St. Columba of Iona

Columba was an Irish prince who became a monk, scholar and founder of monasteries. In 563 he sailed with twelve companions to the island of Iona off Scotland and built a monastery that became the light of the north. From Iona he and his monks preached to the Picts and won over their king Bridei. He was a great copyist of the Scriptures, and Iona sent missionaries all over Scotland and northern England.

• Feast: June 9 (New Calendar)
• Lived: 521–597
• Place: Iona, Scotland