Columban Projects
Are there Columban projects linked to the celebration of Jubilee?
Yes, there are. Here is a selection of some of them.
Columban team at Fatima House in Birmingham
Fatima House - a place for destitute asylum seekers
Fatima House is a partnership project in Birmingham with Fr Hudsons's Care. It offers safe shelter to female asylum seekers in Birmingham who would otherwise be destitute and homeless. Nine women can be accommodated at any one time. Fatima House celebrated its 8th anniversary in July 2024. Over the years, more than 50 women have benefitted from its hospitality and support.
https://columbans.co.uk/interreligious-dialogue/11767/a-look-back-on-12-months-at-fatima-house/
Pakistan: Columbans provide homes after flooding
Columbans have been supporting the Sindh Housing project in Pakistan. This project emerged as a response to devastating flooding in July and August 2022. It followed the worst monsoon in decades with 1,739 people killed and thousands injured.
https://columbans.co.uk/justice-peace/11267/pakistans-flood-situation/
Irish Columban Fr Liam O'Callaghan talks of Columban work in Pakistan
One of the new houses in the Sindh, built after flooding
Planting trees at St. Columban's
Re-wilding projects in Britain, Ireland and the Philippines
Over 2,000 trees have been planted in the gardens at St Columban's, near Birmingham, this year. Various tree planting events included groups from 21 schools, Columban co-workers and their families, parishioners from Olton Friary parish, and lay missionary Nathalie Marytsch and a group of refugee gardeners.
In Dalgan Park in Co Meath, large sections have been given over to rewilding to foster biodiversity. Tree planting takes place on an ongoing basis and the home of the Columbans in Ireland is a much-valued natural resource open to the people of the locality to enjoy.
And 26 schools in England have made a commitment to supporting a tree growing project with the Higaonon people in Mindanao, Philippines.
https://columbans.co.uk/justice-peace/13631/planting-our-future-a-community-united-for-the-earth/
Peru: Celebrating 20 years of work with young people
Warmi Huasi means 'Women's House' in Quichua, but 'Space' would describe it better. It offers a space for people to grow. Columban Fr Ed O'Connell, who founded it, says: "This year, Warmi Huasi celebrates two decades of dedication to young people in the marginalised communities of Lima's northern townships and in an area of the High Andes. Over the years, Warmi Huasi has been a beacon of hope and support, tirelessly working to uplift and empower those in dire need. It is a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most."
Fr Ed O'Connell out in the community
School children visiting beehives at St Columban's
Installation of beehives
The Columbans in Britain are eager to protect ecological diversity in their grounds. Part of the gardens are being re-wilded, adding wildflower meadows, small saplings, and beehives to increase natural habitats and ecosystems for local insects and wildlife.
https://columbans.co.uk/justice-peace/14235/celebrating-bees-at-columban-hq/
Philippines: Project gives new life to abused children
Irish Columban Father Shay Cullen founded the PREDA (Peoples' Recovery Empowerment and Development Assistance) Foundation 50 years ago in the Philippines. Since 1974 PREDA has protected the rights of women and children and campaigned for freedom from sex slavery and human trafficking. PREDA frees children from abusive situations and provides accommodation for about 240 victims every year.
Fr Shay Cullen at the Preda Foundation, Philippines
Columban group at 'Restore Nature Now' march through London
'Restore Nature Now' London march
On Saturday 22 June, Columbans were at the 'Restore Nature Now' ecumenical service and march in London, a huge family-friendly day of celebration and protest to protect nature, involving at least 80,000 people. James Trewby, head of the Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology Team in Britain, who was there with his family, said afterwards, "the UK must do better - for our sake, for future generations, and for our sisters and brothers around the world!"
https://columbans.co.uk/justice-peace/14414/columbans-pray-and-march-to-protect-biodiversity/
Fiji: Community nurturing 'our common home'
Ioane Nawaikula - the Columban Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Coordinator in Fiji – was recently involved in a day of tree planting and environmental stewardship with local school children at a children's park in the town of Tavua in Fiji. The children, guided by their teacher and inspired by the teachings of Laudato Si', planted plants and fruit trees to enhance the environment. The trees should bear fruits such as kavika, tarawau, and avocado, and provide shade and oxygen for all to enjoy.
https://columbans.co.uk/justice-peace/14606/nurturing-our-common-home/
Columbans planting trees in Fiji
