Saint Columban, an Irish monk and missionary, is known as the “first European” for his vision of cultural unity across Europe. Born around 543, he founded monasteries, revived faith in the post-pagan Continent, and introduced private Confession. His monastic rule and missionary work left an enduring spiritual and cultural legacy that shaped European Christianity.
Learning the importance of struggle and suffering is something that is largely missing in this modern culture of easy living. When we look back to Christ, we find that only by living his sacrifice can we arrive at “Jerusalem.”
Last year, on the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the first major step towards post-WWII long-lasting peace, Pope Francis said it had led to “the long period of stability and peace (in Europe) from which we benefit today”.