Below is a letter to supporters from our Director in Britain, Fr. John Boles.
We invite you to celebrate the 100th World Mission Day on Sunday 18th October by calling to mind ‘missionaries’ from the past that give you hope and encouragement today.
Every Columban I know has been inspired by the wisdom and legacy of Columban missionaries now gone to their rest. At Mass each day, we remember those who journeyed with us and continue to be a presence in our lives. In November, we remember and pray especially for Columban priests, sisters and lay missionaries who have died in the past year.
Fr. Bob Brennan, Fr. Bernard Martin, Fr. Con Murphy, Sr. Margaret Burke, Fr. John Molloy, Fr. John McLoughlin, Sr. Ita Hannaway, Fr. Michael Kevin O’Boyle, Kolina Tengei, Fr. Brendan Murray, Fr. Thomas Reynolds, Fr. John Colgan, Sr. Eileen Roe, Sr. Maureen McGinley, Sr. Philomena O’Sullivan, Sr. Mary Keogh and Sr. Patricia Zandrews. May they rest in peace.
Who are the ‘missionaries’ of the past that give YOU hope? They might be a renowned saint like St. Thérèse of Lisieux or St. Columban, our patron. They might also be a deceased relative, friend or neighbour through whom God has revealed His love for you.
As we approach the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls, we invite you to send us the names of your departed loved ones—the ‘saints’ and ‘missionaries’ close to you. Their names will be placed before the altar in the chapel of St. Columban in Solihull for special remembrance by the Columban community in daily Mass and prayers during November. We give thanks to God for their lives and service to others.
If you wish to make a donation in memory of family members or friends, you can send a cheque or postal order payable to ‘Columban Missionaries’ with your prayer intentions. Alternatively, call 01564 772096 or visit: www.columbans.co.uk/novemberprayers.
May the blessing of the Lord of Life be upon you, now and always.
Fr. John Boles
The theme for World Mission Sunday 2026 is ‘One in Christ, united in mission.’ This year also marks the centenary of the celebration, established by Pope Pius XI. Following the Jubilee Year, the Church is encouraged to continue its missionary journey with joy and enthusiasm, fostering unity in Christ, reconciliation within communities, and a spirit of generous and trusting cooperation.
