BY FR. SHAY CULLEN
COLUMBAN was outspoken and intolerant of the corruption in society and the clergy. He challenged the oppressive elites and family dynasties of the time. His message of reform was rejected as he himself was rejected like Jesus of Nazareth. He was accused falsely and criticized by the local clergy when he called for reform.
They were really angry at him as he was a powerful preacher and influencer and exposed the abuse and wrongdoing in the church and called for them to confess, repent, do penance and believe in the Gospel message. He and his followers lived frugal lives and challenged the clergy to change and leave their lives of luxury and be true servants of the people. He taught them to be humble washers of feet as Jesus taught and challenged his disciples to follow his example. Columban’s challenge was too much for the clergy then and they rejected him and his message.
What motivated and drove him was his faith in the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth, that was a powerful, unshakable conviction that the force and power of goodness, love of neighbor, social justice, speaking the truth, and giving a better life to the poor was the heart of Christian faith and that one day it would overcome injustice, wrongdoing and evil in the world. That is the heart of all Christian faith.
Columban wanted a society built on justice for the poor, freedom for the oppressed, and respect, dignity, equality and justice for all.
He was believed and respected by many yet ignored by some, scorned and rejected by the local clergy and by the corrupt bishops and rulers. Undeterred, he continued to preach unselfish love of neighbor as the heart of the message of Jesus of Nazareth.
The corrupt clergy and bishops struck back at Columban to silence him but could find no fault to accuse him of wrongdoing so they accused him, an outsider, for violating liturgical custom for celebrating the Easter liturgy on another date than that of Gaul. Columban followed the Celtic (Irish) calendar. He appealed against this accusation to the Pope, claiming he was wrongly accused as many Christian human rights defenders are today.
They conspired against him at the court of King Theodoric II. He was at first deported from Gaul and the boat he was forced to board ran aground when a storm blew in as it departed.
This was a sign to him and his faithful and trustworthy followers that God was protecting him and he continued his mission in Gaul. The authorities tried to close his monastery but failed. He and some monks were later forcibly removed from his monastery at Luxovium in the year 610. Columban went with his faithful friend Gall and other monks to Switzerland. He established a mission in St. Gallen and continued his mission challenging, teaching and writing sermons and poems. He eventually crossed the Alps and founded a monastery at Bobbio in Italy where he died on November 23 in the year 615.
Columban has inspired countless men and women throughout the world to follow his example and continue his mission of spreading the values of Jesus of Nazareth. This spirit of service and faith that goodness, truth and justice will win out and overcome injustice and human suffering inspired the establishment of The Missionary Society of St. Columban in 1916 in Ireland.
The mission continues in many countries today. Members and their helpers are serving the poor and the defense and promotion of human rights and dignity. Columban missionaries have chosen the preferential option for serving the poor and oppressed people and protecting God’s creation.
The Missionary Society of Saint Columban carries on this mission today in many countries around the world and especially in the Philippines. Everyone is invited to join./PN
