4 The learned Father John
Mabillon
ac-
that ol St.
that ol St.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v6
(a), and book ii.
, chap, i.
, p.
201.
131 See the Irish version of the Historia Britonum of Nennius, Additional Notes, xvii. , p. xxxii. Mr. Herbert's note.
132 The Rev. Dr. Reeves thinks, however,
that there is an in which entry Tighernach,
supersedes all such speculation. Thus, at
Peredur, — and Aeddan. Of Gwawrddur,
A. c. we read " filiorum :
returned. "
137 The substance of the anecdote is copied
from Cumineus, who —
expressly says, "pro
Aidano et populo ejus. " Cap. 25. See also " Acta Sanctorum Onlinis S. Benedicti," tomus L, p. 346. The context in Adamnan leaves it doubtful whether this refers to
Miathi as his
and whether the term barbari, which follows, is applicable to the latter, or to a common foe. 138 He is correctly described by Venerable Bede as " Aidan rex— Scottorum qui Brit-
"
taniam inhabitant. " Historia Ecclesias-
tica Gentis Anglorum," lib. i. , cap. xxxiv. ,
596, Jugulatio
Aedani, i. e. , Briani et Doman-garti et
Eochodii Albi et Arturi in
in quo victus est Aedan. " Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scripto- res," tomus ii. , Tigernachi Annales, p. 160. That however, seems to have been a disaster for Aedan, while the battle of the Miathe is
described as a victory for him. "
133 Ussher proposes the battle of Leth-
prae—lio
Kirchine
righ by Aedan, the son of Gabhran," which
Tighernach records at 590, and the Annals
of Ulster at 589. See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's vol. i. , lib. iii. , cap. xxix. , p. 134.
i. ,
" Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. , p. 158, and tomus iv. , p. 31.
134 Subsequent writers have very generally
dopted the suggestion of Ussher, and edition, with original texts, edited by Ben- specially Chalmers, who makes it history. jamin Thorpe, vol. i. , pp. 36, 37.
demarcation,
firths,
these it is said
"
:
But of the retinue of Mynyddawg,
greatly to be deplored,
Out of three hundred men, only one
Aidan's Scots, or to the
allies ;
p. 103.
'3i "
;
Roman station on the Wall of Antonine. "
See Origines Tarochiales Scotiae," vol. i. , p. 49.
See Fordun's Scotichronicon," 140 In the " Saxon Chronicle," at A. D. 603,
"
Aegdhar," in another version. See the
this king is called, "
Aegthan," as also
532 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[June 9.
°
rians are put to flight, for the victory is granted to King Aidan,l4 although
dearly purchased. 141 In prophecy, likewise, our saint told the number of 12
slain in Aidan's army to be three hundred arid three men. *
Not alone was Columba remarkable for chastity from early youth,
but he had presciences of temptations and depraved desires, which were directed against himself as their object. This happened in one instance, related by O'Donnell, when he reproved a woman under such evil influence ; and then blessing her with a sign of the cross, she was entirely delivered from the snares of Satan, and she became a great
saint, cherishing afterwards only a profound and religious veneration for the holy man. I43 On another occasion, he acknowledged to Aidan,
son of Gauran, King of the Scots, that although exposed to danger owing to his natural disposition, still nothing on earth could tempt him to forfeit the jewel of chastity. 144 His rigorous course of life was so great, that his own monks expostulated with him, and they declared he chastised his body more than God required or than human strength could bear. He replied, that the kingdom of Heaven was only to be taken by violence, and that the violent carried it away ; that our flesh was a Babylon of sin, which contained the seetls of vice, viz. , concupiscence, love of luxury, intemperance, pride and all other crimes, even though our Divine Redeemer had shed his blood for us, and had washed us in the font of baptism. Therefore, to satisfy for the fall of our first parents, and to gain paradise where all should be happy witli Christ, it was necessary that the flesh be subdued, and that evil passions be combated, by opposing abstinence to gluttony, the taming and mortification of the body to concupiscence and lust, humility and submission to pride. Thus remedies must be found for vice, by practising the contrary virtues. Those who desire to observe such rules were sure, he declared, to reach the kingdom of Heaven and to become co-heirs with Christ. 145
It is related, that the venerable Father when spent with years hap- pened to retire from others into a desert place one day, so that he might pray with more recollection. There, he observed a poor woman gathering nettles, among the other wild herbage of the woods. . He then asked, for what purpose she intended to use them, and he was told, that such was her poverty, she was obliged to boil them in water for her daily food. Although living himself on very spare diet, and fasting very strictly, yet Columba was urged to say within himself: " Behold this poor woman endeavours in so miserable a manner to sustain life which must speedily pass away, and why should we live more luxuriously who labour by austerity to secure the rewards of eternal life ? Or, is it just to procure at a smaller price more precious and incomparable merchandise, than the poor give for what is mean and perishable? " This pious reflection and holy emulation made such an impression on his mind, that he resolved afterwards to use the wretched fare of that poor woman or some other food that was equally coarse. 146
141 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Vita S. Columke, lib. ii. , cap. xxv. , p.
Prima Vita S. Columbre, cap. xxix. , p. 324.
142 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's "Life of St. Columba," lib. i. , cap. 8, pp. 33 to 35» and nn- (ai b, c. d, e, f. g, h).
143 See "Trias Thaumaturga," Quinta
413. "44
See ibid. , cap. xxxix. , p. 416.
,4s See ibid. , lib. iii. , cap. xxxviii. , p.
437.
,4<i See ibia. , cap. xxxi. , p. 436.
June 9. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 533
CHAPTER XVII.
