Feast: Jun 9
Born: Dec 7, 521  - Donegal, Ireland 
Died:  Jun 9, 597 - Iona, Scotland

Irish royalty, the son of Fedhlimidh and Eithne of the Ui Neill clan. Bard. Miracle worker. Monk at Moville. Spiritual student of Saint Finnian. Priest. Itinerant preacher and teacher throughout Ireland and Scotland. He was the spiritual teacher of Saint Corbmac and Saint Drostan. Travelled to Scotland in 563. Exiled to Iona, he founded a monastic community there and served as its abbot for 12 years. He and the monks of Iona, including Saint Baithen of Iona and Saint Eochod, then evangelized the Picts, converting many, including King Brude. Attended the Council of Drumceat, 575. Legend says he wrote 300 books.

Saint Columba Prayer

O Lord, grant us that love which can never die, which will enkindle our lamps but not extinguish them, so that they may shine in us and bring light to others. Most dear Savior, enkindle our lamps that they may shine forever in your temple. May we receive unquenchable light from yo so that our darkness will be illuminated and the darkness of the world will be made less. Amen.