By 1968, the U.S. branch of the Missionary Society of Saint Columban had reached the half-century mark. The Columbans could look back with pride on 50 years of achievement in the U.S., Ireland, and many overseas nations.
The May 1968 issue of Columban Fathers Mission, the official magazine for Columbans in the U.S.A. was a commemorative edition in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Society.
In the 50 years since 1918, the Columbans had weathered nearly everything that life could hurl at them: from wars and expulsions, to martyrdom and imprisonments, to financial problems and illnesses. They had endured these travails to form a vibrant mission society and expand their presence to new countries on several continents.
As U.S. society underwent tectonic changes during the turbulent era of the late 1960s, the Columbans anxiously looked toward the future.
