Caption Bishop Nulty welcomes pilgrims to celebrate Saint Columbanus at various events in Myshall and Carlow town (Catholic Communications Office archive)
Bishop Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin, will host this year’s XXVI Columbanus Day, a three-day celebration of pilgrim walks and talks which will take place in Carlow town and the nearby the village of Myshall, over 11 to 13 July, in honour of Saint Columbanus, whom Pope Benedict XVI described as “the best known Irishman of the early Middle Ages”.
This year is the first time that this annual European gathering takes place in the Republic.
Ahead of the opening of the Columbanus Day celebrations in Carlow, Bishop Nulty said, “Europe, and many parts of the globe, are currently experiencing harrowing levels of industrial-scale destruction of human life and dignity, as well as the resulting high volume of people displacement, the likes of which we haven’t witnessed on the continent for eighty years. We pray to our Irish Saint Columbanus to intercede to bring peace, for the alleviation of suffering, and for an immediate cessation of all warfare.
“Into this bleak context the diocese of Kildare & Leighlin is hosting the XXVI Columbanus Day gathering here in Carlow. I warmly welcome our 250 guests from around Europe as well as the special message sent to us by the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV for our occasion, who aptly states, ‘Saint Columban, speaking across the centuries, can still teach our world today about how love for God and neighbour requires us to care for creation and to cultivate our souls’” (see Papal message below).
Bishop Nulty continued, “Known as a pioneer of Christian unity, education, and of respect for the environment, Columbanus was born in Myshall on the slopes of Mount Leinster, and would go on to leave a profound mark on the continent. Now, his message of peace and shared humanity is being revived in the very landscape where his journey began.
“The celebrations over the next three days will be deeply rooted in Carlow’s rich spiritual heritage. Events include a major symposium at Carlow College, the launch of a European-themed exhibition at the County Museum, and a solemn ecumenical prayer service in Myshall. Saturday’s pilgrim walk – from the iconic Nine Stones to the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross – will be a symbolic journey of unity and hope, joined by people of all ages and faiths. Adding to the special occasion, former President of Ireland Mary McAleese will speak on the saint’s legacy; Professor Dáibhí Ó Cróinín of the University of Galway will address Ireland’s contribution to the birth of Europe, while local musicians and choirs will fill Carlow with traditional Irish sounds. A concluding celebration of Mass on Sunday, attended by European Church leaders and civic representatives, will underscore Columbanus’ enduring relevance.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Media are invited to attend the events over the weekend in Carlow. A full programme of events can be found HERE . While most events are now fully booked all are very welcome to the XXVI Columbanus Day Mass in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow at 10.30am on Sunday 13 July. Bishop Nulty will be the chief celebrant and will be joined by fellow Bishops from Ireland and Europe. Photographs can be obtained from Mr Patrick Bramley by contacting him on [email protected] or +353 (0) 85 114 3493.
- The following message, on behalf of Pope Leo XIV, was received on 24 June 2025 by Bishop Denis Nulty from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State,:
- The Most Reverend Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare And Leighlin
- His holiness Pope Leo XIV was pleased to be informed that the “XXVI Columbanus weekend” is being held in Carlow, from 11 to 13 July this year, and he sends heartfelt good wishes to those taking part. In a particular way, Saint Columban, speaking across the centuries, can still teach our world today about how love for God and neighbour requires us to care for creation and to cultivate our souls in the theological virtues, for every aspect of our world reflects in some way the grandeur and goodness of its divine maker. His holiness prays that, by celebrating and reflecting on the witness of this “best known Irishman of the early Middle Ages”, who contributed much to nourishing the spiritual life of the Europe of his day (cf. Pope Benedict XVI, Catechesis, 11 June 2008), the present event will bear much fruit for the building up of God’s kingdom in Ireland and beyond. Upon all the participants, the Holy Father invokes an abundance of divine gifts, and cordially imparts his apostolic blessing as a pledge of joy and peace in Christ the Lord. Cardinal Pietro Parolin Secretary of State
- The European Columban Way is a 6,000 kilometre pilgrim route that traces the footsteps of Irish monk Columbanus who was born in the shadow of Mount Leinster in 543 AD , departing for Bangor where he lived for 20 years and founded a famous monastery. At the age of 48 years-old, Columbanus travelled throughout Europe including the north of Ireland, the UK, France, Austria, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Germany, Switzerland and Italy, and each has been busy developing the route in their respective countries. He died in Bobbio in 615 AD. The Irish section of the route is 571 kilometres.
- Bishop Denis Nulty is Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin.