26th Columbanus Day
- Malachy McDaid
- Oct 9
- 2 min read
To all the friends of St Columbanus
This year, the international meeting of the Columbanian Communities was held in Carlow, Republic of Ireland. It was the first time in history that Columbanus was commemorated in His Ireland. The various events, planned by the Diocese of Kildare, which spent an entire year preparing to best celebrate this moment of grace, took place both in Carlow and in Mayshall, a village at the foot of Mount Leinster, which has been identified as the place where Columbanus was born and spent his early years.
The three-day celebrations reverberated throughout Ireland, and the historic significance of the event was demonstrated by the presence of Catholic Church leaders, Cardinal Sean Brady, Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, and Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell.
Many Irish people participated in all the various events of the packed program, joining pilgrims from various European countries. During the ecumenical meeting, the relic of St. Columbanus from Bobbio was welcomed, carried in procession from the Catholic Church to the Anglican Church, and then donated to the community of Mayshall. 250 people participated in the Walk on the Way of St. Columbanus, and 250 attended the lecture by Mrs. Mary McAleese, former President of the Republic of Ireland. 500 people attended the evening concert and many more attended the closing mass on Sunday 13 July, which saw a packed Cathedral.
At the end of the Mass, concelebrated by 14 bishops, the Bishop of Lodi, Most Rev. Maurizio Malvestiti, announced the date and location of the next meeting, which will be held in Lodi Cathedral on July 4 and 5, 2026.
A preliminary program will be released for the feast of St. Columbanus in November to allow the various groups to or
ganize in advance.
The diocesan community of Lodi is pleased to host the 27th Columbanus Day and welcome the pilgrims who will once again come in the name of St. Columbanus.
Mauro Steffenini Association of Friends of St. Columbanus for Europe
