XIII International Meeting of Columban Communities
"Voici l'homme de Dieu! Pope John XXIII |
"St Columban is the patron saint Robert Schuman |
**************************** Meeting XIII Internazionale delle Comunità Colombaniane The St Columban Festival takes place annually in a European location where the memory of St Columban lives on and the influence of this remarkable man of God continues to influence the faith and spirit of people throughout Europe. This year on June 26th and 27th Cardinal Sean Brady convoked the International Meeting which was hosted in Bangor, Co. Down and in Armagh Cathedral. It was the first time in almost 1400 years that an organised commemoration of St Columban took place in his native land. The monastery in Bangor under the leadership of St Comgall was the place from where Columban and his companions set out on their missionary journey to Europe. St Columban is a major figure in Europe and a present day spiritual inspiration for many. His spiritual sons and daughters came together for two days of celebrations that are marked by prayer, fellowship and ecumenical sharing. So great was the influence of Columban and his disciples in 7th century Europe, it is impossible to pinpoint accurately all of the towns, cities and provinces which, in some way or other, benefited their amazing influence. Place names throughout Europe constantly recall memories of the work accomplished by the monks of Luxeuil. We can say without exaggeration that the roads of France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy are studded with memorials of the great Columbanian Revival. To mark the ocasion in Bangor, local authorities, visiting dignitaries and Churches were brought together by the spirit of a great man, an outstanding European and a saint whom everyone can take to themselves. Present were a group of pilgrims from San Colombano al Lambro, Bobbio, Italy and thirty young Columban missionaries from Philippines, Korea, Fiji, Peru, Australia, United States, Chile and Ireland. President Mary McAleese addressed the assembly in Bangor.
Petition for St Columban be co-patron of Europe
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