Hong Kong through the lens of Fr Alvaro Martinez

Hong Kong through the lens of Fr Alvaro Martinez

A selection of photos taken by Columban missionary Fr Alvaro Martinez of Hong Kong, where he works for the Society’s General Council. Hong Kong has a unique place in the history of Columban Missionaries. In 1920, Fr John Blowick, the Society’s first Superior...
Celebrating 30 years of Columban Lay Missionaries

Celebrating 30 years of Columban Lay Missionaries

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Columban Lay Missionaries (CLM). Vida Hequilan of the Lay Mission Leadership Team in Hong Kong reflects on the significance of this milestone and some of the events connected to it. In the midst of all the uncertainties and...
Who are the Columbans?

Who are the Columbans?

An inside look into the Missionary Society of St Columban. A Society of missionary priests and lay people who work in 16 countries around the world. Founded in 1918 by two young Irish priests, Frs Edward Galvin and John Blowick, the Society takes its name from St...
First Columban Mission to China 1920

First Columban Mission to China 1920

One hundred years ago the first Columbans arrived in China. Fr Neil Collins recalls the challenges they faced in places like Hanyang – “a city of no Catholics”. “Didn’t this luggage belong to the Irish missionaries to China?” asked a dock worker in...
Family of Fr James Fitzpatrick gather to remember his mission

Family of Fr James Fitzpatrick gather to remember his mission

Fr Neil Collins recalls a pioneering Columban missionary in Burma. Fr James Fitzpatrick, born in Ballynahinch, Co Down on 11 December 1913, died in Burma (Myanmar) on 22 May 1969. Fifty years later twelve members of his family gathered for Mass in Dalgan and...