Columbans and relatives gathered in the cemetery in Dalgan on Sunday 27th of September for the blessing of a new Memorial dedicated to those Columbans who died violent deaths while on mission, writes Fr Ray Husband.
The Memorial was in the pipeline for many years so it was wonderful to see it finally come to completion.
We were joined by the families of the 23 Columban Fathers and one Columban Sister, Sr Joan Sawyer, who gave their lives in the service of the Gospel.
A short prayer service was led by the Regional Director, Fr David Kenneally.
Fr Donal Hogan read an extract from ‘Murder in the Missions’ about Fr Rufus Halley’s killing in 2001. His last words to his colleagues were: “See you next weeks, guys.”
In his address, Fr David recalled that a lot of the Columbans who died violent deaths were going about their daily life as priests, like Fr Rufus. “See you next week, guys. Next week didn’t come.”
“We have always had their pictures at the back of our chapel, so that when you are celebrating Mass you are able to see them in front of you as a reminder of their faith. Today we are sharing those images with the wider world in this memorial.”
The Memorial was unveiled and blessed by Fr Ray Collier, a nephew of Fr Tony Collier who was killed during the Korean War. It was a very moving and emotional moment for all to witness. The service concluded with a decade of the rosary.
After refreshments in the College, a moving documentary was shown by the grandniece of Fr Tony Collier recounting the family’s visit to Korea to learn about those Columbans who died there during the 1950-53 conflict.
“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (Jn. 10;10)
Recording of the blessing of the new Memorial to Columbans who suffered violent deaths while on mission.