About Us

Who are the Columban Missionaries?

The Columbans are a Society of missionary priests, who with Columban lay missionaries, minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God. We go in the name of the Church to announce, by deed and word, the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Our Mission

Our mission throughout the world is to facilitate the formation of vibrant faith communities and help struggling people regain their dignity. Through our diverse efforts, we challenge the oppressive structures of poverty, illiteracy, violence and injustice. Our social, economic, medical and educational programs are open to all regardless of religious affiliation.

Our Vision

  • To establish the Church where the Gospel has not been preached.
  • To help local Churches grow into evangelizing communities open to all peoples.
  • To facilitate interchange between local Churches.
  • To promote dialogue between Christians and those from all other religious traditions.
  • To promote justice, peace and creation from a standpoint of solidarity with the poor.
  • The Missionary Society of St Columban was formally founded in 1918 and takes its name from St Columban, Ireland’s sixth century missionary to Europe.

We work in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Britain, Ireland, China, Chile, Hong Kong, Fiji, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan, Rome, Mexico and the United States.

Through living and ministering among peoples of other cultures and traditions, we witness to our belief that all peoples are children of the one God and brothers and sisters in Christ. In those countries where we are unable to preach the Gospel openly, we continue to offer support to small and vulnerable Christian communities through our presence with them in their struggles. We invite people who have been abandoned or forgotten by society to find support and hope in vibrant faith communities.