The Order celebrated its centenary in 2015. Various events were planned in celebration over a twelve month period. The year began with Holy Mass on Sunday October 12 in Athlone. This was also the Closing Mass of our annual Supreme Council at which a new Supreme Executive was installed. The year closed in Belfast with a Mass on Sunday 11th October 2015. The following events also took place.
The Schools Public Speaking Competition came to an exciting conclusion in the RDS Concert Hall on Saturday March 7th. The standard was excellent. The feedback from pupils and schools was such that the Order decided to continue the competition which had been planned to be a one-off for the centenary. The 2017 competition is reported on elsewhere.
A Day Conference took place in Maynooth College on Saturday 13 June, 2015. The theme was Building a Person-Centered Economy.
An Icon of St. Columbanus was completed and presented to the Order at the Annual Stated Meeting. For more info Click here.
A hymn entitled Prayer of St. Columbanus has been composed especially for the centenary. For more info Click here.
A Mass to celebrate the centenary was organised by Area 2 in Sacred Heart Parish, Belfast. This Parish was where Canon James O’Neill established the Order. The sermon from the Mass can be read here.
A Columban Way walk, Turas Columbanus, was organised.
An Order Pilgrimage to Rome and Bobbio in April 2015 was organised. The pilgrimage was led by the Supreme Knight, Barry MacMahon. His Eminence Cardinal Sean Brady and Bishop Christy Jones accompanied the pilgrimage. The Supreme Knight and Supreme Secretary met the Holy Father, Pope Francis.