Columba

O Lord, grant us that love which can never die, which will enkindle our lamps but not extinguish them, so that they may shine in us and bring light to others. Most dear Savior, enkindle our lamps that they may shine forever in your temple. May we receive unquenchable light from you so that our darkness will be illuminated and the darkness of the world will be made less. Amen.

                                                     St Columba

Celtic Christianity Historic Chronlogical Overview (Part 2b)

 Chronology of Celtic Christianity - continued 

563-568 St Columcille founds a monastery on Iona and begins conversion of the Picts to Christianity.

558-618 Life of Kevin

590 Glendalough founded by Kevin

591 St Columbanus leaves from Bangor for Gaul

597  Death of St Columcille of Iona, the Enlightener of Scotland
 - in the same year, the Roman form of Christianity is brought to Britain for the first time by St Augustine, the former papal librarian who is made a missionary by Pope Gregory the Great to convert the Saxons. Augustine founds a monastery and the first church at Canterbury. He baptizes King Aethelbert of Kent at Canterbury.

c 600 Book of Durrow

?-651 life of Aidan of Lindisfarne brought Christianity to Northumbria

c 600-1100 Celtic High Cross building

601 Death of St Comgall of Bangor. In the same year, the Pope sends Paulinus to reinforce the Kentish mission. He bears with him letters from the Pope and a palladium for Augustine, who is consecrated archbishop and establishes his seat in Canterbury.

614 - 680   life of Hilda of Whitby

615  St Columbanus dies at his monastery in Bobbio, Italy.

634 – 687  life of Cuthbert

632  Lindisfarne  founded by Aidan who was sent from Iona

664 Synod of Whitby brings Celtic Church into conformity with Rome

700-800 Irish Monasticism reaches its zenith.

795 First reports of Viking invasions

800-847 Vikings raid continually, setting up settlements on the coasts

c 800 Book of Kells

815- 877 Johannes Scotus Eriugena   Irish theologian, Neoplatonist philosopher, and poet.

c 900-1100 Round tower building



This Chronology is by no means complete i invite you to  comment and suggest additions

Celtic Christianity Historic Chronlogical Overview (Part 2a)

Chronology  of Celtic Christianity

 C47 A.D. 37: legend: The first Christian Church at Glastonbury; Britain Founded by Joseph of Arimathaea

c200 The earliest confirmed written evidence of Christianity in Britain is a statement by Tertullian, AD, in "all the limits of the Spains, and the diverse nations of the Gauls, and the haunts of the Britons, inaccessible to the Romans, but subjugated to Christ"

380-450 Life of Morgan of Wales  (A.K.A. Pelegius)

431 Palladius sent to Ireland by Pope Celestine

387-461 Life of Patrick

401  Patricius (St Pádraig) is taken into slavery in Ireland.

432 Start of Patrick's mission to the Irish
(the same year that Mary is declared the "Mother of God" by the Council of Ephesus)

445 Armagh founded

452-524 Life of Brigid

461  Patricius (St Pádraig) is taken into slavery in Ireland.

486-578 Life of Brendan the Voyager (Clonfert)

500-589 life of David of Wales

500 Monastery of Kildare founded by Brigid

500-550 Spread of Celtic monasticism throughout Europe.

512-545 Life of Ciaran (Kieran)

544 Monastery of Clonmacnoise founded by Ciaran

520 Monastery of Monasterboice founded

525  Death of St Brigid

521-597 Life of Columba (Colmcille)

546 Monastery of Derry founded by Columba

555 St Comgall founds monastery at Bangor

558  St Breandán founds monastery at Clonfert

560-580  North Atlantic voyages of St Breandán and St Cormac

560 Monastery of Kells and Durrow founded by Columba

561  After the Battle of Culdrevny, St Columcille exiles himself from Ireland, and goes to the island of Iona.

Mystery of the Mundane (part 4 )

Example of the Peregrini

The Irish Church of the Fifth Century was full of LIFE. Its founder, Patrick and those that came after him carried the Gospel to all four corners of the “Emerald Isle,” and beyond. As one writer describes them, “There was a passion for foreign missions in the impetuous eagerness of the Irish believers, a zeal not common in their day. Burning with love for Christ (and their neighbor) , fearing no peril, shunning no hardship, they went everywhere with the Gospel” (Edman).

These Celtic missionary wanders became known as the Peregrini.

