Saint columbkille biography

Saint Colmcille, sometimes called Saint Columba, or Saint Columbkille, was born in Gartan, County of Donegal in Ireland, on December 7th, 521. He was the son of a chief related to several of the princes then reigning in Ireland and in the west of Scotland.

Saint columbkille biography

His parents had him baptized and given the name Criomhthann (meaning Crevan or Fox). When he was old enough he went to Moville to study for the priesthood. As he spent most of his free time in the Church visiting the Blessed Sacrament, his fellow students gave him the name Colmcille, meaning “Dove of the Church”.

To complete his studies for the priesthood, in 544, Colmcille went to Clonard where Saint Finian impressed upon students the need for missionaries.

Saint columbkille biography for kids

While there Colmcille made friends with many of the men who were later to become great missionaries and known as the “Twelve Apostles of Ireland”.

In 546 the Bishop of Clonfada ordained Colmcille a priest. Later that year he founded his first monastery in Derry.

Colmcille spe