THE TRUE CHARACTER AND PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF ST. COLUMBA—ST FINTAN MUNNU VISITS IONA TO LIVE UNDER THE HOLY ABBOT'S RULE, BUT HE IS ADVISED TO LIVE IN IRELAND—THE LAST YEARS OF ST. COLUMBA's LIFE, AND PREMONITARY WARNINGS ABOUT HIS LAST ILLNESS—DETAILS OF HIS EDIFYING DEATH—DATES ASSIGNED FOR HIS DEPARTURE—COMMEMORATIONS IN VARIOUS CALENDARS—CHURCHES AND CHAPELS DEDICATED TO HIS MEMORY—OTHER MEMORIALS—MIRACLES WROUGHT THROUGH HIS INTERCESSION—CONCLUSION.
The great Abbot had nearly finished his task upon earth, and then lovingly
and humbly he prayed the Lord to be released from its burdens. His only
solicitude was to learn, that the various communities he had established followed
their rule and discipline, in a spirit of fervour and obedience. The Life of
St. Ciaran
l
of Clonmacnoise states, that the order of Colum Cille was one of
the eight religious orders that were in Erin. 2 Some have supposed, that it
differed not from the Benedictine institute, and—this has been inferred, from
whatmayhavebeenonlyacasualresemblance thehabitsofhismonksand
those of St. Benedict being of the darkest colour. Thus, we find it recorded,
that Columba was Abbot of Black Monks,3 at Doire Choluim Chille, and at
Hy, in Albain. Through all the closing years of his life, which was protracted,
the latter was regarded as his parent house. It seems, however, altogether
most indubitable, that the Rule of St. Columkille was a distinct one from that
ofSt. Benedict. 4 ThesupremacyofHy,samongtheColumbanmonasteries,
was 6 for a
time after his
It is certain, that his discipline if rigorous was tempered by a sweetness and
gentleness of demeanour, in Columba's administration, that made him be specially loved by all his subjects. The illustrious Colum Cille has been likened unto Andrew,? the Apostle, in his habits and life. 8 This doubtless means, that he was fired with zeal and fidelity towards his Lord and Master, while he was indefatigable in preaching the Divine word, and he embraced the Cross of Christ, because he was crucified to the world. Like a true saint, if he was indulgent towards others, he was little inclined to spare his own
acknowleged,
long
death, by
the houses, dependent
personal labours and mortifications.
Chapterxvii. —* Atchapterxlvii.
2 See "The Martyrology of Donegal,"
Cuimin of Condeire says,9 in an Irish
: 6ItisthusexpressedbyBede "Inqui-
bus omnibus idem monasterium insulanum,
in —
quo ipse requiescit corpore principatum
edited 152, 153.
Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves,
pp.
Here follows a disjointed extract
by
"
tenet. " Historia Ecclesiastica
Anglorum," lib. iii. , cap. iv. , p. 169.
i His feast is celebrated on the 30th of
November.
8 A ancient old-vellum book, which very
is found in the Martyrology of Tamlacht-
Maoilruain, is quoted by the O'Clerys, for such a statement. See Rev. Drs. Todd s
fiom some source, and we are informed,
that there is a defect in the original Manu- script note (3), by Rev. Dr. Todd.
knowledges, that the Rule of St. Columba of Luxeu was originally derived from that of Bangor in Ireland, and not borrowed from
"
Annales Ordinis i. , lib. viii. , sect, xvii. , p. 214. In a subsequent part of this work, Father Mabillon appears to regard St. Co- lumkille's or Columba's Institute, as if it had a distinct government and discipline, from that of St. Benedict. See ibid. , lib. ix. ,
sect, xix. , pp. 249,250.
s See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan,
w—ho calls it "insula . . . primaria. "
"Life of St. Columba," lib. i. , cap. i. , p. 12.
3 to the According
O'Clerys.
4 The learned Father John Mabillon ac-
that ol St. Benedict. See
S. Benedicti," tomus
9
ThefollowingisanEnglishtranslation:
and Reeves' pp. 152, 153.
"
Martyrology of Donegal,"
—
" The holy Colum Cille loves :
Son of Feidhlimidh, of generous
deeds,
There went not for a week into his
holy body
What would satisfy a poor man one
turn. "
I0 The beginning of it is rendered into
Gentis
534
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 9.
10 poem, giving
that Colum
trustworthy biographers. Thus, the distinguished Catholic writer le Comte de Montalembert, assuming the corrupted traditions of the bards to be facts, has unwittingly drawn the following unfavourable and yet false estimate of
Columba's " when disposition
the characteristic virtues of the Saints of
Cille of generous deeds M used not to partake of food during the week, so much as would satisfy a poor man for one meal. The most false and contra- dictory accounts of his character have been published, and even believed by those who have estimated favourably his noble qualifications of head and heart. Legends related of him are often the myths of fancy, and they have received almost equal acceptance, as the authentic and early accounts of his most
asserting,
bold, a warrior, born to become a soldier rather than a monk, known, praised,
and blamed as a soldier, so that even during his lifetime, he was involved in fight ; continuing to be a soldier,^ even upon the island rock from which he went forth to preach, to convert, to enlighten, to reconcile, and to reprimand
1* A
rary,^ who leaves us a reliable portrait of Columba, has stated, that he was
princes
and
nations,
men and
women, laymen
and
clergy.
contempo-
learned, he was chaste, he was charitable, he was an abounding benefit of guests, he was eager, he was noble, he was gentle, he was the physician of the heart of every sage, he was to persons inscrutable, he was a shelter to the naked, lie was a consolation to the poor ; there went not from the world one who was more continual for the remembrance of the cross. ' 6 He was
singu- larly favoured by nature with a fine personal appearance and a majestic figure; and according to an ancient commentary in Irish verse,' 7 his countenance was radiant and full, his body was athletic and well-formed ; his eyes were
grey and luminous, his complexion was ruddy, his skin was white, and his hair was curling. As we have already learned, he was remarkable for the volume andclearnessofhisvoice. HebroughtoverthePictsandScotstotheFaith, nearly as perfectly as St. Patrick converted the Irish, and left his character upon them, so that they became a staunch, loyal, and truly Catholic race, in the
Highlands of Stotland.
