“I am not leaving Sarawak I am taking her with me.” I remember those words from the late Brother Columba before he left for Ireland after 40 years of Christ-like witnessing among the last, least and lost among us.
Many may not know that apart from his illustrious and legendary stint as an educator par excellence, we have the honour of having Brother as our advisor/ writer / layout/ cut and paste assistant all rolled into one. Today’s Catholic is now 30 years old.
My prayer is that we will continue to reflect his spirit of being good news to all.
Although I had never enjoyed the privilege of working alongside him on the paper, he would still drop by the office to see how we were getting on in the months before he left in 1997. With a twinkle of his kind smiling eyes, he boosted my confidence with encouraging words for my amateur editorial efforts.
We are happy to present a feature on page 14-15 filled with marvellous, heartfelt tributes from those whose lives have been changed for the better because of how and for whom he lived. Rest in peace dear Br Columba. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and we are certain that we will forever remain in yours.
Stella Chin
Editor
Today’s Catholic Vol.27 No.12 March 2016
It has been 2 years since Brother Columba (James) Gleeson returned to God’s kingdom in heaven. His passing brings sadness, and at the same time let all his students and friends celebrate his full life in serving God in educating youths, especially many generations of boys in Sarawak. I am grateful to have the privilege to serve as the Head Prefect in 1987, the final year he was the Principal of St Joseph’s Sec School Kuching. He was always the figure of discipline and no non-sense in his white robe. At the same time he showed to us boys leadership by example in simple way. For instance, he would pick up litter on the ground as he walked and ‘monitor’ behaviour around the school compound. Brother Columba Gleeson dedicated his life in educating young minds in Sarawak, he instilled a strong culture of integrity, honesty, hardwork and of course active in sports. It was wonderful that a group of us met with him in Nov 2011 over dinner at Michael’s home in Singapore. I will always remember Brother Columba’s healthy pink glow as he spoke in morning school assembly. Farewell Brother Columba and now he is with Lord God and Christ Jesus. Amen.
DanielTsi （Kuching，year 1987 St. Joseph’s Sec School)