Home >> Archives >> From New Zealand >> Who was St Columban

Who was St Columban

30.07.2010

Columban was an Irish missionary who lived from 543 to 615. Fifteen hundred years later he is recognized as one of the great pioneers of modern western Europe.

Columban’s greatness stems mainly from the fact that he established a new religious spirit in his age. It was a missionary spirit with a monastic commitment to Christ and to gospel values. It was a spirit that was to have an important influence on European history and culture.

For example, the monastery he established at Luxeuil in France became the model for dozens of monastic foundations. Over a span of twenty years it produced twenty-one recognized saints.

St. Columban’s Missionary Society takes its name from Columban, recognizing in him a missionary genius with a uniquely Irish spirit.

His letters and sermons, his written rule, his prayers and poems, all provide us with material to see into his mind and heart. He had a burning love for his God, a desire to please his master, Jesus Christ, a zeal to share the gospel with others, a strong sense of duty, and a disdain for honour.

His writings are filled with prayers and exhortations with images from everyday life. Here are a few of his reflections on the mystery of God, and on life as a passing journey:

•   God is deeper than the ocean, firmer than solid earth, broader than the world’s expanse,
     clearer than air, higher than heaven, brighter than the sun.
•    God is greater than all things. How great he is only he himself knows. Yet let us turn to
     him, since the Triune God is present to each one of us.
•   Since we are merely travelers and pilgrims in this world, let’s think about the end of the
   road, because at the end of the road is our home.
•   Life is like a road on which we journey towards God. We journey better if we are unconcerned with
     other people’s ambitions. Be firm in your commitment, spurn criticism.

Condensed from the notes of Fr. Pat Sayles

Fr Michael Gormly is the Columban Coordinator at Lower Hutt, New Zealand.

Click here to purchase "St. Columban" written by Francis Macmanus

Holy Father's Missionary Intention for February:"That in the mission territories where the struggle against disease is most urgent, Christian communities may witness to the presence of Christ to those who suffer."

Who was St Columban

Holy Father's Missionary Intention for February:

"That in the mission territories where the struggle against disease is most urgent, Christian communities may witness to the presence of Christ to those who suffer."