Posted on

Brief Notes On Saint Columba (Apostle of the Picts)

St Columba
Columba was born to Fedlimid and Eithne in the 520 in the Region of County Donegal in what is now in the North of Ireland. His father’s family may have been descended from King Niall, a 5th-century ruler.                                                                                              
His name at birth may have been Crimthann meaning ‘Fox’ and later became known as Colmcille meaning “Dove”
Around the year 560, some traditions assert that Columba became involved in a quarrel with Finnian of Movilla Abbey over a psalter. Columba copied the manuscript from the scriptorium in the abbey. His intentions were to keep the copy for himself. Finnian disputed his right to keep it. There is a suggestion that this conflict resulted in the Battle of Cul Dreimhne, in what is now County Sligo. During the battle, many men were killed.                                                                                                                                
In the year 563, Columba and 12 companions, traveled to Scotland in a wicker and cowhide coracle to preach the gospels and convert the Picts.                                                                                                                                                                                                              
 He founded the monastery on the island of Iona which after nearly 1500 years is still a hugely significant site, being a tourist and pilgrimage center. At one point in time during a trek into the interior of Scotland along the banks of Loch Ness, he encountered the monster of the loch that was busy trying to eat a person. A few words from Columba and the monster turned tail and left his victim behind.                                                                                                                                                                                       
One of Columba’s rules for the community on Iona was, cows were not allowed on the Island, as where there’s a cow there’s a milkmaid, and women meant trouble!                                                                                                                                                                       
Three surviving early Medieval Latin hymns may be attributed to Saint Columba.
Saint Columba is one of the three patron saints of Ireland.


More on Saint Columba:

More on Iona and its Comunity:

Saint Columba figure in the A12North shop: