In days gone by, the sounding of the monastic bell was a call to prayer. This would have been a welcome sound to St. Columban who was well known for his dedication to prayer and his love of solitude. It is fitting then that Lonze Holger spent time in Ballinaskelligs crafting a replica of the 6th century Columbanus/Gaul bell that can still be seen in the cathedral of St. Gallen in Switzerland. Overlooking the monastic site of Skellig Michael where Monks of the Celtic Christian tradition had founded a monastery sometime between the 6th and 8th centuries, Holger used the tin metal that was used in those early days and crafted his bell the same size and shape as the San Gallen bell.
One of Holger’s bells was then gifted to the Columban Sisters in Magheramore by Columban missionary Fr. Sean McDonagh and was used as our call to prayer during our Chapter meetings in Knock in 2023 as we prepared to make some challenging decisions. The bell encouraged us as we discerned about our future path and it also accompanied some of us as we walked parts of the Columban Way throughout Ireland.
When Maria Liu, one of our Friends of St. Columban in Hong Kong, walked along the Columban Way near Mount Leinster, the bell accompanied us. The phrase, “Let us be Christ’s, not our own,” echoed in Maria’s heart, reminding her of St. Columban’s words and renewing her strength to continue her life’s journey. Then last year, some of us (originally from Peru, Philippines, Korea and Scotland) once again walked the Columban Way around Mount Leinster, once again accompanied by our Columbanus Bell.
So, after accompanying us on so many pilgrimages in Ireland, how then does this bell now find its home in Hong Kong in the Far East?
The bell’s journey actually began in the 1970’s when the decision was made to send Columban Sisters to work in Hong Kong in the field of education. This led to Bishop Hsu opening a college in Sau Mau Ping which at that time was an overcrowded resettlement with a population of over 1400, most of whom were Cantonese speaking refugees from China. Officially opened in 1980 and called Leung Shek Chee College, it was the first secondary school for girls in this densely populated area. By 1996, the diocese in Hong Kong assumed responsibility for the school as we became more involved in other ministries. Over the years, Columban Sisters have continued to maintain strong links with the teachers and students, to the extent that they now have strong devotion to St. Columban and his missionary spirit. So, it seemed only fitting then that we would gift our Columbanus bell to the school.
On receiving this gift from us, Stella Chiu, school Supervisor encouraged the students with her inspiring words –
“Today is a profoundly meaningful and memorable day for Leung Shek Chee College. First, on behalf of the school, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Missionary Sisters of St. Columban, our original School Sponsoring Body, for presenting the precious Columban Bell to our school. This bell is not merely a piece of art or a historical relic, it carries the profound heritage of St. Columban, an Irish missionary who embarked on a great journey from Bangor. It symbolises faith, perseverance, and the spirit of exploration. To us, it beautifully connects the ancient monastic tradition of Ireland with our school’s mission. It is a call to remember our roots, to embrace journeys of courage, and to carry forward the enduring chime of wisdom, resilience, and purpose into the world. We will cherish this gift as a precious treasure of our School.
And to our S6 girls—today marks your last formal school day, but it is in fact a beginning. As you step forward, may the story of this bell inspire you. Like Columban leaving Bangor, you too are setting out on a significant journey. To get ready for your journey, I encourage you to make the most of your study leave to prepare thoroughly for your exams. This is your final push to shape your own future. Study diligently, stay disciplined and resilient, and fight for your dreams. May the sound of the Columban Bell always remind you of your roots here, and may you step into the future with confidence and grace, writing brilliant chapters of your own life.”
Sr. Ann Gray for Far East Magazine