On May 14, 2005 some 350 people gathered in the Parish Church in Donam Dong, Seoul to give thanks for  50 years of Columban Sisters' missionray service among the Korean people.

The celebration began with the liturgical dancers leading the procession up the church aisle to the sound of drums, while one of the parish choirs excelled in their  wonderful singing of the Mass written to Korean traditional music. 

Stephen Cardinal Kim Soo Whan presided at the Thanksgiving Celebration of the Eucharist.
Joining in the celebration were Archbishop Choi Chang Moo Andrea from Kwang Ju diocese where the Sisters opened their first mission (Mokpo); Bishop Chang Ik John from Chunchon Diocese, which was the location of the Sisters' second mission which began a few months after the arrival of the first Sisters  in Korea; Irish Ambassador Conor Murphy and his wife; Filipino Ambassador Alavin Villacorte and his wife:  many other priests, religious and  former staff members and friends of the Columban Sisters, some of whom who had travelled from as far away as Cheju Island to be present.

In his homily Cardinal Kim expressed his appreciation of the Columban Sisters and all they have done in Korea during the past 50 years.

He gave special recognition to Sisters Enda Staunton and  Philomena O'Sullivan, who were both present. Sister Enda was among the first four Sister to arrive in Korea on January 16, 1955 while Sister Philomena arrived on June 20 of the same year.
 

At the end of Mass Irish Ambassador Conor Murphy read a congratulatory message from Irish President Mary McAleese.

Later a delicious catered buffet meal, served in garden of the Columban Sisters' house in Seoul, was enjoyed by all in an atmosphere filled with gratitude to God who has done great things among u

Companions on the Journey By Sister Mary McHugh