St. Columbkille Medal

St. Columbkille Biography

St. , also known as Colmcille or Columbia, was an Irish monk, priest and missionary who lived in the 6th century. He is known for his contributions to the spread of Christianity in Ireland, Scotland, and the north of England. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of Celtic Christianity.

Columbkille was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 521 AD, in a time when Ireland was undergoing significant political and religious changes. He was trained in the monastic traditions of the Irish church and became a monk at an early age.

In the mid-6th century, Columbkille began to undertake missionary journeys to Scotland and the north of England, where he established monasteries and Christian communities. He is credited with spreading Christianity in the areas that are now known as the Scottish Highlands, the Isle of Man, and the coast of Cumbria, England. He founded many monasteries and schools, and his teachings and writings were instrumental in the preservation and spread of Christianity in the region.

Columbkille’s monastic rule emphasised the importance of asceticism, education, and manual labour. He also placed a great emphasis on the study of the Bible, scripture, and the literary tradition of Ireland. He had a great interest in the preservation and translation of holy texts and is said to have been responsible for many of the most important Irish manuscripts of the time.

His monastic communities were also known for their strong sense of community and mutual support, and for their dedication to the education and welfare of the local people. He emphasized the importance of a religious community as a center for social and moral improvement, where the residents could learn and grow in faith, education and culture.

Although some of the legends and miracles that surround his life are considered as fictional and as such not verified by historical records, there are many historical records that attest to his significance and impact in early Christianity.

Columbkille’s impact on the spread of Christianity in Ireland and Scotland was significant. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of Celtic Christianity, and his monastic rule and teachings continue to be an important source of inspiration for many people today. His feast day is celebrated on June 9.

His contributions to the spread of Christianity, his emphasis on education and his role in preserving Irish culture and history make him an important figure in the history of Ireland, Scotland and Western Christianity.

The Life of St. Columbkille

St. Columba, or Columkille, was born of a noble family at Gartan, County Tyrconnell, Ireland, in 521. Deeply religious from early youth, he was ordained Priest at Clonard. From the day of his arrival there, he began to manifest the gift of prophecy. Truly marvelous was his zeal in founding and regulating monastic institutions, with their churches and noble halls of learning.

In 563, St. Columba departed for Scotland. Into the vast places he wandered, bearing the glad tidings of salvation; everywhere winning souls and planting the Cross of his crucified Lord. The perils and labors of St. Columba and his companions were great and they converted many souls.

Convinced by St. Columba’s arguments and his miracles, the tribes submitted and were baptized. The Picts, in gratitude, gave Saint Columba the island of Iona, where he founded his celebrated monastery, the school of apostolic missionaries and martyrs. The numerous monasteries established by St. Columba, whether in Erin or in Alba, acknowledged his jurisdiction and were subject to him.

In the 30th year of his apostleship and exile, while deep in prayer, a celestial light was seen glowing around him. He had a vision of Angels who told him that the day of his death had been deferred four years, in answer to the prayers of his companions. The Saint Columbkille wept bitterly, crying out, “Woe is me that my sojourning is prolonged!”, for he longed to reach his eternal home. His peaceful death occurred on the 9th of June, 597, in his 76th year, surrounded in choir by his spiritual children. His relics were laid in Down, in the same shrine with the bodies of St. Patrick and St. Brigid where they remained for centuries.

Henry VIII and his followers had no regard for church or shrine or relics, and Lord Deputy Gray, in his campaign of plunder and profanation, robbed the Cathedral of Down; afterwards he gave it to the flames, and demolished the shrine of the Saints.

Popular St. Columbkille Medal and Saint Columbkille Rosary

A St. Columbkille medal or a St. Columbkille rosary is a perfect gift to give to a young man who has chosen St. Columbkille as their confirmation name. Wearing a St. Columbkille medal daily is a perpetual prayer for Saint Columbkille to intercede on behalf of the wearer. As saints are united closer to God, their prayers are more efficacious, and enriches your own prayer.

Additionally, a Saint Columbkille pendant is a reminder to emulate the example of the holy saint in your daily life. What a beautiful testament of faith to share with the world, or to keep discretely tucked under your clothes. During the challenging moments of your day, reflect upon the holy life of St. Columbkille and pray for their intercession and protection.

Our St. Columbkille medal pendant features the image of the holy saint standing with a staff in his right arm and his left arm bent towards his chest where he is holding a small cross above his year. A halo surrounds the saint signifying his holiness. The outer band of the St. Columbkille pendant features the words “Saint Columbkille Pray for Us”

Prayers to St. Columbkille

Hymn of St. Columbkille

Alone with none but thee, my God,
I journey on my way.
What need I fear when thou art near,
O King of night and day?
More safe am I within thy hand than if a
host should round me stand.

My destined time is known to thee,
and death will keep his hour;
did warriors strong around me throng,
they could not stay his power:
no walls of stone can man defend when
thou thy messenger dost send.

My life I yield to thy decree,
and bow to thy control
in peaceful calm, for from thine arm
no power can wrest my soul.
Could earthly omens e’er appal
a man that heeds the heavenly call!

