St. Columba (521-597) was born of a royal family in Ireland, but he is best known as one of the most famous Scottish saints. After he was ordained, he founded monasteries in different parts of Ireland. He was forced to leave Ireland because of a family feud. Twelve companions from his monasteries came with him.
The missionaries settled on Iona, an island off the coast of Scotland. Under Columba’s direction, a monastery was built. Columba devoted himself to training monks, making peace between the warring groups in Scotland, and copying sacred manuscripts. Legend tells us that Columba himself hand-printed three hundred copies of Gospel!
Another famous legend is about a miracle God worked through Columba. He and several of his monks had traveled to Northern Scotland, where the people were known as the Picts. Their goal was to preach the Good News and to convert and baptize the Picts. The missionaries went immediately to the castle of King Brude, the ruler of the Picts, who would not allow them to enter the castle. Tradition says that Columba then made the Sign of the Cross in front of the castle doors. Immediately, the bolts fell from the doors and the doors opened wide. King Brude was awed by such a powerful sign from God and listened respectfully to Columba. He then asked Columba to baptize him. Many of his subjects followed his example.
We remember St. Columba for his great faith. He lived the cardinal virtue of fortitude. He taught the pagan and war-like people of Scotland about Jesus even though it was dangerous. Like Columba, we can do what God calls us to do even when it is difficult.
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