18
Before his death, this great caenobiarch was able to
English thus : Macha loves. "
"
Patrick of the Fort of
tic biography, the evil becomes irreparable, and it is no longer possible to separate in popular estimation the true from the spu- rious. This lias been peculiarly the case with
11 The text of this poem, as given by Rev.
Dr. Kelly, reads An oiticne, "in his pil-
grimage ;" a copy in the Brussels Manu- Columba, and has led to a very false esti- script has it, tii nAoimperxc, "of the holy mate of his character. "—" Celtic Scotland : deeds. "
" See " Les Moines d'Occident," tome iii. , liv. xi. , chap, vii. , p. 285.
13 By Adamnan, he is styled "insulanus miles," in the Preface to St. Columba's Life.
** An able and accomplished modern
Scottish historian, William F. Skene, has helped much to correct those errors regard- ing St. Columba. He has remarked: "It is unfortunately the fate of all such men as stand out prominently from among their fellows, and put their stamp upon the age in which they lived, that as the true charac- ter of their sayings and doings fades from men's minds, they become more and more the subject of spurious traditions, and the popular mind invests them with attributes to which they have no claim. When these loose popular traditions and conceptions are col- lected and become embedded in a systema-
a History of Ancient Alban," vol. ii. , book ii. , chap, iv. , pp. 143, 144.
that he was
vindictive, passionate,
Ireland,
,s St. Dalian Forgaill, in his Amhra Cho- luim-chille. See ibid. , p. 146.
,6
"There is no trace here of those darker
features of vindictiveness, love of fighting, and the remorse caused by its indulgence. "
:
Mr. Skene observes " nor do the events of
his life, as we find them rather hinted at than narrated, bear out such an estimate of it.
•» See "Transactions "of the Royal Irish
Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i. , part i. Calendar of Oengus, notes, p. ci.
l8
During the last century, the people in the Hebrides were almost exclusively Catho- lies, until persecution drove their missiona- riesaway. TherearevillagesintheHigh- lands of Scotland, which have suffered for the defence of their Faith, like the people in Ireland, and they suffered much by bad land
June 9. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 535 speak with confidence of Iona's future glory and fame, and his disciples sup-
his and their own credit for 10 Towards many subsequent generations.
ported
the close of St. Columba's life, he must have heard much of that
famous mission undertaken by the Roman Monk, who came to convert
that heathen 20 and the of in so a people, destroyers Christianity large part
of
Britain.
For more than thirty years, the illustrious Abbot worked hard and perse-
veringly, by founding churches and monasteries innumerable, 21 in Scotland as in Ireland ; while he won the love of all, by the force of his bright, manly, cheerful, and genial Irish nature, which the gifts of God's grace served to renderalmostsupremelyperfect. Severalofthegreatestsaintslongedtobeunder his guidance. Thus, St. Fintan Munnu,22 who afterwards became so famous throughout all the churches of Ireland, conceived in his younger years an
2
earnest desire of forsaking his country to visit St. Columba. 3 Being strongly
urged with this desire, he went to a certain old friend, a very wise and vene- rable man, who was named Columb Crag 2 * in the Irish language, to take his advice on the matter. His acquaintance liked well such a holy resolution. " Your devout wish to set sail for St. Columba's Isle, who can presume to oppose ; it hns been inspired by God," said the sage. Thither, at the same time, came two of St. Columba's monks. Being questioned touching their journey, they answered " We are lately come out of Britain, and this day, we
:
"
2s "Is father,St. Columbawell,andingoodhealth? "askedColumbCrag. Shed-
arrived from the ofthe oak-wood of monastery
Calgaich.
your holy
ding tears abundantly, the strangers replied in deep sorrow :
father and patron is well, for a few days past he departed to Christ. " Fintan, Columb, and the rest, who were present, fell prostrate upon the ground, and wept bitterly. Fintan demanded further particulars from them, saying : " VVhom did he ordain as successor? " They answered: "His disciple Baithen. "26 Then,havingapprovedsuchchoice,ColumbaskedFintanwhat he meant to do. Fintan answered, " I shall, with God's grace, repair to that wise and holy man, Baithan, and I will select him for my Abbot, should he wish to receive me. " Then, taking his leave of Columb, and kissing him,
laws, while there are villages in Scotland, in the county of Wexford. His feast occurs
that never yet lost their Catholicity through weal or through woe. The Rev. Thomas Hurke's " Lecture on St. Columkille, in St. Columba's church," New York City, re- ported in the Boston Pilot of March 22nd, 1873.
19 See Rev. John Smith's " Life of St.
Columba," Appendix, p. 161.
20 And " from whose country such lovely
in our Irish Calendars, at the 2ist or Octo- ber, and he died A. D. 634.
23 In the year 597, he is said to have visited Iona. See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's "Life of St. Columba," Additional Notes O, p. 372.
