June 9: Columba, Abbot of Iona and Missionary, 597

As I mentioned in a previous post, today the Church remembers St. Columba, who died on June 9, 597, 1410 years ago. Inasmuch as we picked up on Sister Judy's suggestion that we might wish to give our group a name somehow associated with Celtic Christianity, I really had little idea as to how meaningful it might prove to call ourselves "Columba's Companions." Since we made that decision, I've spent some hours reading up on Columba and Celtic Christianity and am more than ever delighted that our "patron" saint is Columba, a wonderful missionary, psalmpray-er, lover of books, scholar, abbot, and generous friend to the people of God.

In passing Sister Judy recommended that as a reader of mysteries, I might enjoy the work of mystery-writer Peter Tremayne who has written a series of mysteries depiciting life in the seventh century world of Celtic Christianity. So far I've read The Subtle Serpent and The Haunted Abbot; I'm now beginning a third, Badger'sMoon. These are historical eye-openers, and I'm looking forward to reading all thirteen of Tremayne's mysteries. While I knew a little bit about Celtic spirituality, I really didn't know how much more I learning I can enjoy. Celtic Christianity is rich for exploration, and the Tremayne mysteries are great popular introductions to the treasures of Celtic spirituality. As a reputable scholar in matters Celtic, Tremayne's fictional Sister Fidelma lets us see what a highly intelligent Celtic Christian woman can do on behalf of the Faith and justice. Her Christian world is so unlike that the Western version of Christianity that I grew up with. Tremayne's depiction of Celtic Christianity--quite different from our "European" experience--is truly revelatory, "eye-opening." If you're interested, go to www.sisterfidelma.com to whet your appetite.

In addition to reading Tremayne, I'm also working through the Life of Columba by Adomnan of Iona (translated with an introduction by Richard Sharpe). As one of the best scholarly pieces separating fact from legend, I'm finding the 100-page introduction quite interesting. I'll let you know more of my response when I actually get past the introduction and begin reading the Life of Columba itself.

Although I realize that it has gotten a "mixed" reception in the reviews, I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed Thomas Cahill's popular How the Irish Saved Civilization. Frankly, I thought the chapters of Columba to be quite good! The book, it seems to me, reinforces what Sharpe does in more scholarly fashion, what Tremayne does in his popular pieces.

If you know of other books having to do with Columba and/or Celtic history and spirituality that we'd enjoy and you'd like to recommend, post a comment and share some titles and comments!

Kindle in our hearts, O God,

the flame of that love which never ceases,

that it may burn in us, giving light to others.

May we shine for ever in your temple,

set on fire with your eternal light,

even your Son Jesus Christ,

our Saviour and our Redeemer.

Amen.

--St Columba