A “deep and earthy spirituality” of inclusiveness and hospitality marks the Missionary Society of St Columban, said Bishop Terry Brady at a Mass to celebrate the centenary of the Columbans.
The Catholic Weekly reports that Bishop Brady was the chief celebrant at a thanksgiving Mass for the Society’s centenary at the Mary MacKillop Chapel, North Sydney.
Columban Superior General Fr Kevin O’Neill, Fr Patrick McInerney, and Fr Charles Rue also celebrated the Mass.
In welcoming the congregation Fr McInerney SSC, who is the director of the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations in Sydney, said it was “delightful” to have an opportunity to “give thanks for all that God has given the society over the past 100 years”.
In his opening address Bishop Brady said it was fitting to celebrate the milestone at the start NAIDOC week because of the Columban priests’ deep connection with Australian Indigenous peoples.
Later he praised them for their unique spirituality and “great respect for different religions and cultures”.
“Through you, people are touched by Jesus himself,” he said.
“I love that there is no pretentiousness or pecking order among you. You are wonderful example of a really grassroots Church and many parts of our Church in these times can learn from you.”
The missionary society of priests work in 16 countries including: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Britain, Ireland, China, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Philippines, Taiwan, Pakistan, Chile, Peru, Brazil, and the United States.
It was founded in 1918 and takes its name from St Columban, Ireland’s sixth century missionary to Europe. Columban Fathers work in cooperation with lay people and Columban Sisters in solidarity with the poor and to promote justice and care of creation.
Read the orignial article from Catholic Religious Australia "Columbans celebrate 100 years of 'deep & earthy spirituality"
Related links
- Columbans celebrate 100 years with Mass at Mary MacKillop Chapel - the Catholic Weekly
