Columban Families Gather for Cemetery Sunday

Over 400 family members and relatives of deceased Columban missionaries travelled to St Columban’s, Dalgan last Sunday for the annual Cemetery Sunday Mass gathering and the blessing of the graves.

Due to the inclement weather, mass was celebrated inside in the college for only the second time. The blessing of the graves took place between heavy downfalls later in the day.

In his homily, Fr Gerry Dunne recalled the title of Columban historian, Fr Neil Collins’ book, ‘A Mad Thing to Do’. It is a quote from our co-founder, Bishop Edward Galvin’s observation that the decision to send missionaries from Ireland to China in 1916 was “a mad thing to do”, considering the circumstances facing the world at the time.

Fr Dunne reminded the packed room that Europe was engulfed in war, the Easter Rising had just taken place and Ireland’s struggle for independence had begun.

Against that backdrop, priests were asked to travel across the world to a country and culture about which they knew very little, and to spend the rest of their lives in often difficult conditions.

“Given what was happening in the world at that time, it really was ‘a mad thing to do’,” he said.

Despite the challenges, priests volunteered for the mission. Some left comfortable parish positions and prestigious appointments to join what was initially known as the Maynooth Mission to China. The organisation later became the Society of St Columban for Mission to the Chinese.

In 1920, the first group of 17 Columban missionaries set sail for China. Their journey was compared to that of the Israelites travelling into the unknown, trusting that the Holy Spirit would guide them.

Over the following century, many more priests, sisters and lay missionaries followed.

Columban missionary work expanded beyond China to other countries in Asia, as well as South America, Pakistan and Myanmar.

Fr Dunne said these early Columban missionaries persevered despite obstacles, persecution and personal shortcomings because of their belief that they were continuing the work begun by Jesus in proclaiming God’s love for all humanity.

On the Feast of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, all those assembled remembered Columban missionaries buried in Dalgan Park cemetery as well as others buried in cemeteries around Ireland and across the world. “Some rest in graves known only to God.”

Drawing on a poem by theologian John Shea, The Indiscriminate Host, Fr Dunne quoted the line: “The banquet is open to all who are willing to sit down with all.”

He said it highlights the importance of openness and the willingness to share life with others regardless of differences.

Living life to the full required a heart broad enough to move beyond barriers created by temperament, race, religion, circumstance or selfishness.

This openness, according to Fr Dunne, characterised the work of Columban missionaries.

Responding to the call of the Holy Spirit, they crossed boundaries of culture, language and religion, sat at the tables of other people, listened to their stories and shared the Gospel message.

Paying tribute to Columban families, friends and benefactors whose support had sustained the mission over many years, he said: “For this we are forever grateful.”

Fr Dunne concluded his reflection on the gathering by recalling the words of a woman who explained that she attended Cemetery Sunday Mass in her parish every year because it was “a happy day” when people felt united once again as a family while standing by the graves of loved ones.

“Today, as family, we gather to pray for those who have gone before us, to thank God for the many ways in which He has blessed Columban mission over the years, and to thank God for our families and friends who have been and continue to be part of that mission.”