St Columba –The College’s Patron Saint
(also known as Columcille, Columkill, Colum and Columbus)
The son of Fedhlimidh and Eithne, Columba was born on 7th December 521 at Donegal, Ireland. Columba though directly descended from Niall of the Nine Hostages, and in close succession to the throne. He then was destined for the priesthood from an early age. He studied at Molville under St Finnian and later at Clonard surrendered his princely claims and became a monk at Glasnevin.
Columba preached and taught throughout his native country combining study with prayer and manual labour. By the time he was 25, he had founded 27 monasteries including those at Derry, Kells and Durrow, as well as some 40 churches.
An enthusiastic scholar, he learned poetry and history and is believed to have penned the Latin poem Altus Prosator.
A compassionate and loyal man, Columba constantly asked God for grace and wisdom. He refused luxuries for himself and insisted on sharing the work of his friends.
Despite the fact that he loved his homeland, Columba experienced a profound conversion and irresistible call to journey forward and preach to the heathen. On Whitsun Eve in 563, at the age of 42, he crossed the Irish Sea with twelve companions in a small coracle landing on a cold deserted island named Hy, known today as Iona (or Dove or Holy Island).
Iona became the centre of Christian enterprise - the heart of Celtic Christianity - as Columba set about converting the Picts, Scots and Northern English.
Columba built a monastery, his work spread and before long the island was too small to contain him. Columba ventured into the wildest glens of Scotland establishing the Caledonian Church and converting the revered King Brude and his people.
Columba died on June 9, 597, and is said to be buried at Downpatrick in Northern Ireland.
He is recognised today as the patron saint of poets, bookbinders and floods.
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