We thank you once again for your concern and care and reachout to those in need.
With every blessing,
Fr Gary Walker
Regional Director
Australia and New Zealand
Video message:
00:01:17 | Jun 16, 2014
In this year's Mid-Year Appeal message, Fr Gary Walker reflects on Pope Francis
when he spoke to the world about the global indifference towards refugees.
MID-YEAR APPEAL DONATION FORM (download pdf) | |||
MISSION NEWS & VIEWS NEWSLETTER (download pdf) | |||
Read the Columban Prayer for Mission: