Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
By Arlenne Villahermosa, Columban Lay Missionary
The 75th anniversary of the Columban Mission in Negros (1950–2025) commemorates a legacy of “integral evangelization” that has deeply influenced the island’s spiritual, social, and ecological landscape. Celebrating 75 years of presence signifies a transition – from building the local church to a renewed, more audacious mission focused on responding to modern crises such as biodiversity loss and social inequality.
The celebration was simple yet meaningful, filled with gratitude, joy, and hope. It became a time to rekindle friendships, honor the Columbans who helped build the local Church, and open pathways for new relationships and a more synodal way of being Church together.
The activities began with a tree-growing initiative at the Santuario de San Columbano-Bantolinao, where around 750 native trees were planted to symbolize the 75 years of mission. About 100 participants from various sectors, including community schools, Columban missionaries, Negros Nine, mission partners, diocesan representatives, government agencies, and civic groups joined the effort.
On November 23, Christ the King Sunday and the feast day of St. Columban, the local community in Batang gathered for a Eucharistic Celebration with the Columban Missionaries, mission partners from Luzon and Mindanao who were on pilgrimage, the Amigo Columbano group, the Presentation Sisters and some friends. This was followed by a shared meal, reinforcing community bonds.
The following day featured a conference on “Laudato Si and the Island of Negros,” highlighting the Columbans’ commitment to listening to the “cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” The resource speaker was Bp. Gerry Alminaza, Diocese of San Carlos, Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace of the Catholic Bishops Conference-Philippines, and President of Caritas-Philippines. It was followed by a Holy Mass presided by the Bishop of Kabankalan, Bp Louie Galbines, DD, and concelebrated by Bishop Gerry Alminaza, Columban priests and the Kabankalan diocesan clergy.
The event concluded with a thanksgiving meal shared by all who have journeyed with the Columban Missionaries through thkkyears. The anniversary was not just a celebration of the past; it also marked a turning point that reflects:
- gratitude for a rich missionary legacy,
- recognition of the Church’s role in social transformation, and
- a bold commitment to face today’s challenges with renewed hope and purpose.
In essence, it is both a culmination and a commissioning – honoring what has been built while embracing what must still be done.
Featured Image: The celebration began with a tree-growing activity at Santuario de San Columbano-Bantolinao, where around 750 native trees were planted to mark 75 years of Columban mission and ministry.
