Saint Columba (Columba of Iona)

Timeline

1. 521–543Gartan · County DonegalColumba was born at Gartan in County Donegal, Ireland, a descendant of the Irish Uí Néill royal line who could have become king of Ireland. Baptized in childhood, he received a Christian education, studying first under Saint Finnian of Moville and then Finnian of Clonard, undergoing rigorous biblical and monastic training.
2. c. 543–563Derry · Northern IrelandColumba actively preached and founded monasteries throughout Ireland, establishing his first at Derry around 546, followed by others at Durrow and elsewhere; according to tradition he founded some thirty monasteries in Ireland, becoming an important leader of the Irish Church.
3. 563–597Isle of Iona · Inner HebridesIn 563 Columba and twelve monastic companions reached the small island of Iona off Scotland's west coast by raft, founding a monastery on land granted by Conall mac Comgaill, king of Dál Riata. Over the following decades he repeatedly traveled into Pictish territory to preach and blessed and consecrated the kings of Dál Riata. Iona Abbey became a spiritual and scholarly center of Celtic Christianity, with influence extending across Scotland and northern England.