Preface #

¹ With the help of Christ, I begin this work in compliance with the urgent requests of my brethren to write the life of our blessed Patron. First, I must caution those who read it to believe the facts recorded within and to focus more on the content than on the words, which may seem harsh and unpolished. Let them remember that “the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power”, and let them not despise this account of meaningful deeds, achieved with God’s help, simply because of unfamiliar names of people, tribes, or obscure places in the humble Scotic tongue, which may seem crude compared to the refined languages of foreign nations. Readers should also be aware that many other worthy details about this blessed man have been omitted for brevity, so as not to test their patience. Only a few of the many remarkable events have been recorded here. I believe anyone who reads this work will observe that popular accounts of this holy man’s great deeds have often focused on the lesser events, which are far outweighed by the few we now recount briefly. With this first brief preface concluded, I now proceed, with the help of God, to begin the second by explaining the name of our holy prelate.

² There was a man of venerable life and blessed memory, a father and founder of monasteries, who bore the same name as Jonah the prophet. Though the pronunciation differs across three languages, the meaning remains the same: in Hebrew, it is Iona; in Greek, it is Peristera; and in Latin, it is Columba. It is believed that such a significant name was not given to this man of God without divine providence. According to the faith of the Gospels, the Holy Spirit descended upon the only begotten Son of the Eternal Father in the form of a dove, and thus, in the sacred Scriptures, the dove often mystically signifies the Holy Spirit.

³ Hence, in His Gospel, our Savior instructed His disciples to embody the simplicity of the dove, which resides in a pure heart, for the dove is a simple and innocent bird. It was fitting, therefore, that this man, simple and innocent, who made himself a dwelling-place for the Holy Spirit through his dove-like virtues, should bear such a name. Appropriately, the words of Proverbs may be applied here: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches”. Thus, from infancy, by the gift of God, our leader was honored with this special name, not by chance but through divine providence. Remarkably, even many years before his birth, the name was given to him as a child of promise, revealed in a prophetic vision to a soldier of Christ, inspired by the Holy Spirit.

⁴ Maucta, a pilgrim from Britain, a holy man and disciple of St. Patrick the Bishop, gave the following prophecy concerning our Patron, as we know from the testimony of learned ancients. He said, “In the last ages of the world, a son will be born, whose name, Columba, will be proclaimed in every province of the isles of the ocean, and he will brilliantly illuminate the final ages of the earth. The little farms of his small monastery and of mine will be separated by the boundary of a narrow fence, and he will be a man most dear to God and of great merit in His sight.”

⁵ In describing the life and character of our Columba, I will first present, as briefly as possible, a general summary to provide readers with an image of his holy life. I will also include a brief mention of some of his miracles, as a foretaste for those eager to read about them, with a more detailed account to follow in the last three books. The first will detail his prophetic revelations, the second his divine virtues manifested through his deeds, and the third the apparitions of angels and certain manifestations of heavenly brightness upon this man of God. Let no one think that I am either fabricating anything about so great a man or including anything doubtful or uncertain. Be assured that I will recount, with complete honesty and without ambiguity, what I have learned from the consistent testimony of my predecessors—trustworthy and discerning men. My account is based either on written records from before my time or on what I have personally heard from learned and faithful elders, who attested to these facts after diligently verifying their truth.

⁶ St. Columba was born to noble parents; his father was Fedilmith, son of Fergus, and his mother was Aethne, whose father is called Filius Navis in Latin and Mac Nave in the Scotic tongue. In the second year after the battle of Culedrebina, which was fought in A.D. 561, and in the forty-second year of his life, St. Columba decided to leave his homeland for the love of Christ and sailed from Scotia (Ireland) to Britain. From his youth, he was raised in Christian discipline and the pursuit of wisdom, and by God’s grace, he preserved the purity of both his body and soul so that, while living on earth, he seemed to lead a life akin to the saints in heaven. He was angelic in appearance, eloquent in speech, holy in his actions, exceptionally talented, and extraordinarily prudent; he served as a soldier of Christ for thirty-four years while residing on an island.

⁷ He never spent even a single hour without engaging in study, prayer, writing, or some other holy activity. He devoted himself night and day to the unceasing practices of fasting and watching, to such an extent that the weight of these austerities seemed beyond the capacity of human endurance. Yet, despite these rigorous disciplines, he was loved by all, for a holy joy constantly radiated from his face, reflecting the gladness and happiness with which the Holy Spirit filled his innermost soul.

