Our patron saint, Columba, was born at Gartan in Donegal County, Ireland, on December 5, 521 AD. He died in 597 AD. His parents named him Crimtham (Pronounced Criffan) meaning "a fox." This was not an unusual name at the time, as it signifies the type of attributes that a Celtic noble would need throughout his life - those of cunning and stealth. Later on Columba showed such gentleness, sweetness of nature and a desire for things sacred, that those around him called him Colm which means "a dove" and sometimes Colmcille, meaning "dove of the church." The latter is the name most often given the saint in his native Ireland. More than likely St. Columba would have been High King of Ireland had he not devoted his life to the best cause of all - proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ. He became a monk and founded many monasteries in Ireland before going into self-imposed exile in the island of Iona off the cost of Scotland.

A poet, scholar, and writer who obviously loved solitude, Columba was at the same time highly involved in pastoral ministry as head of his religious community on Iona and as a missionary to Scotland.

From Iona, he evangelized Scotland with his companions. Columba was a man for our times - a negotiator, a reconciler, a peacemaker. Columba had bridged a gap between the fledgling Christian culture and the pagan, druidic culture of his time. It was not an easy task, and the alliance had tense and difficult moments. The problems faced by Columba were the same ones that are underlying the conflicts of cultures in our world today and in his native country at present.

It is appropriate and timely to invoke the intercession of St. Columba who has gone this road before us, and has been successful in reaching that harmony and accord through which Celtic Christianity flourished for many years.
 

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