24 Colgan considers this saint to have been a St. Columba of Eanach, who was veneraied on the 22nd of September, accord-
fair haired slaves had been—brought to the ing to the Martyrologies of Marianus
Cathald and the market-place of Rome. " The Duke of O'Gorman, Maguire
"
Iona," chap, i. , pp. 23, 24.
O'Clerys. This locality of his lay three miles north of Deny, and near a castle, be-
"
Argyll's
21 The Cistercian Monk Jocelin represents
longing to the O'Cahan family. See
See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Sexta Thaumaturga," Quarta Vita S. Columbce,
him as the founder of a hundred monasteries.
Trias
lib. i. , cap. ii. , n. 22, p. 373.
25 That is Derry in the north of Ireland,
and it signifies a forest of oak, to which is added the name of a man Calgaich or Gal- gaich. By this name it was known, until the middle of the tenth century,
26 His feast also occurs on this of day, 9th
June, and his Acts follow immediately those of St. Columba, in this volume.
VitaS. Patricii, cap. lxxxix. , p. 85. Prince Ma- n s ODonnell increases the numberto three hundred, including churches and monasteries in Ireland and in Britain
of these one hun- dred were said to have been on the coast, See ibid. , Quinta Vita S. Columba;, pars iii. ,
cap. xlii. , p. 438.
2-
His name was subsequently communi- cated to Taghmon, " the houseof Munnu,"
;
Truly our
536 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 9
Fintan embarked without delay, and soon he reached the Isle of Hy. There he was entertained with great charity, as an unknown guest; for his name and distinction had not been discovered, by the holy residents in the religious establishment at Iona. The next day after his arrival, however, Fintan made known to Baithan, that he had a desire to confer personally with him. Ever kind and courteous to strangers, Baithan presently sent for him. Being brought into Baithan's presence, Fintan fell down upon his knees. But, the saint made him rise, and then sit down, until the Abbot might learn the object for his voyage. Then did Fintan recount to the saint his name, his family, his country, his conversation, and what had moved him to undertake that perilousnavigation. Lastly,heclosedthisdiscourse,withanhumblerequest to procure his admittance. Baithan understood all that God had decreed con-
: cerninghim,andheknewSt. Columba'sprophecy. Hethensaid "Mychild,
I am bound to render many thanks to the Almighty for your arrival, but know this for certain, that you cannot become our monk. " 2 ? On hearing this sen- tence, Fintan appeared very thoughtful, and he said : u Perchance, I am
unworthy
tobecome
your
monk. " TowhomtheoldAbbot "Itis replied :
not, as you say, for although I had rather detain you with me, than otherwise,
yet can I not profane the commandment of my patron, St. Columba, through
whose mouth the Holy Ghost hath prophesied concerning you, in the manner following. Being alone with him one day, among other things, he said to me,
a certain brother, named Fintan, son of Tulchan,28 of the Macumoie 29 family,
shall come to you out of Ireland, and beg earnestly to be received among the
monks. He shall be renowned for his religious morals and proficiency in
sacred studies. But this is not pre-ordained for him, in the presence of God,
that he become a monk or be subject to any Abbot ; since he is pre-elected
by the Almighty, for being an Abbot of monks, and for becoming a captain to
leadmanysoulstotheheavenlykingdom. 30 Therefore,detainnottheafore-
said man with you in our Isle, but send him back again into Ireland, that he
may build a monastery 3I in Leinster, near the sea-shore, where feeding a
flock of Christ's sheep and lambs, he may conduct innumerable souls to the
"
' O Baithan, must listen to these you
words, with
sently, after my wished-for and long-desired departure out of this life to Christ,
joys of Paradise. '
The young saint, on hearing this discourse, poured out
abundance of tears, and with thanksgiving to God, he said
:
" Be it done to
my
great
attention, for
pre-
me, according to the prophetical and marvellous prescience of St. Columba. "
So taking with him St. Baithan's benediction, this Fintan returned back into Ireland. 32 Adamnanstates,thatheheardtheforegoingaccount,fromthelips
^The Breviary of Aberdeen perverts the
earlier authorities that St. Fintan — by stating, —
ibid. , cap. xviii. , p. 342.
30 From these Father Flem- expressions,
Munnu who is there called Mundus took ing infers, that St. Fintan Munnu wrote
"
the habit of St. Columba, in Iona. See a special Religious Rule. See Collectanea
Pars /Estivalis, fol. l$ib b. Reprint of Sacra," p. 437.
1852.
3> This was at a place, called from him Teach Munnu, or "the house of Munnu," and now known as Taghmon situated about seven miles west of Wexford. It gives name to a prebend in the diocese of Ferns. There,
28
Tulchan is stated to have been of the
family of Conall, son of Neill, in the Vita
S. Fintani, cap. i. , in the Codex, containing
Lives of the Irish Saints, preserved in
he was buried. See " Acta Colgan's
Marsh's at fol. Library, Dublin,
127.
29 Here Colgan suggests an emendation, that this patronymic should rather be Mocu Maine, as Fintan's mother is called Fedelyn, of the race of Mann, the son of Neill. See
too,
Sanctorum Hibernice," Januarii xxxi. , Vita S. Maidoci, cap. xxxii. , pp. 211, 212.
"Trias Thaumaturga," Quarta Vita S. Co-
lumbse, lib. i. , cap. 2, p. 373. But, we find also Quinta Vita S. Columbre, lib. hi. ,
therewasalsoaLaisranusMocumoie. See
cap. lxv. , pp. 442, 443 .
3a See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Quarta Vita S. Columbse, lib.
