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Monday 7th December 2020 marks the beginning of Colmcille 1500, a year-long commemoration of 1500 years since the birth of St. Columba and of his legacy. The year will begin and end on the 7th December, the traditional birthday of St Colmcille.
- St Colmcille was born in Gartan in Co. Donegal in the year 521A.D.
- He was christened Criomhthann.
- Children used to call him ‘Colmcille’ with means ‘Dove of the church’.
- The priest who fostered Colmcille thought that it was God’s will that he be called ‘Colmcille’ and so his name was changed.
- Colmcille was the great-great grandson of Niall of the Nine Hostages.
- Niall of the Nine Hostages was the one who captured and brought St. Patrick to Ireland as a slave.
- St Colmcille was sent to Moville where St. Finnian had a Monastery.
- Colmcille studied poetry there under Gemman.
- He was ordained a priest in Clonard Co. Meath.
- After this he spent some time in the monastery of St. Mobhi in Glasnevin.
- He returned to Donegal and was given some land on the banks of the Foyle and on this land he built his first monastery, ‘Doire Cholmcille.’
- After seven years Colmcille set about founding monasteries in Kells , Durrow and lambay
