Columba of Iona

Columba (Colum Cille, 'dove of the church') was born of royal lineage in Donegal, Ireland, and trained in the great monastic schools of his homeland, founding monasteries including Derry and Durrow. In 563 he left Ireland with twelve companions and settled on the small island of Iona off the west coast of Scotland, establishing the monastery that became the radiant center of Christianity for the region. From Iona he and his monks evangelized the Picts of northern Britain, and he is remembered for his embassy to King Bridei near Inverness. A scholar and scribe devoted to copying the Scriptures, a poet, and a father to his monks, he was renowned for prophecy and miracles recorded in the Life written by his successor Adomnán. He died before the altar of his church in 597, and Iona's influence later spread through Lindisfarne across England.