When I arrived in Magheramore on the 22nd September 2024 I was delighted to reconnect with the Columban Sisters, especially those who had worked in Hong Kong. It had been nine years since we last saw each other. I am deeply grateful to the Sisters for their warm care for the ‘Friends of St. Columban’ in Hong Kong. I shared updates about our group, and the Sisters were eager to know more. We chatted and shared memories over some old photos and some of the Sisters shared stories of their past missionary work. They have faithfully dedicated their lives to serving the Church, society, and those in need, truly embodying the love of God.
My stay in Ireland was filled with surprises. My pilgrimage began in Myshall, County Carlow and it was a true blessing. I extend heartfelt thanks to Sr. Ann Gray, Sr. Mary Anthony Ryan, and Sr. Lucia So for providing me with an opportunity to experience the beauty of Myshall, the lush green fields of Garryhill, and the unexpected adventure of the Columban Way.
In the past, I tended to walk quickly, but this time in Myshall, I slowed down to discover more. As I gazed at the hills and felt the wind blowing, I was in awe of the Lord’s creation all around me. One moment that particularly excited me was when I spotted a large bell by the roadside. I struck it with a stone, and the echoing sound was beautiful! We had a small bell with us as we walked along the Columban Way and we rang it intermittently.
St. Columban words, “Let us be Christ’s, not our own,” echoed in my heart and renewed my strength and determination to continue the journey. Without the Lord’s grace, we can do nothing; everything we accomplish is through Him.
I also returned to Dalgan Park, the home of the Columban Fathers, for the first time in a decade. The place felt unchanged, with its wide corridors, and the massive cross of Jesus hanging on the wall. However, the area inside the church had undergone some small transformations; for instance, the pillars on both sides of the aisles are now adorned with sayings from St Columban’s sermons.
Fr. Sean Conneely led us on the Dalgan Nine-Step Pilgrim Walk. Although the wind was chilly, the weather was quite pleasant. The area was filled with plants, and the ground was carpeted with yellow leaves, creating a serene atmosphere that made our walk under the shade of the trees enjoyable. As we walked, we read the sermons and prayed together. One particularly moving sermon for me was: “Kindle our lamps so that our personal darkness and the world’s may be driven away.” To me, this lamp symbolises love. Each of us carries our own darkness which can cause our hearts to grow thorns and harden like stone. It is essential that we rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to restore our hearts to goodness. In a world still plagued by war we pray for peace, hoping that love can pierce through the darkness and illuminate all.
Another day involved two hours of travel, after which we finally arrived in Bangor, Co Down where the giant Bangor bell loomed in the distance – it truly captivated us. Our first stop was the museum, which offered a brief introduction to the life of St. Columban through a video. After leaving the museum, we set out to find seven boundary markers related to St. Columban’s departure from Bangor on his missionary journey to France, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. Each marker had its own unique characteristic, reflecting the places St. Columban visited. I spent half an hour following the markers.
St. Columban’s life was marked by his travels across the European continent and his unwavering spirit of adventure as he held true to his faith. This journey prompted me to reflect on my own spirit of service. I asked myself how do I respond to God’s invitations? Am I generous in answering His call? Or do I hesitate? I believe that as long as I am willing to follow God’s will, He will take care of me.