131 See the Irish version of the Historia Britonum of Nennius, Additional Notes, xvii. , p. xxxii. Mr. Herbert's note.
132 The Rev. Dr. Reeves thinks, however,
that there is an in which entry Tighernach,
supersedes all such speculation. Thus, at
Peredur, — and Aeddan. Of Gwawrddur,
A. c. we read " filiorum :
returned. "
137 The substance of the anecdote is copied
from Cumineus, who —
expressly says, "pro
Aidano et populo ejus. " Cap. 25. See also " Acta Sanctorum Onlinis S. Benedicti," tomus L, p. 346. The context in Adamnan leaves it doubtful whether this refers to
Miathi as his
and whether the term barbari, which follows, is applicable to the latter, or to a common foe. 138 He is correctly described by Venerable Bede as " Aidan rex— Scottorum qui Brit-
"
taniam inhabitant. " Historia Ecclesias-
tica Gentis Anglorum," lib. i. , cap. xxxiv. ,
596, Jugulatio
Aedani, i. e. , Briani et Doman-garti et
Eochodii Albi et Arturi in
in quo victus est Aedan. " Rev. Dr. O'Conor's " Rerum Hibernicarum Scripto- res," tomus ii. , Tigernachi Annales, p. 160. That however, seems to have been a disaster for Aedan, while the battle of the Miathe is
described as a victory for him. "
133 Ussher proposes the battle of Leth-
prae—lio
Kirchine
righ by Aedan, the son of Gabhran," which
Tighernach records at 590, and the Annals
of Ulster at 589. See Rev. Dr. O'Conor's vol. i. , lib. iii. , cap. xxix. , p. 134.
i. ,
" Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores," tomus ii. , p. 158, and tomus iv. , p. 31.
134 Subsequent writers have very generally
dopted the suggestion of Ussher, and edition, with original texts, edited by Ben- specially Chalmers, who makes it history. jamin Thorpe, vol. i. , pp. 36, 37.
demarcation,
firths,
these it is said
"
:
But of the retinue of Mynyddawg,
greatly to be deplored,
Out of three hundred men, only one
Aidan's Scots, or to the
allies ;
p. 103.
'3i "
;
Roman station on the Wall of Antonine. "
See Origines Tarochiales Scotiae," vol. i. , p. 49.
See Fordun's Scotichronicon," 140 In the " Saxon Chronicle," at A. D. 603,
"
Aegdhar," in another version. See the
this king is called, "
Aegthan," as also
532 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[June 9.
°
rians are put to flight, for the victory is granted to King Aidan,l4 although
dearly purchased. 141 In prophecy, likewise, our saint told the number of 12
slain in Aidan's army to be three hundred arid three men. *
Not alone was Columba remarkable for chastity from early youth,
but he had presciences of temptations and depraved desires, which were directed against himself as their object. This happened in one instance, related by O'Donnell, when he reproved a woman under such evil influence ; and then blessing her with a sign of the cross, she was entirely delivered from the snares of Satan, and she became a great
saint, cherishing afterwards only a profound and religious veneration for the holy man. I43 On another occasion, he acknowledged to Aidan,
son of Gauran, King of the Scots, that although exposed to danger owing to his natural disposition, still nothing on earth could tempt him to forfeit the jewel of chastity. 144 His rigorous course of life was so great, that his own monks expostulated with him, and they declared he chastised his body more than God required or than human strength could bear. He replied, that the kingdom of Heaven was only to be taken by violence, and that the violent carried it away ; that our flesh was a Babylon of sin, which contained the seetls of vice, viz. , concupiscence, love of luxury, intemperance, pride and all other crimes, even though our Divine Redeemer had shed his blood for us, and had washed us in the font of baptism. Therefore, to satisfy for the fall of our first parents, and to gain paradise where all should be happy witli Christ, it was necessary that the flesh be subdued, and that evil passions be combated, by opposing abstinence to gluttony, the taming and mortification of the body to concupiscence and lust, humility and submission to pride. Thus remedies must be found for vice, by practising the contrary virtues. Those who desire to observe such rules were sure, he declared, to reach the kingdom of Heaven and to become co-heirs with Christ. 145
It is related, that the venerable Father when spent with years hap- pened to retire from others into a desert place one day, so that he might pray with more recollection. There, he observed a poor woman gathering nettles, among the other wild herbage of the woods. . He then asked, for what purpose she intended to use them, and he was told, that such was her poverty, she was obliged to boil them in water for her daily food. Although living himself on very spare diet, and fasting very strictly, yet Columba was urged to say within himself: " Behold this poor woman endeavours in so miserable a manner to sustain life which must speedily pass away, and why should we live more luxuriously who labour by austerity to secure the rewards of eternal life ? Or, is it just to procure at a smaller price more precious and incomparable merchandise, than the poor give for what is mean and perishable? " This pious reflection and holy emulation made such an impression on his mind, that he resolved afterwards to use the wretched fare of that poor woman or some other food that was equally coarse. 146
141 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Vita S. Columke, lib. ii. , cap. xxv. , p.
Prima Vita S. Columbre, cap. xxix. , p. 324.
142 See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's "Life of St. Columba," lib. i. , cap. 8, pp. 33 to 35» and nn- (ai b, c. d, e, f. g, h).
143 See "Trias Thaumaturga," Quinta
413. "44
See ibid. , cap. xxxix. , p. 416.
,4s See ibid. , lib. iii. , cap. xxxviii. , p.
437.
,4<i See ibia. , cap. xxxi. , p. 436.
June 9. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 533
CHAPTER XVII.
