Partnership news
560 km on foot to connect the two Irelands
August 17 – September 21, 2024
A highlight of 2024 was undoubtedly the ‘walk for peace, healing, and well-being’ between Mount Leinster in the southeast of Ireland (County Carlow), where Columban was born, and Bangor, where he left Ireland for his journeys across Europe.
Some pilgrims walked the entire distance of Turas Columbanus (Columban Way), crossing the border, along the way, between the Republic and Northern Ireland. Hundreds of others joined to walk shorter distances, to travel by bus, or to participate in welcoming ceremonies that took place along the route.
Contact: turascolumbanus@gmail.com
Formal creation and signing of the Partnership agreement
November 23, 2024
As part of the November 23rd celebrations in Bangor, at the commemoration of Saint Columbanus’ death, the statutes of the Via Columbani Partnership were signed by the four founding Partners.
The ceremony was preceded by a conference on the heritage of Saint Gall, including the ancient Irish manuscripts housed in the St. Gallen Library, presented by Dr. Cornel Dora, director of the Library.
Contact: deborah.girvan@outlook.com
Strengthening connections between schools along the route
November 2024
In 2024, visits were organized between schools in Northern Ireland and Italy, with visits between Bangor, Bobbio, and Brescia.
At the heart of these visits were activities for young people, on topics related to Saint Columbanus, such as European unity and respect for nature, organized in collaboration with the Green Butterflies association, in the framework of the Peregrinus project.
In 2025, the network of schools will expand, with planned visits to Luxeuil-les-Bains and other destinations.
Contact: ecoulter700.ec@gmail.com
Alpine walks in Austria and Liechtenstein
May 3-4, 2025 – November 1, 2025
In 2025, the Via Columbani will emphasise its eastward links across the Alps.
On May 3-4, a two-day pilgrimage is planned along the Kolumbansweg in Austria, from Bregenz to Feldkirch, a distance of 30 km, also visiting the newly renovated St. Gall Church in Bregenz.
On November 1, the pilgrimage will continue from Feldkirch in Austria to Vaduz in Liechtenstein, covering a further distance of approximately 17 km.
Contact: wo.sieber72@gmail.com