Columba

Saint Columba, also called Colmcille, was born on December 7, 521, in Gartan near Lough Gartan in Tír Chonaill, in today’s County Donegal, Ireland. Raised among the Cenél Conaill, he was formed in holiness and learning under renowned teachers, and became one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. Ordained a priest, he founded monasteries that became centers of prayer, study, and missionary zeal, including Derry, Durrow, Kells, and Swords. In time, burdened by the turmoil of Irish politics and seeking a penitential pilgrimage, Columba left his homeland. Around 563 he crossed the sea with twelve companions and settled on the island of Iona off Scotland’s western coast. There he founded the great abbey of Iona, which shone for centuries as a beacon of Christian faith, evangelizing the Picts and strengthening the Church among the Gaels. Remembered as an abbot, missionary, and peacemaker, he is honored in places such as the Columbkille Pattern and the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles. His feast day is June 9.