History of St Columba
Columba was born in Ireland, in the year 521. His mum and dad were from a royal family so he was an important child. The name ‘Columba’ means ‘Dove’ which is the sign of peace, God and the Holy Spirit. Instead of becoming a King in Ireland, Columba chose the role to become a priest and a monk. He travelled all over Ireland teaching people about God and he also created illustrated manuscripts. Although, he had copied someone's work and when it was discovered he refused to take responsibility. He gathered an army to fight against the people who accused him of copying, killing 3,000 people in the process. When he realised that the decision he made was bad, he moved to the Scottish Islands of Iona, with 12 of his friends. He built a monastery there and promised God that he would tell 3,000 people about Jesus, as a way of apologising to all the people who had been murdered. Columba travelled around Scotland teaching people about God. He would regularly visit Iona, where he would rest and pray.
At St Columba’s, we celebrate St Columba's day every year, which gives us the opportunity to reflect on who Saint Columba was.
At St Columba’s, we celebrate St Columba's day every year, which gives us the opportunity to reflect on who Saint Columba was.