Columba (521–597), an abbot and missionary evangelist, studied under prominent monastic teachers in Ireland and founded several monasteries there. He is known for spreading Christianity in present day Scotland. He founded the important abbey on Iona.
This year is the 1500th anniversary of his birth.
He was born Dec. 7, 521, to Fedlimid and Eithne in Gartan, Ireland. When baptized, he was given the name Crimthann. He was found praying so often in the town church that his friends called him Colmcille, Dove of the Church. The Latin word for Colm is Columba.
After an early education, he entered the monastic school of Finnian of Movilla. He was almost 20 years old when he completed his training. He then traveled to Leinster, where he studied under Gemman, an aged bard.
Flourishing of Christianity
In early Christian Ireland, the druidic tradition was replaced by the new Christian faith. Monasteries flourished, teaching Latin and Christian theology. Columba studied under Finnian of Clonard Abbey in County Meath. He was one of 12 students of Finnian, who became known as the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. He founded several monasteries including Derry, Durrow, and Kell and is one of the three patron saints of Ireland after Patrick and Brigid of Kildare.
In 563, Columba and his 11 companions traveled to Scotland in a wicker boat covered with leather. They settled on the island of Iona in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland. He founded an abbey there, which became a place of pilgrimage and learning.
Miracles and healing
Many stories exist about miracles he performed, such as driving out evil spirits and healing people with diseases. His most famous miracle may be his encounter with an unidentified animal, which some have claimed is the Loch Ness Monster. He saw a man swimming, being chased by a sea creature. Columba made the sign of the cross and the man swam to safety. He then banished the “monster“ to the bottom of the River Ness.
His forceful preaching and missionary zeal were largely responsible for converting the pagan Picts in northern and eastern Scotland to Christianity. He founded several churches in the Hebrides, and his monastery became a school for missionaries. As a scholar, he wrote several hymns and transcribed 300 books. He was considered a saint long before his death.
Columba predicted his own death at midnight on June 9, 597. His monks buried him in the abbey. June 9th is his feast day.
Iona Abbey is a tourist destination now and a place for spiritual retreats.
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