THE TRUE CHARACTER AND PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF ST. COLUMBA—ST FINTAN MUNNU VISITS IONA TO LIVE UNDER THE HOLY ABBOT'S RULE, BUT HE IS ADVISED TO LIVE IN IRELAND—THE LAST YEARS OF ST. COLUMBA's LIFE, AND PREMONITARY WARNINGS ABOUT HIS LAST ILLNESS—DETAILS OF HIS EDIFYING DEATH—DATES ASSIGNED FOR HIS DEPARTURE—COMMEMORATIONS IN VARIOUS CALENDARS—CHURCHES AND CHAPELS DEDICATED TO HIS MEMORY—OTHER MEMORIALS—MIRACLES WROUGHT THROUGH HIS INTERCESSION—CONCLUSION.
The great Abbot had nearly finished his task upon earth, and then lovingly
and humbly he prayed the Lord to be released from its burdens. His only
solicitude was to learn, that the various communities he had established followed
their rule and discipline, in a spirit of fervour and obedience. The Life of
St. Ciaran
l
of Clonmacnoise states, that the order of Colum Cille was one of
the eight religious orders that were in Erin. 2 Some have supposed, that it
differed not from the Benedictine institute, and—this has been inferred, from
whatmayhavebeenonlyacasualresemblance thehabitsofhismonksand
those of St. Benedict being of the darkest colour. Thus, we find it recorded,
that Columba was Abbot of Black Monks,3 at Doire Choluim Chille, and at
Hy, in Albain. Through all the closing years of his life, which was protracted,
the latter was regarded as his parent house. It seems, however, altogether
most indubitable, that the Rule of St. Columkille was a distinct one from that
ofSt. Benedict. 4 ThesupremacyofHy,samongtheColumbanmonasteries,
was 6 for a
time after his
It is certain, that his discipline if rigorous was tempered by a sweetness and
gentleness of demeanour, in Columba's administration, that made him be specially loved by all his subjects. The illustrious Colum Cille has been likened unto Andrew,? the Apostle, in his habits and life. 8 This doubtless means, that he was fired with zeal and fidelity towards his Lord and Master, while he was indefatigable in preaching the Divine word, and he embraced the Cross of Christ, because he was crucified to the world. Like a true saint, if he was indulgent towards others, he was little inclined to spare his own
acknowleged,
long
death, by
the houses, dependent
personal labours and mortifications.
Chapterxvii. —* Atchapterxlvii.
2 See "The Martyrology of Donegal,"
Cuimin of Condeire says,9 in an Irish
: 6ItisthusexpressedbyBede "Inqui-
bus omnibus idem monasterium insulanum,
in —
quo ipse requiescit corpore principatum
edited 152, 153.
Rev. Drs. Todd and Reeves,
pp.
Here follows a disjointed extract
by
"
tenet. " Historia Ecclesiastica
Anglorum," lib. iii. , cap. iv. , p. 169.
i His feast is celebrated on the 30th of
November.
8 A ancient old-vellum book, which very
is found in the Martyrology of Tamlacht-
Maoilruain, is quoted by the O'Clerys, for such a statement. See Rev. Drs. Todd s
fiom some source, and we are informed,
that there is a defect in the original Manu- script note (3), by Rev. Dr. Todd.
knowledges, that the Rule of St. Columba of Luxeu was originally derived from that of Bangor in Ireland, and not borrowed from
"
Annales Ordinis i. , lib. viii. , sect, xvii. , p. 214. In a subsequent part of this work, Father Mabillon appears to regard St. Co- lumkille's or Columba's Institute, as if it had a distinct government and discipline, from that of St. Benedict. See ibid. , lib. ix. ,
sect, xix. , pp. 249,250.
s See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan,
w—ho calls it "insula . . . primaria. "
"Life of St. Columba," lib. i. , cap. i. , p. 12.
3 to the According
O'Clerys.
4 The learned Father John Mabillon ac-
that ol St. Benedict. See
S. Benedicti," tomus
9
ThefollowingisanEnglishtranslation:
and Reeves' pp. 152, 153.
"
Martyrology of Donegal,"
—
" The holy Colum Cille loves :
Son of Feidhlimidh, of generous
deeds,
There went not for a week into his
holy body
What would satisfy a poor man one
turn. "
I0 The beginning of it is rendered into
Gentis
534
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 9.
10 poem, giving
that Colum
trustworthy biographers. Thus, the distinguished Catholic writer le Comte de Montalembert, assuming the corrupted traditions of the bards to be facts, has unwittingly drawn the following unfavourable and yet false estimate of
Columba's " when disposition
the characteristic virtues of the Saints of
Cille of generous deeds M used not to partake of food during the week, so much as would satisfy a poor man for one meal. The most false and contra- dictory accounts of his character have been published, and even believed by those who have estimated favourably his noble qualifications of head and heart. Legends related of him are often the myths of fancy, and they have received almost equal acceptance, as the authentic and early accounts of his most
asserting,
bold, a warrior, born to become a soldier rather than a monk, known, praised,
and blamed as a soldier, so that even during his lifetime, he was involved in fight ; continuing to be a soldier,^ even upon the island rock from which he went forth to preach, to convert, to enlighten, to reconcile, and to reprimand
1* A
rary,^ who leaves us a reliable portrait of Columba, has stated, that he was
princes
and
nations,
men and
women, laymen
and
clergy.
contempo-
learned, he was chaste, he was charitable, he was an abounding benefit of guests, he was eager, he was noble, he was gentle, he was the physician of the heart of every sage, he was to persons inscrutable, he was a shelter to the naked, lie was a consolation to the poor ; there went not from the world one who was more continual for the remembrance of the cross. ' 6 He was
singu- larly favoured by nature with a fine personal appearance and a majestic figure; and according to an ancient commentary in Irish verse,' 7 his countenance was radiant and full, his body was athletic and well-formed ; his eyes were
grey and luminous, his complexion was ruddy, his skin was white, and his hair was curling. As we have already learned, he was remarkable for the volume andclearnessofhisvoice. HebroughtoverthePictsandScotstotheFaith, nearly as perfectly as St. Patrick converted the Irish, and left his character upon them, so that they became a staunch, loyal, and truly Catholic race, in the
Highlands of Stotland.