The Peregrini, (among their number Columba, Columbanus and Aidan) journeyed to the nearby northern islands, the Orkneys and Faroes. Then on to Scotland, England, the forests of Germany, the rugged hills of Gaul, the foothills of the Alps, the valleys of the Rhine and the Danube, and to the cities and remote valleys of Italy. Some went singly, as hermits, others, in small groups, often numbering up to 13, imitating Jesus and the Twelve. Their numbers multiplied so greatly that they became a characteristic feature of Western Europe through most of the period from 500 to 950

One of the things that set these "peregrini" apart from the traditional missions of today was their approach. They went out on their journey open to the daily hardships and the mundane difficulties they would encounter. They were convinced that as they went they would be transformed into the image of the man that went about everywhere doing good and that this transforming work in them would be the catalyst for transformation in others. This caused them to go forward in great humility and joy

graphic: Peregrini: Celtic Saint Icon

living water reprint from 2009

St. Columba (521-597)

Columba was born into an Irish royal clan and trained as a priest. He travelled preaching and teaching thoroughout Ireland founding several monasteries including those at Derry (546) and Durrow (556). Columba was condemned by a Synod in 561 due to his part in a dispute over the ownership of a copy of a Gospel which resulted in the deaths of many in the battle of Cooldrevne.

Columba asked Finnian if he could make a copy of the manuscript but Finnian refused. Columba, however, was a prince of the O’Neills. A proud and independent minded man he ignored Finnian’s refusal getting up in the middle of the night Cloumba copied a small piece of the manuscript. He repeated this act every night until the copy was completed. Fiinnian flew into a rage when he discovered what had been don, demanding the copy. Columba who refused and retreated to the country of his tribe.

Finnian appealed to the High King of Ireland who summoned both to appear before him on a set date for the judgement. When they appeared the King’s judgement was "To the cow her calf." Finnian won the judgment but Columba was was determined.

He returned home to his tribe raised an army and marched south. The High King, angry that his judgement had been defied, raised his army and marched north. There was a huge battle. Columba won but 2000 men were killed. Filled with remorse he sought the counsel of his Soul friend who told him he must leave Ireland and win as many souls for Christ as had been lost at the battle. This sentence became known as white martyrdom

In 553 he left his beloved Ireland with a group of twelve and in a self imposed excile sailed for Scotland. He reached the island off Southend on the Mull of Kintyre but he found that when he climbed to the top of the hill he could still see Ireland. As a result he sailed on to Iona. He established the now famous monastic community there and become it's first Abbot.

Blessed with powerful oratory skills and using Iona as a base Columba and his companions travelled widely on the mainland reviving Christianity among the Scots and even managed to penitrate into Pictland.

Columba made a number of return visits to Ireland. At one such visit he attended a summit of all the kings of Ireland and managed to persuade them to exempt women from military duties

By the time of his death in 597 Columba had succeeded in making Iona the centre of a Celtic church that was very rapidly expanding through out Great Britian.

Celtic House Blessings

May God give blessing to the house that is here; May Jesus give blessing to the house that is here; May Spirit give blessing to the house that is here; May Three give blessing to the house that is here;	May Brigit give blessing to the house that is here; May Michael give blessing to the house that is here; May Mary give blessing to the house that is here; May Columba give blessing to the house that is here;
May the King of the elements be its help, The King of Glory have charge of it; Christ the beloved, Son of Mary Virgin, and the gentle Spirit be pouring therein; Michael, bright warrior, King of the Angels, Watch and ward it with the Power of his sword; Mary the fair and tender, be nigh the hearth, And Columba kindly giving benediction; In fulfilment of each promise On those within, On those within!

Litany of the Celtic Saints (1)

                  

                                                             God of the Incarnate Word

   have mercy upon us
God of the Abiding Spirit
   have mercy upon us
St. Aidan of Lindisfarne
   St. Aidan pray for us
St. Bede the Venerable
   St. Bede pray for us
St. Brendan the Navigator
   St. Brendan pray for us
St. Brigid of Kildare
   St. Brigid pray for us
St. Kieran of Clonmacnoise
   St. Kieran pray for us
St. Columba of Iona
   St. Columba pray for us
St. Finian of Clonard
   St. Finian pray for us
St. Francis of Assisi
   St. Francis pray for us
St. Hilda of Whitby
   St. Hilda pray for us
St. Ita, Foster Mother of the Saints
   St. Ita pray for us
St. Killian the Missionary
   St. Killian pray for us
St. Martin of Tours
   St. Martin pray for us
St. Patrick the Enlightener
   St. Patrick pray for us 
All Saints of the Green Martyrdom
Green Matyrs, pray for us
All Celtic Saints Beloved of Christ
Beloved Celtic Saints, pray for us
Lord Have Mercy
Christ Have Mercy

                                                                    Lord Have Mercy    

Columba (521-597)

The Peace: a Celtic Night Blessing

The peace of God, the peace of men, 

The peace of Columba kindly, 

The peace of Mary mild, the loving, 

 The peace of Christ, King of tenderness.  

