June 9, 597

On this day St. Columcille, or St. Colomba, died. His feast day of June 9 is recognized by the Catholic Church. Born in Co. Donegal to a royal family, Columcille gave up his claims in favor of becoming a monk at Glasnevin. He became one of the “Twelve Apostles of Ireland” who studied under St. Finnian. After a dispute with St. Finnian over copying the Battle Book of the O’Donnells, the battle of Cooldrevny was sparked. Columcille felt responsible for the lives lost, and in his penance, he left Ireland. He travelled to Scotland and established a monastery on Iona, which would become the center of learning for the Celtic Christian region. It is believed that the Book of Kells was started at Iona.