Columba, Saint (521-597), founded several monasteries in Ireland and made the island of Iona, off western Scotland, a center for missionary work. Columba settled on Iona in 563 with 12 companions. He founded a monastery on Iona and spent 34 years in missionary work on the neighboring islands and on the Scottish mainland. In 574, the Scottish king Aidan visited him for his blessing.
Columba was born on Dec. 7, 521, in what is now County Donegal, in northwestern Ireland. He was also known as Colmcille. He died on June 9, 597. Saint Columba’s feast day is June 9.