Chapter 1 #

¹ Following the promise stated earlier, this account begins with a concise description of the miracles attributed to the venerable man. Through prayer and invoking the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, he healed numerous individuals afflicted with various illnesses. With God’s assistance, he alone drove out countless legions of evil spirits from this island, now holding primacy, which he saw with his physical eyes attacking him and attempting to inflict deadly diseases upon his monastic community. By means of self-discipline and courageous defiance, he subdued the ferocious wrath of wild beasts with the help of Christ. In addition, when towering waves surged in a great tempest, they were stilled at his prayer, the waters became calm, and the ship he traveled in reached its destination in complete tranquility.

² While returning from the land of the Picts, where he had spent several days, he raised his sail despite an opposing wind, intending to confound the Druids. Remarkably, his journey was as swift as if the wind had been in his favor. On other occasions as well, contrary winds were transformed into favorable ones through his prayers. In that same region, he took a white stone from a river, blessed it for performing certain cures, and, in defiance of nature, the stone floated on water like an apple. This divine miracle occurred in the presence of King Brude and his household.

³ In the same region, he performed an even greater miracle by raising a dead child of a humble believer to life, restoring the child’s vitality and returning him to his parents. On another occasion, while still a young deacon in Hibernia and residing with the holy bishop Findbarr, the wine needed for the sacred mysteries ran out and through his prayer, he transformed pure water into genuine wine. On numerous distinct occasions, both in daylight and at night, some of the brethren witnessed an immense blaze of heavenly light surrounding him. He was also blessed with the sweet and profoundly delightful company of radiant hosts of holy angels. Frequently, by the revelation of the Holy Spirit, he saw the souls of righteous individuals carried by angels to the highest heavens, while he also often witnessed the souls of the reprobate being taken to hell by demons. He regularly prophesied the future outcomes—whether joyful or sorrowful—of many individuals while they were still alive in the flesh.

⁴ In the terrifying tumult of wars, he obtained through prayer that some kings would be defeated while others would emerge victorious. This grace was granted to him not only during his earthly life but even after his passing, as God, from whom all saints derive their honor, has made him a victorious and mighty champion in battle. One notable example of divine favor shown to this venerable man occurred the day before the Saxon prince Oswald engaged in battle with Cation (Ceadualla of Bede), a formidable king of the Britons. As King Oswald prepared for battle and rested in his tent, he had a vision of St. Columba, radiant with angelic brilliance and appearing so majestic that his head seemed to touch the clouds.

⁵ The blessed man, having revealed his name to the king, stood in the midst of the camp and spread his radiant garment over it, leaving only a small distant point uncovered. As he did this, he spoke words of encouragement that the Lord had once spoken to Joshua son of Nun after the death of Moses: “Be strong and of good courage; behold, I will be with you”. After speaking these words in the vision, St. Columba continued, saying, “March out this coming night from your camp to battle, for the Lord has granted me that your enemies will be put to flight, that your adversary Cation will be delivered into your hands, and that after the battle you will return in triumph and enjoy a prosperous reign.”

⁶ The king, awakened by these words, gathered his council and recounted the vision, which greatly encouraged them all. In response, the entire assembly vowed that, upon their return from the war, they would embrace the faith and be baptized. Until then, the land of the Saxons had been shrouded in the darkness of paganism and ignorance, except for King Oswald and the twelve men baptized with him during his exile among the Scots. What more can be said? On the very next night, as instructed in the vision, King Oswald marched out from his camp to battle. Although his army was much smaller than the vast forces arrayed against him, he secured an effortless and decisive victory by the Lord’s favor, just as promised. King Cation was slain, and upon returning victorious from the battle, Oswald was established by God as the Bretwalda, the ruler of all Britain. I, Adamnan, received this account directly from my predecessor, Abbot Failbe, who solemnly attested that he had personally heard King Oswald recount this vision to Abbot Segine.

⁷ It is also important to note that certain wicked men, known for immoral behavior and bloodshed, were saved from their enemies through hymns composed in the Scotic language in honor of the blessed man. These men, whose house was surrounded by enemies in the night, sang these hymns and escaped unharmed through fire, swords, and spears. Strangely, only a few who scorned the commemorations of the holy man and refused to participate in the hymns were killed in the enemy attack. This miracle is attested not by two or three witnesses, as the law requires, but by hundreds and more. Moreover, such events did not occur in a single place or on one occasion alone. At different times and locations in both Scotia (Ireland) and Britain, similar deliverances have been proven beyond doubt. I have learned this from trustworthy sources in the regions where these miracles took place.

