Columban regional leadership and mission units (IRMUs) from around the Columban world have been meeting in Manila for a period of missionary discernment on the theme: “Let us cross to the other side.” (Mark 4:35)
This spiritual and practical exercise in missionary discernment recognises that the decisions to be taken will affect people, relationships, communities, and the future of the Society.
In his address to those gathered in Manila, Society Leader Fr Andrei Paz touched on synodality, transformation, and accountability.
He told them that the task was not simply to preserve what Columbans have inherited, but to discern faithfully what God is asking of the Society now, and to place its people, resources, and energies where they can serve the mission most effectively.
The meeting is an invitation to listen honestly, face reality courageously, let go generously when necessary, and move into the future with faith and hope.
At the end of Day One of the gathering, Mass was celebrated by Fr. Dan Troy and a blessing of water and the congregation. Later, Amy Echeverria shared a reflection on the Gospel reading as an invitation to cross the other side with hope.
Day Two opened with the reflection: “As we come to the Eucharistic table, may Christ nourish us with his own life and give us the courage to cross over with him: from fear to trust, from indifference to compassion, and from isolation to communion. Then, strengthened by grace, may we become signs of God’s mercy for every person and every part of creation waiting on the other side.”
Amy Echeverria, the Society’s JPIC Coordinator, framed her presentation within the context of the IRMU Meeting theme: What JPIC means in ‘crossing to the other side’.
She quoted a reflection submitted by a participant of the Young Columbans Gathering held earlier in the year in January, describing mission as layered, ecological, and deeply relational rather than a linear path.
She shared her insights on how synodality is alive within the Society. Columbans continue to play leadership roles wherever we are, especially in advocacy work which is based on our lived experience, our relationships with people who work on the ground, and our relationship with the earth. Language and structure of JPIC need to evolve to be useful in the present context.
Day Two ended with Mass celebrated by the Regional Director in Ireland, Fr. David Kenneally.
Day Four’s morning prayer began by reflecting on St. Columban’s words: “Life is a road, not a home; a pathway to the Father, not the resting place itself. Therefore, let no pilgrim on this road settle his heart upon the inn where he spends the night, nor become entangled in the things by the wayside as though he were to possess them forever…If you leave behind what is familiar at the Lord’s bidding, fear not the poverty of the road. God does not call a traveler into the wilderness to abandon Him.” (Instructiones V & Letter 14, written at Nantes)
Day Five began with a prayer of gratitude and guidance to the Guardian Angels. Following the prayer, participants reflected on a moment in their life or mission when they deeply felt God’s protection and guidance.
The meeting moved forward with the young Columbans sharing their experiences from the regular online gatherings and their in-person gathering in Baguio in January 2026.
A central insight emerged: younger and older Columbans truly need each other, as every generation and culture brings unique gifts, wisdom, and perspectives.
The real invitation is not to divide by age, but to connect through listening, dialogue, mentorship, accompaniment, and mutual understanding. This journey leads to a more collaborative, synodal, and shared vision for the future of Columban mission. Afterward, an open plenary discussion allowed participants to engage in deeply honest, insightful, and courageous sharing.
The remainder of the day was dedicated to the process for “Co-discerning and Re-imagining our Society”.
The IRMU participants had a joyful visit to the Columban Formation House where they met the 14 young men currently in formation. It was a happy encounter across generations, united by a shared hope for mission.
On Saturday, 3rd October, participants visited the Columban Sisters in Quezon City and enjoyed a very warm welcome and thoughtful hospitality.
“It was a joy to be with you and, for many of us, to reconnect with friends and companions in mission from different parts of the world.”
Lord, help the participants in this meeting, and all Columban Missionaries, to cross to the other side with renewed vision and heart, deeper communion, and greater commitment to the mission entrusted to us. Amen.
