Born of royal bloodlines on both his mother’s and father’s side in County Donegal in northern Ireland on December 5, 521, his proper name was Colum MacFehlin MacFergus. The name Colum means dove. As a young boy he spent much time in church and soon the suffix “cille,” the Gaelic word for Church, was added to his name. He was called “Colum-cille”—Dove of the Church. Sometimes, he goes by the name St. Columba of Iona, not to be confused with St. Columban, or the St. Columba who was a Spanish virgin in the 7th century.
Columbkille spent the first fifteen years of his priesthood working among the poor in his native Ireland and became famous for his works of charity and preaching. He also spent time as a scribe, copying the Scriptures. The great illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells, is attributed to St. Columbkille.
Tradition asserts that there was a bit of a feud between Columbkille and St. Finian over the ownership of a particular manuscript, and the feud got so heated that Columbkille had to leave Ireland. Columbkille left Ireland in 563 with twelve fellow monks, and landed upon the Scottish Isle of Iona, where he established a monastery which served as a base for his evangelizing mission. He spent the next 34 years establishing churches and schools, and staffing them with many disciples who were attracted by his ardent penance, fervent prayer, sincere preaching, and deep confidence in God. Columbkille died in 597 and is honored as the Patron of Scotland. He is a patron of poets, bookbinders, and a co-patron of Ireland. And you can still visit the Iona Abbey, on the Isle of Iona, off of Scotland
Columbkille and the saints exemplify our Lord’s teaching in the Sermon on the Mount: we like them are to shine with the light and life of Christ, so much so, that when people meet us they glorify God. They see the good works we do, they hear our speech, and they think, there is a person connected to God, this is how you are meant to live life.
Sometimes we are ashamed of appearing too Catholic, too fervent about our faith, but the saints stop caring about that, they stop making excuses, they stop holding back, and give all of themselves to God. And in doing so, they become lights which draw others to God.
May St. Columbkille help us to give to God more generously, to consider how we can give more of ourselves for the building up of the Church, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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That the preaching and teaching and charitable works of the Church will inspire all people to seek to practice the beatitudes of Christ.
That those in public office may govern with wisdom, put an end to all political corruption, and work for a society of authentic justice and peace with special care for the most vulnerable.
For an end to oppression, racism, hatred, addiction and injustice. For the healing of all the sick.
For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life, for a strengthening of marriages, for all single people who strive to follow Christ, and for the grace to utilize our spiritual gifts for the building up of the Church.
That those who have died may share in the joy of life-everlasting; for our deceased family members, friends, and fellow parishioners, for all the poor souls in purgatory for Bishop George Murry, bishop of Youngstown and for Paul Becker, for whom this Mass is offered.
O God, who know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.
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