The European Association of the Columban Way will hold its general meeting in St Columban’s, Dalgan Park, on Friday 12th April and Saturday 13th April 2019. The gathering will open with a conference on the European legacy of St Columbanus and the advancement of ‘The Columban Way’.
The gathering brings together representatives of the Columban Way in France, Italy and Switzerland who are currently engaged in the promotion of the Pilgrim route, ‘Via Columbani’ from Myshall, in the shadow of Mount Leinster to Bangor and across France, Switzerland, Austria to Bobbio.
Last year’s meeting was held in Bangor and more recently there was a meeting Bobbio, when Alderman Deborah Girvan was elected President of the European Association of the Columban Way.
As an integral part of this gathering we have planned a full day conference and faith gathering on aspects of the life of Columbanus to take place on Friday 12th April.
The objective of the day is to promote the legacy of Columbanus’ life and work as central to the Columbanus Way project as we move forward.
It brings together renowned academics in the field of Irish Medieval history and research.
Dr Edel Bhreathnach, historian of medieval Ireland and member of Royal Irish Academy, will speak on ‘St Columbanus and European medieval monasticism’.
Dr Alexander O’Hara, Moore Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, will speak on ‘Jonah of Bobbio and the contested legacy of Saint Columban’ during the morning session.
In the afternoon he will talk about ‘The Origins of the European Union: Robert Schuman, Saint Columbanus, and the Idea of Europe.’
The Columbans are honoured to host this event and welcome all who wish to participate.
Programme for Friday 12 April 2019 at
St Columban’s, Dalgan Park, Navan, Co Meath
09.30am: Welcome by President of European Columban Way, representative of Dalgan Park and presentation of delegations and representatives of local authorities.
10.00am: The Columban Way – a European and local project. Background and update presented by Alderman Deborah Girvan, Ards & North Down Council and President of European Association Columban Way.
10.30am: Coffee Break
11.00am: Moderator: Dr Jean-Michel Picard, Professor Emeritus (UCD), Member of the Royal Irish Academy.
‘St Columbanus and European medieval monasticism’
Dr Edel Bhreathnach, historian of medieval Ireland and member of Royal Irish Academy
11.40am: ‘Jonah of Bobbio and the contested legacy of Saint Columban’
Dr Alexander O’Hara, Moore Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway
12.15pm: ‘Cammino di San Colombano’
Presentation in Italian by Dr Mauro Steffenini, Secretary General of Columban Way
12.45pm: Lunch
2.15pm: Official Photograph on steps of college.
2.30pm: Two programmes to run concurrently
‘The Origins of the European Union: Robert Schuman, Saint Columbanus, and the Idea of Europe’
Dr Alexander O’Hara, Moore Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway
Coordination Committee meeting of European Association
4.00pm: Coffee break
4.30- 5.30pm: Progress in mapping the Columban Way
Mr Jacques Prudhon (France), Mr Rory O’Mahony (Ireland)
Discussion with local authorities.
5.45pm: Evening meal
6.30pm: A Celebration of Turas Columbanus/Columban Way through Word, Music, and Song.
Máire Ni Dhuibhir and ensemble
7.30pm: Official welcome of representatives and toast to all present
A Cheese & Wine celebration hosted by Association Friends of St Columbanus
Registration Cost: €35 which includes all meals
To book please email [email protected] or text 087 3481250