Be upon each window, upon each door, 

Upon each hole that lets in light, 

Upon the four corners of my house, 

Upon the four corners of my bed, 

    Upon the four corners of my bed;

Upon each thing my eye takes in, 

Upon my body that is of earth

And upon my soul that came from on high.

    Upon my body that is of earth

And upon my soul that came from on high.

Translated from the Gaelic by Alexander Carmichael 

Litany of the Celtic Saints (2)

John, beloved disciples of the Lord:
pray with us.

Fathers and mothers of the Desert,
people of prayer and bringer of wisdom:
pray with us.

Martin, saint of Tours,
builder of communities of hermits,
living simply, loving God;
Martin, soldier of Christ:
pray with us.

Ninian of Whithorn,
apostle and example:
pray with us.

Patrick of Britain,
missionary to the land of Ireland:
pray with us.

Brigid, compulsive giver,
lover of the poor, Brigid of Kildare:
pray with us.

Columba of Iona, exiled from Ireland,
abbot and scribe, lover of Christ;
Columba now the gentle;
Columba of the Church:
pray with us.

Oswald, king and saint,
willing interpreter of the Gospel truth;
Oswald, man of prayer:
pray with us.

Aidan, emissary from Iona;
gentle and straightforward;
torchbearer; liberator of slaves;
Aidan of Lindisfarne:
pray with us.

Hild of Whitby,
firm leader of both men and women;
renowned for your counsel and insight,
releasing others in their giftedness;
Hild, woman of courage and faith:
pray with us.

Cuthbert of Northumbria,

hermit and joyous worshipper;

man of prayer and spiritual warfare;

patient minister of reconciliation;

Cuthbert of the people:

pray with us.

 the graphic: found among the many stone carvings and ornaments in the ruins of Jerpoint Abbey, County Kilkenny.

St Columba (521- 577)

The Rule of St Columba

1. Be alone in a separate place near a chief city, if thy conscience is not prepared to be in common with the crowd.

2. Be always naked in imitation of Christ and the Evangelists.

3. Whatsoever little or much thou possessest of anything, whether clothing, or food, or drink, let it be at the command of the senior and at his disposal, for it is not befitting a religious to have any distinction of property with his own free brother.

4. Let a fast place, with one door, enclose thee.

5. A few religious men to converse with thee of God and his Testament; to visit thee on days of solemnity; to strengthen thee in the Testaments of God, and the narratives of the Scriptures.

6. A person too who would talk with thee in idle words, or of the world; or who murmurs at what he cannot remedy or prevent, but who would distress thee more should he be a tattler between friends and foes, thou shalt not admit him to thee, but at once give him thy benediction should he deserve it.

7. Let thy servant be a discreet, religious, not tale-telling man, who is to attend continually on thee, with moderate labour of course, but always ready. Yield submission to every rule that is of devotion.

8. A mind prepared for red martyrdom [that is death for the faith].

9. A mind fortified and steadfast for white martyrdom [that is ascetic practices].

10. Forgiveness from the heart of every one.

11. Constant prayers for those who trouble thee.

12. Fervor in singing the office for the dead, as if every faithful dead was a particular friend of thine.

13. Hymns for souls to be sung standing.

14. Let thy vigils be constant from eve to eve, under the direction of another person.

15. Three labors in the day, viz., prayers, work, and reading.

16. The work to be divided into three parts, viz., thine own work, and the work of thy place, as regards its real wants; secondly, thy share of the brethen's [work]; lastly, to help the neighbours, viz., by instruction or writing, or sewing garments, or whatever labour they may be in want of, ut Dominus ait, "Non apparebis ante Me vacuus [as the Lord says, "You shall not appear before me empty."].

17. Everything in its proper order; Nemo enim coronabitur nisi qui legitime certaverit. [For no one is crowned except he who has striven lawfully.]

