Benefactors tell us their Columban Story

Photo: Andrey Armyagov/Bigstock.com

In the lead up to our centenary celebrations we invited our supporters to share their ‘Columban Story’ with us.  We have been overwhelmed with the response and some-what humbled reading the stories from our committed supporters.

These are some of them.

My Columban Story

My support for and connection to you is primarily because of Father Brendan Lovett, who lectured to us in the Grad Dip Course at ACU back in 1977: for me the most significant series of lectures I have ever attended.

Chris [Australia]

I have eight children and long ago, in Mairangi Bay a Columban priest visited us. I don't think I knew he was coming as my young son had his blocks spread all over the lounge and didn't want them disturbed!!  I was a bit embarrassed.  I had hoped that one of my children would become a Columban as I admired them a lot.

"Swords and Ploughshares" (Fr Herlihy) and Fr Crobsie's story have been read often. I like the way the Columbans live with the poor in the countries in which they work.

Eileen [New Zealand]

I remember as a child, mum always had a Columban Calendar in the kitchen. I was introduced to Jackie Mite box when I began school. The box was always on Sister’s desk. The Far East, also at school. Each month, when it came Sister would read ‘Mickie Daly’s Diary’ whose spelling was very bad.

When I left school and began earning money, I began buying The Far East, and supporting the Columban Missions. Over the years I have bought several books on Columban Mission in different countries.

Columban supporter [Australia]

Around 60 years ago, at St Joseph’s School, Temuka, Sister asked us to bring money for the missions, for a black baby. She wanted us to bring a half-crown within a certain time. Our names were written on the blackboard with the amount given. I kept asking mum for money, and finally, I gave the last sixpence. I came home from school, delighted, and told mum we were going to get a baby and it was going to be black.  I can still remember the disappointment when she told me I wouldn’t be bringing a baby home. 

Columban supporter [New Zealand]

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