Our church is named after Saint Columba of Iona. In the year 565, Columba left his native Ireland, and founded the abbey on Iona from which the Christian faith was brought to what is now Scotland and the north of England.
There are many accounts of the life of Columba to be found on the internet, including one that can be found by clicking
here.
The full text of Adamnan's Life of St. Columba, written about 90 years after Columba's death, can be found at
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/columba-e.html.
Prayers of Columba
Here are a few of the numerous prayers attributed to Columba.
Alone with none but Thee, my God
I journey on my way
What need I fear, when Thou art near,
O King of night and day?
More safe am I within thy hand
Than if a host did round me stand.
Almighty Father, son and Holy Spirit,
Eternal ever blessed God.
To me unworthy servant, to me allow
That I may keep a door in heaven.
The smallest door, the one that is least used.
But in your house, O Lord,
that I may see your glory, even from afar,
And hear your voice, O God, and know
That I am with You - You, O God.
My dearest Lord,
Be Thou a bright flame before me,
Be Thou a guiding star above me,
Be Thou a smooth path beneath me,
Be Thou a kindly shepherd behind me,
Today and evermore.
Saint Columba's day is commemorated on 9 June, the date on which he died in 597.