⁸ Returning to the topic at hand: among the miracles performed by this man of God while still in mortal flesh was his ability to foretell the future through the spirit of prophecy, a gift with which he was richly blessed from his youth. He also revealed to those present events occurring in distant places. Though absent in body, he was present in spirit and could perceive things far removed from him, in accordance with the words of St. Paul: “He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit”.

⁹ St. Columba, this same man of God, did not deny—when occasionally questioned by a few of the brethren—that through divine intuition and a remarkable expansion of his inner soul, he beheld the entire universe gathered together and laid open before his sight, as if illuminated by a single ray of the sun.

¹⁰ This account of the miracles of the holy man is presented here so that the reader, in this brief summary, may have a foretaste of the richer narrative that lies ahead in the fuller account to be offered, with the Lord’s help, in the three following books. At this point, though it may depart from the usual order, it seems fitting to record some of the prophecies given by the blessed man at various times concerning certain holy and illustrious individuals.

Chapter 2 #

¹ St. Finten, who later became renowned throughout all the churches of the Scots, had, by the grace of God, preserved the purity of both body and soul from his boyhood. Devoted to the pursuit of divine wisdom, he nurtured a singular resolve in his heart from his youth: to leave Hibernia and journey abroad to St. Columba. Burning with this holy desire, he sought counsel from an old and trusted friend, a most prudent and venerable cleric in his homeland, known in the Scotic tongue as Columb Crag. After Finten revealed the intentions of his heart, he received this reply: “Since your devout wish is, as I feel, inspired by God, who could presume to say that you should not cross the sea to St. Columba?”

² At that same moment, two monks of St. Columba arrived. When asked about their journey, they replied, “We have recently come from Britain, and today we have traveled from the Oakwood of Calgach (Daire Calgaich, or Derry).” Columb Crag inquired, “Is your holy father Columba well?” At this, the monks burst into tears and answered sorrowfully, “Our patron is indeed well, for a few days ago he departed to Christ.” Hearing this, Finten, Columb, and all those present fell prostrate on the ground and wept bitterly. Then Finten asked, “Whom did he appoint as his successor?” They replied, “Baithene, his disciple.” All exclaimed, “It is fitting and right.” Columb then said to Finten, “What will you do now, Finten?” He answered, “With God’s permission, I will sail to Baithene, that wise and holy man, and if he accepts me, I will take him as my abbot.”

³ Then kissing the aforementioned Columb and bidding him farewell, he prepared for his voyage, and, setting sail without the least delay, arrived at the Iouan Island (Hy, now corruptly Iona). As his name was wholly unknown in those places up to that time, he was at first only received with the hospitality customarily shown to any unknown stranger. The next day, however, he sent a messenger to Baithene and requested a personal interview. Baithene, ever kind and affable to strangers, ordered that he be brought before him. Upon being introduced, he first knelt down upon the ground, as was fitting, and then, being instructed by the holy abbot to rise and be seated, he was questioned by Baithene, who still knew nothing of his family, province, name, or life, regarding the reason for his undertaking the labor of the voyage.

⁴ In reply to the inquiry thus made, he told everything in order and then humbly asked to be admitted. The holy abbot, hearing these things from his guest and recognizing him at the same time as the man of whom St. Columba had some time previously made a prophecy, replied, “Truly, my son, I ought to give thanks to my God for your arrival, but be assured of this, you will not be one of our monks.”

⁵ Hearing this, the stranger was deeply saddened and said, “Perhaps I am not worthy to become one of your monks.” The abbot immediately replied, “It is not because you are unworthy that I said this. In fact, I would gladly keep you here with me, but I cannot go against the command of St. Columba, my predecessor, who spoke of you through the Holy Spirit. One day, while I was alone with him, he prophesied and said to me, ‘Listen carefully, Baithene, to what I am about to tell you. Shortly after my long-awaited departure from this world to Christ, a certain brother from Ireland will come to you. His name will be Finten, son of Tailchan, from the tribe of Mocumoie. He is currently living a virtuous life and excelling in his study of the Scriptures. He will come to you and humbly ask to join your community of monks. However, it is not God’s will for him to become a monk under any abbot. God has already chosen him to be an abbot himself and a leader of souls into the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, you must not keep him here on our islands. To do so would go against the will of God. Instead, tell him what I have shared with you and send him back to Ireland in peace. There, in the region of the Leinstermen near the sea, he will establish a monastery. In that place, as a shepherd to Christ’s flock, he will lead countless souls to their heavenly home.’”

