Columba’s parents were both descended from Irish kings. As a boy, he loved books and learning, and especially loved reading the psalms. His first teacher was a priest. He became a monk when he was a young man and spent the next several years teaching and preaching in Ireland. By the time he was 25, he had founded over two dozen monasteries.
At this time, monasteries were not only houses of prayer, but also centers of art, literature and education. Monks lived in dome-shaped cells made of rock and lived simple lives of solitude. Many monks were scribes, whose job it was to copy books or manuscripts by hand. Since printing presses and computers were not yet invented, this was the only way to make copies of books. The monks added beautiful illustrations to the pages. These works are called “illuminated manuscripts.” The monks copied the Bible, as well as works in Greek, Latin, and Irish folk tales. One famous illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells, was most likely started at the monastery of Iona, which was founded by Columba. This manuscript has been preserved and is on display in Dublin, Ireland!
"Alone with none but Thee, my God, I journey on my way. What need I fear when Thou art near, Oh King of night and day? More safe am I within Thy hand than if a host did round me stand." - Saint Columba
Even though he loved Ireland, St Columba set off in 563 to the island of Iona, located off the coast of Scotland, with twelve companions. They established a community in which they spent their days in prayer, work, and preaching the Gospel. Columba was a good sailor, and he made many missionary voyages. He traveled by boat to the islands around Iona as well as to the mainland of Scotland and England where he founded several small churches.
In addition to being a preacher and illustrator of manuscripts, Columba was also a talented poet. He celebrated the beauty of nature in his poems. "Alone with none but Thee, my God, I journey on my way. What need I fear when Thou art near, Oh King of night and day? More safe am I within Thy hand than if a host did round me stand." Saint Columba praised God in the wonders of nature and recognized the blessings that are given to us each day.
As St Columba got older and was unable to travel, he spent much more of his time writing and copying manuscripts. It is said that he was personally responsible for copying over three hundred books. He died on June 9 in the year 597.
