Manila (AsiaNews) – It has been 75 years since the first missionary from the Society of St. Columban, Fr. Michael Cuddigan, set foot in the country. The 75th anniversary of his arrival was celebrated with a mass at the Church of Our Lady of Remedies in Malate (Manila) this past Jan. 19.

Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales pointed out during his homily the important influence which the Columban mission has had on the Philippines and the stile in which missionaries have lived: "It is through their work that we receive a true teaching of brotherhood."    

The Columban's mission has helped build up the Church in the Philippines.

When Fr. Cuddigan came to the country he was assigned to carry out his work at the parish of Our Lady of Remedies. In just a few years, however, the Columbans spread to over 148 parishes.

Moreover, four years ago Columban missionaries founded the Center for Living and Learning near Manila. The center was founded in response to an appeal made by the dioceses in 1988 to put a stop to the massive pollution and destruction inflicted upon the country and the world.    

During the celebration Fr. John Leydon, Malate's parish priest, recalled that "Columbans can only be grateful for the Philippines, grateful for being able to come in contact with her spirit, for being accepted in such a blessed land. The Columban's history is one of rebirth, of a mission reinvented by new experiences."

Fr. Leydon concluded saying, "We came here to evangelize, but in the process, it is we who were evangelized!"

Among the Columbans who have served in the Philippines were: Fr. Rufus Hally, one of the  7 martyrs of Mindanao killed on Aug. 29 2001; Fr. Desmond Hartford, who was held hostage for 9 days; and Fr. Tommie Flynn, who was killed in 1950 by a rebel group, the Huks.

During the World War II, five Columbans were tortured and killed by the Japanese Imperial Army. And during the Martial Law years two Columbans were accused of murdering the mayor of a town on Negros Island. The Marcos government condemned them to exile. (SE)

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• martyrs