Columban was born around 540AD in Ireland. According to his earliest biographer, the monk Jonas, Columban’s home was in the Province of Leinster, on the south-east side of Ireland.
The name Columban is a Latin one that means dove, and he is often depicted with a dove, and with a dazzling sun. a dazzling sun.
Jonas records the story that before his birth Columban’s mother dreamt she saw a great dazzling sun shine out from her to fill the world with its light and realised that her child would be special.
“As the sun
adds splendour to
the dawn, so the
Church receives
added lustre with
each new saint.”
Jonas
This booklet on St Columban was first published in 1999 by Columban Missionary Fr Pat Sayles SSC.
Pope Benedict referred to St Columban as “the best-known Irishman of the early Middle Ages. Since he worked as a monk, missionary and writer in various countries in Western Europe with good reason he can be called a ‘European’ saint. A man of great culture… he proved rich in gifts of grace. With his spiritual energy, with his faith, with his love for God and neighbour, he truly became one of the Fathers of Europe.” Benedict XVI, General Audience, June 2008.
Download the St Columban Booklet in English here: COLUMBAN BOOKLET English
Download the St Columban Booklet in French here: COLUMBAN BOOKLET French
Download the St Columban Booklet in Italian here: COLUMBAN BOOKLET Italian
Download the St Columban Booklet in German here: COLUMBAN BOOKLET German
