ST. COLMCILLE, also known as ST. COLUMBA
Waxwork of St. Colmcille at the Colmcille Heritage Centre, Gartan
St. Colmcille (or Columba) is one of the three patron saints of Ireland: St. Patrick, St. Brigid, and St. Columba.
St. Columba was born in was born at Gartan, in County Donegal on the 7th of December 521 AD to his father, King Feidlimid MacFergus and his mother, Eithne, Princess of Leinster. He was a great-great grandson of Niall of the Nine Hostages.
It is said that his mother and father were travelling across the Gartan hills where they rested in a little valley, Altahoorey Glen, which is today known as Armour's Glen. While resting, a voice told them to move on as there were pagan warriors nearby. They were told to go to the shores of Lough Akibbon and to look for a stone flag.
When they found that, they were to bring it with them to their next resting place. They carried the stone flag across Gartan and laid it on the ground and covered it with animal skins, and it is there St. Columba was born. (Photos below). He was Christened Criomhthann which is the Irish for 'fox' probably in reference to his having red hair
On the carved stone erected at the place of his birth:
"Birthplace of Saint Columba 521-597. Son of Felim and Eithne of the Royal Houses of Aileach and Leinster. Grandon of Conal Culban. Founder of Columban Monks in Ireland and Scotland."
St. Columba was born in was born at Gartan, in County Donegal on the 7th of December 521 AD to his father, King Feidlimid MacFergus and his mother, Eithne, Princess of Leinster. He was a great-great grandson of Niall of the Nine Hostages.
It is said that his mother and father were travelling across the Gartan hills where they rested in a little valley, Altahoorey Glen, which is today known as Armour's Glen. While resting, a voice told them to move on as there were pagan warriors nearby. They were told to go to the shores of Lough Akibbon and to look for a stone flag.
When they found that, they were to bring it with them to their next resting place. They carried the stone flag across Gartan and laid it on the ground and covered it with animal skins, and it is there St. Columba was born. (Photos below). He was Christened Criomhthann which is the Irish for 'fox' probably in reference to his having red hair
On the carved stone erected at the place of his birth:
"Birthplace of Saint Columba 521-597. Son of Felim and Eithne of the Royal Houses of Aileach and Leinster. Grandon of Conal Culban. Founder of Columban Monks in Ireland and Scotland."
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St. Colmcille was Christened at nearby Templedouglas.
HIS EARLY EDUCATION
Kilmacrennan Abbey
St. Colmcille received his early education in County Donegal, the first place being at the village Kilmacrennan near Letterkenny.
He was educated here from around 528 AD by his teacher, Cruthneachan who took him there from his home in Gartan. St. Colmcille later founded a monastery in Kilmacrennan which was in existence from the 6th century until 1129.
Later a Franciscan Friary was built there (1537-1610) and one of the walls of this Friary remain to this day.
It was here too where the O'Donnell Chieftans had their religious rites of inauguration between the years 1200 and 1603 AD.
He was educated here from around 528 AD by his teacher, Cruthneachan who took him there from his home in Gartan. St. Colmcille later founded a monastery in Kilmacrennan which was in existence from the 6th century until 1129.
Later a Franciscan Friary was built there (1537-1610) and one of the walls of this Friary remain to this day.
It was here too where the O'Donnell Chieftans had their religious rites of inauguration between the years 1200 and 1603 AD.
St. Collmcille as a boy with his first teacher, Cruthneachan
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ST. COLMCILLE'S DEATH
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St. Colmcille died on the 9th of June on the island of Iona, Scotland (where he began the famous Book of Kells).
His monks buried him in the grounds of his monastery on Iona and many years later his bones were disinterred and are thought to be buried in Downpatrick, County Down, with St. Patrick and St. Brigid. |