Missionary Sisters of St. Columban

The Missionary Sisters of St. Columban (commonly referred to as the Columban Sisters, abbreviated as S.S.C.) are a religious institute of Religious Sisters dedicated to serve the poor and needy in the underdeveloped nations of the world. They were founded in Ireland in 1924 to share in the work of the priests of the Missionary Society of St. Columban.

The origins of the Columban Sisters lay in the work of the Reverend Edward J. Galvin, a priest from County Cork, Ireland. Long desiring to serve in the Chinese missions, he finally was able to go there in 1916 to serve in the missions. He was quickly overwhelmed by the needs of the Chinese people, both materially and spiritually. By 1918, he had founded the Columban Fathers, who quickly developed to the point where they could establish their own mission in China within two years.

Seeing the need for the help of women in the work, especially to care for women and children, one of the founders, John Blowick, recruited several women for this endeavor. Among them was Lady Frances Moloney, a widow, Mary Martin, who had gained nursing experience on the battle lines of Somme, and Agnes Ryan, a schoolteacher. The latter two had joined the new endeavor through their mutual spiritual director, the Reverend Thomas Ronayne. The women then began medical training in England under individual programs to prepare for service in China.

Just as Martin was about to take a course in obstetrics, she was called home to care for her ailing mother. While back in her hometown, Ronayne introduced her to a newly named bishop for Africa, who was also recruiting women to serve in his territory. Martin decided to sign up for this effort instead of China. She was joined in this by Ryan. Moloney continued with the training and became the foundress of the Columban Sisters. Martin went to Africa, where she founded the Medical Missionaries of Mary in 1937.

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