18
Before his death, this great caenobiarch was able to
English thus : Macha loves. "
"
Patrick of the Fort of
tic biography, the evil becomes irreparable, and it is no longer possible to separate in popular estimation the true from the spu- rious. This lias been peculiarly the case with
11 The text of this poem, as given by Rev.
Dr. Kelly, reads An oiticne, "in his pil-
grimage ;" a copy in the Brussels Manu- Columba, and has led to a very false esti- script has it, tii nAoimperxc, "of the holy mate of his character. "—" Celtic Scotland : deeds. "
" See " Les Moines d'Occident," tome iii. , liv. xi. , chap, vii. , p. 285.
13 By Adamnan, he is styled "insulanus miles," in the Preface to St. Columba's Life.
** An able and accomplished modern
Scottish historian, William F. Skene, has helped much to correct those errors regard- ing St. Columba. He has remarked: "It is unfortunately the fate of all such men as stand out prominently from among their fellows, and put their stamp upon the age in which they lived, that as the true charac- ter of their sayings and doings fades from men's minds, they become more and more the subject of spurious traditions, and the popular mind invests them with attributes to which they have no claim. When these loose popular traditions and conceptions are col- lected and become embedded in a systema-
a History of Ancient Alban," vol. ii. , book ii. , chap, iv. , pp. 143, 144.
that he was
vindictive, passionate,
Ireland,
,s St. Dalian Forgaill, in his Amhra Cho- luim-chille. See ibid. , p. 146.
,6
"There is no trace here of those darker
features of vindictiveness, love of fighting, and the remorse caused by its indulgence. "
:
Mr. Skene observes " nor do the events of
his life, as we find them rather hinted at than narrated, bear out such an estimate of it.
•» See "Transactions "of the Royal Irish
Academy," Irish Manuscript Series, vol. i. , part i. Calendar of Oengus, notes, p. ci.
l8
During the last century, the people in the Hebrides were almost exclusively Catho- lies, until persecution drove their missiona- riesaway. TherearevillagesintheHigh- lands of Scotland, which have suffered for the defence of their Faith, like the people in Ireland, and they suffered much by bad land
June 9. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 535 speak with confidence of Iona's future glory and fame, and his disciples sup-
his and their own credit for 10 Towards many subsequent generations.
ported
the close of St. Columba's life, he must have heard much of that
famous mission undertaken by the Roman Monk, who came to convert
that heathen 20 and the of in so a people, destroyers Christianity large part
of
Britain.
For more than thirty years, the illustrious Abbot worked hard and perse-
veringly, by founding churches and monasteries innumerable, 21 in Scotland as in Ireland ; while he won the love of all, by the force of his bright, manly, cheerful, and genial Irish nature, which the gifts of God's grace served to renderalmostsupremelyperfect. Severalofthegreatestsaintslongedtobeunder his guidance. Thus, St. Fintan Munnu,22 who afterwards became so famous throughout all the churches of Ireland, conceived in his younger years an
2
earnest desire of forsaking his country to visit St. Columba. 3 Being strongly
urged with this desire, he went to a certain old friend, a very wise and vene- rable man, who was named Columb Crag 2 * in the Irish language, to take his advice on the matter. His acquaintance liked well such a holy resolution. " Your devout wish to set sail for St. Columba's Isle, who can presume to oppose ; it hns been inspired by God," said the sage. Thither, at the same time, came two of St. Columba's monks. Being questioned touching their journey, they answered " We are lately come out of Britain, and this day, we
:
"
2s "Is father,St. Columbawell,andingoodhealth? "askedColumbCrag. Shed-
arrived from the ofthe oak-wood of monastery
Calgaich.
your holy
ding tears abundantly, the strangers replied in deep sorrow :
father and patron is well, for a few days past he departed to Christ. " Fintan, Columb, and the rest, who were present, fell prostrate upon the ground, and wept bitterly. Fintan demanded further particulars from them, saying : " VVhom did he ordain as successor? " They answered: "His disciple Baithen. "26 Then,havingapprovedsuchchoice,ColumbaskedFintanwhat he meant to do. Fintan answered, " I shall, with God's grace, repair to that wise and holy man, Baithan, and I will select him for my Abbot, should he wish to receive me. " Then, taking his leave of Columb, and kissing him,
laws, while there are villages in Scotland, in the county of Wexford. His feast occurs
that never yet lost their Catholicity through weal or through woe. The Rev. Thomas Hurke's " Lecture on St. Columkille, in St. Columba's church," New York City, re- ported in the Boston Pilot of March 22nd, 1873.
19 See Rev. John Smith's " Life of St.
Columba," Appendix, p. 161.
20 And " from whose country such lovely
in our Irish Calendars, at the 2ist or Octo- ber, and he died A. D. 634.
23 In the year 597, he is said to have visited Iona. See Rev. Dr. Reeves' Adamnan's "Life of St. Columba," Additional Notes O, p. 372.