18. Follow alms-giving before all things.

19. Take not of food till thou art hungry.

20. Sleep not till thou feelest desire.

21. Speak not except on business.

22. Every increase which comes to thee in lawful meals, or in wearing apparel, give it for pity to the brethren that want it, or to the poor in like manner.

23. The love of God with all thy heart and all thy strength;

24. The love of thy neighbor as thyself.

25. Abide in the Testament of God throughout all times.

26. Thy measure of prayer shall be until thy tears come;

27. Or thy measure of work of labor till thy tears come;

28. Or thy measure of thy work of labor, or of thy genuflections, until thy perspiration often comes, if thy tears are not free.

From A. W. Haddan and W. Stubbs, Councils and Ecclesiastical Documents Relating to Great Britain and Ireland II, i (London: Oxford University Press, 1873), pp. 119-121.

This text is part of the Internet Medieval Source Book. The Sourcebook is a collection of public domain and copy-permitted texts related to medieval and Byzantine history.

Mystery of the Mundane: (4) Peregrini

The Irish Church of the Fifth Century was full of LIFE. Its founder, Patrick and those that came after him carried the Gospel to all four corners of the “Emerald Isle,” and beyond. As one writer describes them, “There was a passion for foreign missions in the impetuous eagerness of the Irish believers, a zeal not common in their day. Burning with love for Christ (and their neigbour) , fearing no peril, shunning no hardship, they went everywhere with the Gospel” (Edman).

These Celtic missionary wanders became known as the Peregrini.

The Peregrini, (among their number Columba, Columbanus and Aidan) journeyed to the nearby northern islands, the Orkneys and Faroes. Then on to Scotland, England, the forests of Germany, the rugged hills of Gaul, the foothills of the Alps, the valleys of the Rhine and the Danube, and to the cities and remote valleys of Italy. Some went singly, as hermits, others, in small groups, often numbering up to 13, imitating Jesus and the Twelve. Their numbers multiplied so greatly that they became a characteristic feature of Western Europe through most of the period from 500 to 950

One of the things that set these "peregrini" apart from the traditional missions of today was their approach. They went out on their journey open to the daily hardships and the mundane difficulties they would encounter. They were convinced that as they went they would be transformed into the image of the man that went about everywhere doing good and that this transforming work in them would be the catalyst for transformation in others. This caused them to go forward in great humilty and joy

graphic: Peregrini: Celtic Saint Icon

The Prayer of Columba (521-597)

Let me bless almighty God,

whose power extends over sea and land,

whose angels watch over all.

Let me study sacred books to calm my soul:

I pray for peace,

kneeling at heaven's gates.

Let me do my daily work,

gathering seaweed, catching fish,

giving food to the poor.

Let me say my daily prayers,

sometimes chanting, sometimes quiet,

always thanking God.

Delightful it is to live on a peaceful isle,

in a quiet cell,

serving the King of kings.

see Columba's thumnail bio

The Book of Kells

The Book of Kells also known as the Book of Columba is one of many Gospel manuscripts produced by Celtic monks from the late sixth century to the early ninth century in the monasteries in Scotland, northern England, and Ireland. Written in latin the Book of Kells represents the high point in the production of these artistic manuscripts.

Among other surviving examples of this Biblical style are the Cathach of St. Columba, the Book of Durrow, the Durham Gospels, Lindisfarne Gospels, and the Macregal Gospels.

 The name for the Book of Kells come from the Abbey of Kells in Kells, County Meath in Ireland where it was kept between the eleventh and seventeenth centuries. It remained there when the abbey was dissolved in the twelfth century and turned in to a parish church. In 1654, the book was moved to Dublin for safekeeping. Eventually it was presented to Trinity College Dublin where it still rests. The book has been re-bound a number of times and exists today in four volumes after a re-binding in 1953.

The place, or places, where the Book of Kells was created is not known. Traditionally, it is thought the book was begun in the time of St. Columba in the sixth century. Among the theories of its creation ,it was begun in Scotland, possibly at the Monastery of Iona, and then brought to Kells Abbey when the monks of Iona moved to Kells to escape Viking raids at Iona.

The book contains the complete texts of three of the synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The Gospel of John ends with John 17:13. The whereabouts of the missing pages of John a is not known. These may have been lost when the book was stolen in the eleventh century. The text is not marked by chapters. Whether this is because the manuscript was not completed is also not known.

