In preparation for the XXVI Columbanus Day celebration from 11th July to 13th July 2025 in Carlow town, our booklet on St Columbanus has been translated into French, Italian and German.
St Columbanus was born in 540 AD at the foot of Mount Leinster, Co Carlow and founded abbeys in Eastern France in Luxueil, Annegray and Fontaines before he travelled through present-day Austria and Switzerland and finally settled in Bobbio, Italy where he died in 615 AD.
Those who wish to learn more about St Columbanus can do so here:
Download English edition: WEB_27126 COLUMBAN BOOKLET 2024
Download French edition: WEB_FRENCH 27126 COLUMBAN BOOKLET 2024
Download Italian edition: WEB_ITALIAN 27126 COLUMBAN BOOKLET 2024
Download German edition: WEB_GERMAN 27126 COLUMBAN BOOKLET 2024
The XXVI Columbanus Day celebration from 11th July to 13th July 2025.
This significant occasion honours St Columbanus, one of Ireland’s most influential early missionaries, recognised for his contributions to the spiritual and cultural foundation of Europe.
St Columbanus, patron saint of the Missionary Society of St Columban, was born in the shadow of the Blackstairs Mountains.
The three-day event promises a rich blend of cultural, spiritual and communal experiences.
Highlights include the launch of the exhibition ‘Ireland and the Birth of Europe,’ a symposium exploring the relationship between creation and spirituality given by Columban missionary Fr Sean McDonagh, and a walk along the picturesque Columban Way.
Visitors can also look forward to engaging talks, such as ‘Columbanus, the Man from Myshall,’ by former President Dr Mary McAleese.
The celebrations culminate with the XXVI Columbanus Day Mass at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow on Sunday 13th July.
Other features include a reception for pilgrims, an Irish music night and ecumenical evening prayers accompanied by relics of St Columbanus.
With opportunities for reflection, learning, and celebration, this weekend invites all to ‘Walk Together in Hope,’ embracing the legacy of St Columbanus and his vision of unity and peace.
Please see the poster below for details of this major international gathering, which will see visitors come to Carlow from France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy and beyond, to honour of one of Ireland’s greatest missionaries. Be part of it!
PDF of poster:Columbanus Poster
