Columban missionary Fr Michael Sinnott set up the Hangop Kabataan (The Children’s Shelter) foundation for children with special needs in the Philippines in 1998. In October 2009 he was kidnapped by six extremists and held for 31 days.

In his article “Rejecting Racism: Welcome, Protect, Promote and Integrate”, Bishop Doran asks why this is happening in Ireland, “considering our strong missionary tradition” and support for Trócaire, Concern and Goal.

Bishop Phonsie Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore describes the lives of Fr Rufus Halley and Fr Des Hartford as “a sign to us all that dialogue is absolutely necessary”.

“This Muslim leader learned from these two Columbans the value of love and forgiveness and this brought a radical change to his life and a new and more life-giving interpretation of the Koran.”

Joe Little of RTÉ launched the book about Columban priests Fr Des Hartford and Fr Rufus Halley’s efforts to foster peace between Muslims and Christians in the Philippines.