The text of the book written in Insular Script is accompanied by full pages of detailed and ornate celtic artwork, in a varied mix of color. No gold or silver leaf was used. Each page is covered with illustrations, and the opening words of each Gospel are decorated lavishly, often to the extent that the text is almost illegible.

The book was most probably produced for liturgical use and not as an instructional volume.

graphic: page from the Book of Kells

Brigid (453-524)

Legends aside the fact of the matter is the historical Brigid a contemporary of St Patrick's is considered the spiritual midwife who helped bring to birth Christianity in Ireland.

A potent symbol for Christian womanhood Brigid was born to Leinster's pagan King Dubtach and his Christian bondservant Broicesch. His jealous wife convinced him to sell Broicesch as a slave to a druid priest. At a young age Brigid chose a life of service to God and the poor.

When older Brigid returned to her father's home where she exasperated him by constantly giving away his food and goods . Disparing of her generousity Dubtach tried to marry her off. Brigid refused and her father gave her permission to become a Nun.

As time went byBrigid led a company of woman who had decided to become nuns and requested Bishop Mel to bless their taking of the viel. Various accounts tell of Bishop Mel calling Brigid forward after wittnessing the the Spirit of God light on her. Laying hands on Brigid he ordained her as a Bishop. Others present protested that a woman receive these holy orders, Bishop Mel reportedly replied "I have no power in this matter. God has ordained Brigid". (* see foot note)

At Bishop Mel's request, Brigid founded a monestary at Ardagh. Thousands came to receive instruction in the Christian faith.

Curious to see if this success could be repeated she set out on a journey around the country accompanied by a group of sisters and her mentor Natfraioch. Brigid's approach to the establishment of new foundations was hands on. She over saw the building of the wattle huts for the sisters, the staffing of the convent then headed off to repeat the work elsewhere. Munster and Connacht. Many women of noble birth left their homes and flock to enter the shelter of her communites.

Brigid's most famous foundation was at Kildare. A double monestary housing both men and women that was established on a generous grant of land given by the king of Leinster. Double monasteries were a common practice in Celtic Christianty

The Kildare community was known as a remarkable place of learning for both men and women. Art and creativity were an important part of the mix. The illuminated manuscripts originating there were highly praised. The Book of Kildare was considered one of the finest of all illuminated Irish manuscripts before its disappearance three centuries ago.

In the pre-Christian period of Celtic history, Brighid (a derivation of the word Brig, meaning "valor" or "might") the goddesses, fertility, fire and poetry was one of the most beloved. The monastery at Kildare was built in an Oak grove set aside for her worship, where a sacred flame was kept alight. A fire maintained by Brigids community burned day and night for over a thousand years. Kildare means " Church of the Oak". There has been some speculation that Brigid herself served as the last high priestess of a community of druid women worshipping the goddess Brighid and by this action led that entire community into the Christian faith.
Brigid believed that the needs of the body and the needs of the spirit were intertwined. Her generosity in adult life was legendary. Many of the stories about her relate to the multiplication of food and drink. One in particular tells of a time that she changed her bath-water into beer to for a group of visitng monks.
She insisted that a vital component of the spiritual life is having a soul friend (anam cara/ mentor): "A person without a soul friend is like a body with out a head."

Known as Mary of the Gaels, Brigid is the patron of poets, dairymaids, blacksmiths, healers, cattle, fugitives, Irish nuns, midwives, and new-born babies. Christians and pagans a like celibrate Brigid's feast day also known as Imbolic. The cermonial 1st day of spring. Ever connecting Brigid with the renewal of the earth. The promise of abundance, and the eternal cycle of new life.
After a long and fruitful life in service to others Brigid passed away shortly after her 70th birthday. Her spirit lives on in the hospitality afforded by the nuns at Kildare. She is one of three of Irelands patron saints. The other two being Patrick and Columba of Iona.
for more about Brigid of Ireland
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigid_of_Ireland

for all things Brigid
http://mysite.verizon.net/cbladey/brigid/thesaint.html#main

*Another possible interpretation of this story relates to the fact that the Roman diocesan system was unknown in Ireland. Monasteries formed the center of Christian life in the early Church of Ireland. Abbots and abbesses held the rank and function that a bishop would on the Continent. Evidence of this can also be seen at councils, such as the Synod of Whitby, convened by St. Hilda. Brigid, as a preeminent abbess, might have fulfilled some standard episcopal functions, such as preaching, hearing confessions, and serving as pastoral leader for a large geographical area.