St Columba’s Feast Day: Be a bright flame before us, O God a guiding star above us.

St Columba was born at Garten, County Donegal, Ireland. He lived from 7 December 521 to 9 June 597. Columba and his 12 disciples erected a church and a monastery on the island of Iona (c. 563).  As we all know, he is an outstanding figure in the history of the Faith in Scotland. His personal sanctity inspired many of his contemporaries while his Iona Monastery deeply influenced subsequent generations which still bears fruit today.

PRAYER OF ST.COLUMBA

Be a bright flame before me, O God

a guiding star above me.

Be a smooth path below me,

a kindly shepherd behind me

today, tonight, and for ever.

Alone with none but you, my God

I journey on my way;

what need I fear when you are near,

O Lord of night and day?

More secure am I within your hand

than if a multitude did round me stand.

Amen