In 1978, the Columbans took another step in the direction of China, the land from which they had been kicked out in the early 1950s.
In 1976 during an assembly of Columban representatives from all the countries where Columbans live and minister, the decision was made to open a new mission in Taiwan (along with Pakistan).
The Bishop of the city of Hsinchu in Taiwan invited the Columbans to his diocese, and Columban Father Edward T. “Ned” Kelly arrived there in November 1978. Several more Columbans would follow throughout 1979.
The Columbans focused much of their mission efforts there on working with the poor and underprivileged of Taiwan, including the indigenous Atayal people and migrant workers.
Taiwan is an island nation which broke away from mainland China after Mao Zedong’s communists took over in China. The launch of the Columban mission in Taiwan continued the process of the Columbans returning to their Chinese roots.
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The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.