St. Columba

St. Columba, known in Irish as Colum Cille ('dove of the church'), was born on 7 December 521 at Gartan in Donegal, Ireland, into a royal family, and died on 9 June 597 on the island of Iona. A monk and priest of great energy, he founded several monasteries across Ireland, including Derry and Durrow, before leaving his homeland around 563 — whether as a penitent exile or a missionary pilgrim — to spread the Gospel abroad.

With a small band of companions he settled on the tiny island of Iona off the coast of Scotland, founding a monastery that became one of the most important centers of Christianity and learning in the British Isles, a base from which the faith spread among the Picts and Scots. Revered for his holiness, wisdom, and reputed gift of prophecy, he is counted among the Twelve Apostles of Ireland and is venerated as a patron saint of Scotland and, with Patrick and Brigid, of Ireland.