Columba

Biography

From a family of princes, he entered the monastery of Clonard as a child, was ordained a priest and lived fifteen more years on his native island, preaching and founding numerous monasteries. Around 563, already famous for his piety and learning, he went to convert the pagan Picts of Scotland. Together with twelve disciples, he toured the Scottish land, founding monasteries, making peace between enemies, teaching how to plow the land: he carried faith and civilization with him. He was spoken of as someone “whose face radiated inner joy.” He was cheerful, charitable and kind. Saint Columba died surrounded by his monks, having earned the nickname “soldier of the island” for his spiritual conquests.