⁶ The holy youth, upon hearing this, wept and gave thanks to Christ, saying: Be it done to me according to the prophecy and divine foreknowledge of St. Columba. Following the words of the saints, he received the blessing of Baithene and peacefully sailed back to Scotia (Ireland).

⁷ I have heard this as an undoubted fact from the lips of an aged and devout priest, a soldier of Christ named Oissene, son of Ernan, of the tribe Mocu Neth Corb. He affirmed that he had personally heard these very words spoken by St. Finten, son of Tailchan, whose monk he himself had been.

Chapter 3 #

¹ On another occasion, while the blessed man was staying for several months in the central region of Hibernia, he was engaged in founding, by divine inspiration, his monastery known in the Scotic tongue as Dairmag (Durrow). During this time, he decided to visit the brethren living in St. Ciarán’s monastery at Clon (Clonmacnoise). When news of his approach spread, everyone from the nearby grange farms and those already within the monastery gathered eagerly under the leadership of Abbot Alither. Together, they advanced beyond the monastery’s enclosure and went out as one to meet St. Columba, greeting him with reverence as though he were an angel of the Lord.

² Humbly bowing down with their faces to the ground in his presence, they kissed him with great reverence. Singing hymns of praise as they proceeded, they escorted him with all honor to the church. To protect the saint as he walked, a wooden canopy was carried by four men at his side, ensuring that St. Columba, the holy abbot, would not be disturbed by the pressing crowd of brethren around him.

³ At that time, a boy associated with the monastery, poorly dressed and unremarkable in appearance, who had not been held in high regard by the elders, attempted to approach unnoticed. He concealed himself as best as he could and crept forward stealthily, intending to touch even the hem of the cloak worn by the blessed man without being seen or felt. However, this did not escape the saint, who perceived with the eyes of his soul what his physical eyes could not see happening behind him. Suddenly stopping, he extended his hand behind him, grabbed the boy by the neck, and brought him forward, placing him directly in front of him.

⁴ The crowd of onlookers cried out, “Let him go, let him go! Why do you touch that unfortunate and troublesome boy?” But the saint, speaking with prophetic clarity from his pure heart, replied, “Suffer it to be so now, brethren.” Then, turning to the terrified boy, he said, “My son, open your mouth and put out your tongue.” The boy obeyed, opening his mouth and extending his tongue in great fear. The saint placed his holy hand upon it, carefully blessed it, and declared, “Though this boy seems to you now to be contemptible and worthless, let no one despise him for that. For from this moment, not only will he no longer displease you, but he will bring you great satisfaction. Day by day, he will grow in good conduct and the virtues of the soul. From this day forward, wisdom and prudence will increase in him, and he will make great progress within this community. Moreover, his tongue will receive from God the gift of sound doctrine and eloquence.”

⁵ This was Ernene, son of Crasen, who later became renowned and highly esteemed in all the churches of Scotia (Ireland). He himself recounted these prophetic words, spoken about him as described above, to Abbot Segine, in the attentive presence of my predecessor, Failbe, who was with Segine at the time. It is from Failbe’s own words that I have come to know all that I have reported.

⁶ During the short period that the saint stayed as a guest at the monastery of Clon, he made many other prophecies by the revelation of the Holy Spirit. Among these were predictions about the discord that would arise much later among the churches of Scotia (Ireland) concerning the differences over the date of the Easter Feast. He also foretold certain visits of angels that he himself experienced, with specific locations within the monastery’s enclosure being frequented by these heavenly messengers at that time.

Chapter 4 #

¹ On another occasion, in the island of Iouan (Hy, now Iona), on a day when the tempest raged fiercely and the sea was exceedingly rough, the saint, while seated in the house, instructed his brethren, saying, “Quickly prepare the guest chamber and fetch water to wash the feet of the strangers.” One of the brethren asked, “Who could possibly cross the Sound safely, narrow though it may be, on such a perilous and stormy day?” To this, the saint replied, “The Almighty has granted calm even amid this tempest to a certain holy and excellent man, who will arrive here among us before evening.”

