Saint Columba
Saint Columba, known as Columba of Iona, was a significant figure in early Christian history, particularly in the spread of Christianity across Scotland and northern England. Born in Ireland, he was educated in various monasteries, including Moville and Clonard, before founding important monasteries in Derry and Durrow. His journey to Scotland began around 563 CE, following a conflict that led to his exile. Arriving in Argyllshire with twelve companions, he established a monastery on the island of Iona. This became a pivotal center for the dissemination of Christian teachings and monastic ideals.
Columba played a crucial role in the establishment of the Scottish kingdom of Dalriada by ordaining Aidan as king in 574 CE, which helped secure the kingdom's independence. His influence extended beyond Scotland, as he contributed to the spread of Christianity throughout central Europe. Today, Columba is regarded as one of the founders of the Scottish nation and is celebrated for his enduring legacy in promoting Christian values and monastic life across the region. His life and work continue to inspire many, reflecting the profound impact of his missionary efforts.
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Subject Terms
Saint Columba
Composer
- Born: c. 521
- Birthplace: Tyrconnell (now County Donegal, Ireland)
- Died: June 8 or 9, 597
- Place of death: Iona (now Inner Hebrides, Scotland)
Related civilizations: Ireland, Scotland
Major role/position: Religious leader
Life
Saint Columba (koh-LUHM-bah) was educated in the monasteries of Moville, Clonard, and Glasnevin and is credited with the founding of the Irish monasteries of Derry and Durrow. Scholars have been unable to confirm the tradition that a quarrel with Saint Finnian of Moville in 561 c.e. led to Columba’s exile after a rebellion against the high king Diarmit and the bloody Battle of Culdrevny, but in 563 c.e., with twelve followers, Columba went to Argyllshire, where Irish invaders from Ulster, “Scots,” were maintaining their kingdom of Dalriada with great difficulty against the generally pagan Picts. There on the island of Iona, he founded a monastery from which his followers spread Christianity and the monastic ideal throughout Scotland and northern England.
By ordaining Aidan, king of Dalriada, in 574 c.e. and securing his independence both from the Picts and from the Irish in Ulster, Columba is credited with the establishment of the dynasty that ruled Dalriada and then, for five centuries, all Scotland.
Influence
Columba may be considered the earliest of the founders of the Scottish nation. Because he influenced the establishment of monasteries in Scotland and northern England that spread the monastic ideal to the continent, he must be credited with an inspirational role in the conversion of the peoples of central Europe to Christianity.
Bibliography
Adamnan. Life of St. Columba. Translated by Richard Sharpe. New York: Penguin Books, 1995.
Bradley, Ian. Columba, Pilgrim and Penitent. Glasgow, Scotland: Wild Goose, 1996.
Simpson, W. Douglas. The Historical St. Columba. Edinburgh, Scotland: Oliver and Boyd, 1963.