St. Columban

Their story

Columban was born in Leinster, Ireland, around 543. As a young man he was handsome and well educated, and he struggled with temptation. On the advice of a holy woman, he left home to give his life to God. He became a monk at the great monastery of Bangor, where he spent many years in prayer, study and teaching. Around 590, when he was already middle-aged, Columban set out with twelve companions as a pilgrim for Christ, carrying the Irish monastic tradition to continental Europe. In what is now France, he founded monasteries at Annegray, Luxeuil and Fontaine, which became centers of prayer, learning and renewal. His monks lived a demanding rule of prayer, fasting and work. Columban was fearless in calling people to conversion, even the powerful. When he rebuked the Frankish royal court for its immoral life, he was expelled. He traveled through what is now Switzerland, preaching as he went, and finally reached northern Italy, where he founded the monastery of Bobbio. He died there in 615. His missionary spirit helped rebuild Christian faith and culture across Europe.