24 Colgan considers this saint to have been a St. Columba of Eanach, who was veneraied on the 22nd of September, accord-
fair haired slaves had been—brought to the ing to the Martyrologies of Marianus
Cathald and the market-place of Rome. " The Duke of O'Gorman, Maguire
"
Iona," chap, i. , pp. 23, 24.
O'Clerys. This locality of his lay three miles north of Deny, and near a castle, be-
"
Argyll's
21 The Cistercian Monk Jocelin represents
longing to the O'Cahan family. See
See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Sexta Thaumaturga," Quarta Vita S. Columbce,
him as the founder of a hundred monasteries.
Trias
lib. i. , cap. ii. , n. 22, p. 373.
25 That is Derry in the north of Ireland,
and it signifies a forest of oak, to which is added the name of a man Calgaich or Gal- gaich. By this name it was known, until the middle of the tenth century,
26 His feast also occurs on this of day, 9th
June, and his Acts follow immediately those of St. Columba, in this volume.
VitaS. Patricii, cap. lxxxix. , p. 85. Prince Ma- n s ODonnell increases the numberto three hundred, including churches and monasteries in Ireland and in Britain
of these one hun- dred were said to have been on the coast, See ibid. , Quinta Vita S. Columba;, pars iii. ,
cap. xlii. , p. 438.
2-
His name was subsequently communi- cated to Taghmon, " the houseof Munnu,"
;
Truly our
536 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [June 9
Fintan embarked without delay, and soon he reached the Isle of Hy. There he was entertained with great charity, as an unknown guest; for his name and distinction had not been discovered, by the holy residents in the religious establishment at Iona. The next day after his arrival, however, Fintan made known to Baithan, that he had a desire to confer personally with him. Ever kind and courteous to strangers, Baithan presently sent for him. Being brought into Baithan's presence, Fintan fell down upon his knees. But, the saint made him rise, and then sit down, until the Abbot might learn the object for his voyage. Then did Fintan recount to the saint his name, his family, his country, his conversation, and what had moved him to undertake that perilousnavigation. Lastly,heclosedthisdiscourse,withanhumblerequest to procure his admittance. Baithan understood all that God had decreed con-
: cerninghim,andheknewSt. Columba'sprophecy. Hethensaid "Mychild,
I am bound to render many thanks to the Almighty for your arrival, but know this for certain, that you cannot become our monk. " 2 ? On hearing this sen- tence, Fintan appeared very thoughtful, and he said : u Perchance, I am
unworthy
tobecome
your
monk. " TowhomtheoldAbbot "Itis replied :
not, as you say, for although I had rather detain you with me, than otherwise,
yet can I not profane the commandment of my patron, St. Columba, through
whose mouth the Holy Ghost hath prophesied concerning you, in the manner following. Being alone with him one day, among other things, he said to me,
a certain brother, named Fintan, son of Tulchan,28 of the Macumoie 29 family,
shall come to you out of Ireland, and beg earnestly to be received among the
monks. He shall be renowned for his religious morals and proficiency in
sacred studies. But this is not pre-ordained for him, in the presence of God,
that he become a monk or be subject to any Abbot ; since he is pre-elected
by the Almighty, for being an Abbot of monks, and for becoming a captain to
leadmanysoulstotheheavenlykingdom. 30 Therefore,detainnottheafore-
said man with you in our Isle, but send him back again into Ireland, that he
may build a monastery 3I in Leinster, near the sea-shore, where feeding a
flock of Christ's sheep and lambs, he may conduct innumerable souls to the
"
' O Baithan, must listen to these you
words, with
sently, after my wished-for and long-desired departure out of this life to Christ,
joys of Paradise. '
The young saint, on hearing this discourse, poured out
abundance of tears, and with thanksgiving to God, he said
:
" Be it done to
my
great
attention, for
pre-
me, according to the prophetical and marvellous prescience of St. Columba. "
So taking with him St. Baithan's benediction, this Fintan returned back into Ireland. 32 Adamnanstates,thatheheardtheforegoingaccount,fromthelips
^The Breviary of Aberdeen perverts the
earlier authorities that St. Fintan — by stating, —
ibid. , cap. xviii. , p. 342.
30 From these Father Flem- expressions,
Munnu who is there called Mundus took ing infers, that St. Fintan Munnu wrote
"
the habit of St. Columba, in Iona. See a special Religious Rule. See Collectanea
Pars /Estivalis, fol. l$ib b. Reprint of Sacra," p. 437.
1852.
3> This was at a place, called from him Teach Munnu, or "the house of Munnu," and now known as Taghmon situated about seven miles west of Wexford. It gives name to a prebend in the diocese of Ferns. There,
28
Tulchan is stated to have been of the
family of Conall, son of Neill, in the Vita
S. Fintani, cap. i. , in the Codex, containing
Lives of the Irish Saints, preserved in
he was buried. See " Acta Colgan's
Marsh's at fol. Library, Dublin,
127.
29 Here Colgan suggests an emendation, that this patronymic should rather be Mocu Maine, as Fintan's mother is called Fedelyn, of the race of Mann, the son of Neill. See
too,
Sanctorum Hibernice," Januarii xxxi. , Vita S. Maidoci, cap. xxxii. , pp. 211, 212.
"Trias Thaumaturga," Quarta Vita S. Co-
lumbse, lib. i. , cap. 2, p. 373. But, we find also Quinta Vita S. Columbre, lib. hi. ,
therewasalsoaLaisranusMocumoie. See
cap. lxv. , pp. 442, 443 .
3a See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga," Quarta Vita S. Columbse, lib.