² And behold: that very day, the ship for which the brethren had long been watching arrived, just as the saint had foretold, bringing with it St. Cainnech. The saint went out with the brethren to meet him and welcomed him with great honour and hospitality. When the sailors who had accompanied St. Cainnech were asked by the brethren about their voyage, they recounted exactly what St. Columba had predicted. They spoke of the fierce tempest and the calm that God had granted simultaneously in the same sea, describing the extraordinary distinction between the two. They said they saw the tempest raging at a distance but did not feel its effects themselves.

Chapter 5 #

¹ On another day, while St. Columba was at his mother church, he suddenly exclaimed with a smile, “Columbanus, the son of Beogna, has just now set out on a voyage to us and is in great danger in the rolling tides of Brecan’s whirlpool. He is sitting at the prow and raising both his hands to heaven, blessing that angry and dreadful sea. Yet in this, the Lord only frightens him, for the ship in which he is will not be wrecked in the storm. This is rather to encourage him to pray more fervently, that by God’s favour he may escape the danger of his voyage and reach us in safety.”

Chapter 6 #

¹ On another occasion, St. Columba prophesied as follows about Cormac, grandson of Lethan, a truly pious man who sought a desert in the ocean no fewer than three times but did not find it: “In his desire to find a desert, Cormac is this day, for the second time, embarking from that district on the far side of the river Moda (the Moy, in Sligo), called Eirros Domno (Erris, in Mayo). Yet even this time, he will not find what he seeks, and this is due to no fault of his own, but rather because he has irregularly allowed a monk to accompany him on the voyage, one who is leaving his proper abbot without having obtained his consent.”

Chapter 7 #

¹ About two years after the battle of Cule-Drebene in Connaught, at which time the blessed man first set sail and departed from Scotia (Ireland), it happened that on the very day and at the same hour when the battle called Ondemone (near Coleraine) was fought in Scotia (Ireland), the man of God was living in Britain with King Connall, the son of Comgell, and told him everything about the battle, including the kings to whom the Lord granted victory over their enemies.

² These kings were Ainmore, son of Setna, and the two sons of Mac Erca, Domnall and Forcus. Similarly, the saint prophesied about the king of the Cruithne, named Echoid Laib, and how, after being defeated, he escaped by riding in his chariot.

³ At another time, after the lapse of many years from the above-mentioned battle, while the holy man was in the island of Hy (now known as Iona), he suddenly said to his minister, Diormit, “Ring the bell.” The brethren, startled at the sound, quickly proceeded to the church, with the holy prelate himself at their head. There he began, on bended knees, to say to them, “Let us pray now earnestly to the Lord for this people and King Aidan, for they are engaging in battle at this moment.” Then, after a short time, he went out of the oratory, and, looking up to heaven, said, “The barbarians are fleeing now, and to Aidan is given the victory—a sad one though it be.” The blessed man, in his prophecy, declared the number of the slain in Aidan’s army to be three hundred and three men.

Chapter 8 #

¹ At another time, before the above-mentioned battle, the saint asked King Aidan about his successor to the crown. The king answered that of his three sons, Artur, Eochoid Eind, and Domingart, he did not know which would inherit the kingdom after him. Then at once the saint prophesied in this manner, “None of these three will be king, for they will fall in battle, slain by their enemies; but now, if thou hast any younger sons, let them come to me, and that one of them whom the Lord has chosen to be king will at once rush into my lap.”

² When they were called in, Eochoid Buide, according to the word of the saint, advanced and rested in his bosom. Immediately the saint kissed him, and, giving him his blessing, said to his father, “This one will survive and reign as king after you, and his sons will reign after him.” And so were all these things fully accomplished afterwards in their time. For Artur and Eochoid Find were not long after killed in the above-mentioned battle of the Miathi; Domingart was also defeated and slain in battle in Saxonia; while Eochoid Buide succeeded his father on the throne.

Chapter 9 #

¹ Domnall, son of Aid, while yet a boy, was brought by those who raised him to St. Columba on the ridge of Ceatt (Druim Ceatt in Londonderry). The saint looked at him and inquired, “Whose son is this whom you have brought here?” They answered, “This is Domnall, son of Aid, who is brought to you for this purpose, that he may return enriched by your blessing.”

² The saint blessed him immediately and said, “He will survive all his brethren and be a very famous king, nor will he ever be delivered into the hands of his enemies; but in his old age, in his own house, and with a crowd of his familiar friends around him, he will die peacefully in his bed.” All this was truly fulfilled in him, as the blessed man had foretold.

