(also Colum Cille, Columbkill) (521-597)


Manet in meo corde Dei amoris flamma, / ut in argenti vase auri ponitur gemma.

The fire of Gods love stays in my heart, / As a jewel set in gold in a silver vessel.

"Noli, pater" ("Do not, Father")


Christian abbot, founder of the monastery of Iona, and missionary to the Picts of northwest Scotland. Born of royal descent in Gartan, County Donegal, Columba was educated by St. Finnian of Movilla. He founded monasteries and churches in Ireland, most notably Durrow, near Ballycowan in County Meath, and Londonderry, in Northern Ireland. For historically uncertain reasons, Columba was excommunicated and went into exile (with 12 companions) to establish the monastery on the island of Iona, off the Scottish coast, in 563. Iona was instrumental in the Christianization of Britain, with Columba responsible for the first conversions of Picts. He wielded great political influence over both Irish and Pictish rulers, and crowned Aidan, the Irish king of Argyll, on Iona.

Fun Fact: his *Vita* contains the first known reference to the Loch Ness Monster!