The child of God can fear no ill,
his chosen dread no foe;
we leave our fate with thee, and wait
thy bidding when to go.
‘Tis not from chance our comfort springs.
thou art our trust, O King of kings

---

Prayer Written by St. Columbkille

The path I walk, Christ walks it.
May the land in which I am be without sorrow.
May the Trinity protect me wherever I stay,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Bright angels walk with me – dear presence –
In every dealing
May I arrive at every place, may I return home:
May the way in which I spend be without loss.
May every path before me be smooth,
Man, woman, and child welcome me.
A truly good journey!
Well does the fair Lord show us a course, a path

---

Prayer to St. Columbkille for Protection and Guidance

Dear St. Columbkille,

You were a man of great faith and devotion, known for your piety and wisdom. I ask for your intercession now, that I may find protection and guidance in my daily life. Help me to trust in God’s plan for me and to have the courage to follow it.

Grant me the strength to persevere through challenges and to always seek peace and love in my relationships. May I follow your example and live a life of devotion to God and service to others.

Through your prayers, may I come to know the presence of God in my life and grow closer to Him every day.

Amen.

---

Prayer to St. Columbkille for Success in Work and Study

Dear St. Columbkille,

You were a man of great intelligence and dedication, known for your success in spreading the word of God and your work in preserving the teachings of the Church. I ask for your intercession now, that I may find success in my own work and studies.

Help me to have the wisdom to make good choices, the discipline to apply myself fully, and the perseverance to see my projects through to completion. May I use my talents and abilities to bring glory to God and to help others.

Through your prayers, may I find fulfillment and satisfaction in my work, and may I always strive to use my gifts in the service of God.

Amen.

---

Prayer to St. Columbkille for Strength and Courage

Dear St. Columbkille,

You were a man of great strength and courage, known for your unwavering commitment to God and the Church. I ask for your intercession now, that I may find the strength and courage to follow God’s will in my life.

Help me to overcome my fears and to trust in God’s love and protection. Give me the boldness to speak out for what is right, and the wisdom to know when to keep quiet. May I always act with integrity and stand up for what is just.

Through your prayers, may I find the courage to face any challenges that come my way and to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Amen.

---

St. Columbkille: The Patron Saint of Ireland and Scotland

St. Columbkille, born in 521 in Ireland, is a revered figure in the Catholic Church and is widely recognized as the patron saint of Ireland and Scotland. St. Columbkille was a monk and a missionary who lived a life dedicated to spreading the faith and serving the people of Ireland and Scotland.

St. Columbkille is most famous for his work as a missionary, traveling throughout Ireland and Scotland to preach the gospel and establish monasteries and schools. He is credited with converting countless people to the faith and spreading the message of Christianity throughout the region.

In recognition of his contributions to the Church and his role in spreading the faith, St. Columbkille was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church and is now widely recognized as the patron saint of Ireland and Scotland. He is also considered one of the patron saints of Ireland and is revered as a model of faith, devotion, and service.

St. Columbkille’s feast day is celebrated on June 9th, and it is customary for Catholics to attend Mass in his honor and to pray for the continued growth of the Church’s ministry to the people of Ireland and Scotland.

The legacy of St. Columbkille continues to inspire Catholics around the world, who are drawn to his example of faith and his commitment to spreading the gospel. Through their own acts of charity and devotion, they strive to embody the ideals of St. Columbkille and to continue his mission of bringing hope, comfort, and salvation to those in need.

Reflection on the feast day of St. Columbkille

The feast day of St. Columbkille is June 9th.

As we gather to celebrate the feast day of St. Columbkille, we are reminded of the powerful impact this Irish monk and missionary had on the early Church. Born in the 6th century in County Donegal, Ireland, St. Columbkille devoted his life to spreading the Gospel and promoting the education of the people of Ireland.

Through his tireless work as a missionary, St. Columbkille helped to establish monasteries and schools throughout Ireland, laying the foundation for the country’s strong tradition of scholarship and education. He is also credited with helping to preserve Irish culture and language during a time of great change and upheaval.

St. Columbkille’s legacy is not limited to Ireland, however. His influence spread throughout Europe and beyond, with many of his students going on to become bishops and saints in their own right. His example of devotion to God and service to others continues to inspire Christians to this day.

As we reflect on the life and teachings of St. Columbkille, we are reminded of the importance of education and the role it plays in the spread of the Gospel. We are also called to consider how we can put his example into practice in our own lives. We can start by supporting and promoting education in our own communities, whether through volunteering at a local school or supporting organizations that provide education to those in need.

As we celebrate the feast day of St. Columbkille, let us give thanks for the powerful example he has set for us and commit ourselves to following in his footsteps by dedicating ourselves to the spread of education and the word of God. May his example inspire us to be a light in the world and a reflection of the love of Christ in all we do.

Discover biographies, prayers, and reflections for more than 400 Catholic Saints

Saints Similar to St. Columbkille

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Patrick and the Biography of St. Brigid of Ireland. All three are prominent saints in Irish Christianity, known for their contributions to the spread of the faith in Ireland. Next up: Biography of St. Cornelius

 

Also check out our handmade St. Columbkille Medal and St. Columbkille Rosary and St. Columbkille Rosary Bracelet .