³ At the same time and place, the saint, wishing to visit Scandlan, son of Colman, went to him where he was kept in prison by King Aid. After blessing him, he comforted him, saying, “Son, do not distress yourself, but rather rejoice and take courage, for King Aid, who has you a prisoner, will go out of this world before you. After some time of exile, you will reign in your own nation for thirty years. And again, you will be driven from your kingdom and be in exile for some days; but after that, you will be called home again by your people and will reign for three short terms.”

⁴ All this was fully accomplished according to the prediction of the saint. For in thirty years, he had to leave his throne and continued in exile for some time; and then, being recalled by his people, he reigned not three years, as he expected, but three months, and at the end of that time, he died.

⁵ At another time, while traveling through the rough and rocky country called Artdamuirchol (Ardnamurchan), he heard his companions, Laisran, son of Feradach, and Diormit, his minister, speaking on the way about the two above-named kings, and addressed them with these words: “O my dear children, why do you talk so foolishly about these men? Both of these kings, of whom you are now conversing, have just been slain, and their heads cut off by their enemies. And this very day, some sailors will come here from Scotia (Ireland) and tell you the same about these kings.” That same day, some sailors arrived from Hibernia at a place called Muirbolc Paradisi (Portnamurloch in Lismore) and informed the two companions, who were now sailing in the same ship with the saint, that these kings had indeed been slain, thus fulfilling the prophecy of the venerable man.

Chapter 10 #

¹ When he and his two brothers were driven from their country, he came as an exile to the saint, who was then wandering in Britain. The saint, in blessing him, uttered these prophetic words from his holy heart: “This youth will survive when his other brothers are gone, and he will reign a long time in his native country; his enemies will fall before him, while he will never fall into their hands, but in old age he will die peacefully in the midst of his friends.” All this was fully accomplished according to the saint’s words. This was Oingus, surnamed Bronbachal.

Chapter 11 #

¹ On another occasion, when the blessed man was staying for some days in Scotia (Ireland), he spoke in the following prophetic strain to the above-mentioned Aid, who had come to visit him: “You must take care, my son. If you commit the sin of murdering your kinsman, you will lose the right of governing the whole of Hibernia, as was first assigned you by God. If at any time you commit that sin, you will not hold the whole of your father’s kingdom, but only a part of it in your own tribe for a short time.” These words of the saint were fulfilled on this wise according to the prediction, that after Aid had treacherously killed Suibne, son of Columban, he reigned, it is said, no longer than four years and three months, and that only as a colleague in the kingdom.

² The same king, maintaining a bond of friendship with the holy man, once sent him a secret message through Lugbe Mocumin, desiring to learn whether he would meet his death at the hands of his enemies. When Lugbe was closely questioned by the saint about the king, his kingdom, and his people, he responded with pity, saying, Why do you inquire about that miserable man, who cannot know the hour when he may fall to his enemies? Then the saint answered, He will never fall into the hands of his enemies; he will die at home on his own pillow. The prophecy of the saint concerning King Roderic was fulfilled exactly as foretold, for, as the saint had said, he died peacefully in his own home.

Chapter 12 #

¹ On another occasion, two men of humble station came to the saint while he was on the island of Iona (Hy, now Iona). One of them, named Meldan, brought his son to the saint and asked what kind of future awaited him. The saint replied, Is not this the Sabbath day? Your son will die on the sixth day at the end of next week and will be buried here on the eighth day, which is the Sabbath. Then the other man, named Glasderc, also brought his son and, daring to ask a similar question, heard this reply from the saint: Your son Ernan will live to see his grandchildren and will be buried in old age on this island. In due time, everything concerning the two boys happened exactly as the saint had foretold.

Chapter 13 #

¹ This Colca, while residing for a time on the island of Iona (Hy, now Iona) with the saint, was asked by him about his mother, whether she was a pious woman. Colca replied, I have always known my mother to be good and to have that reputation. The saint then uttered these prophetic words: Set out immediately for Scotia (Ireland) with God’s help, and question your mother closely about her very grievous secret sin, which she refuses to confess to any man. Following this advice, Colca departed for Hibernia. When he questioned his mother closely, she at first denied the accusation but eventually confessed her sin. After performing penance according to the saint’s instruction, she was absolved, marveling greatly at what had been revealed to the saint concerning her.

² Colca, however, returned to the saint and stayed with him for some days. Then, inquiring about the end of his own life, he received this reply from the saint: In your own beloved country, you will serve as the head of a church for many years. And when one day you see your butler making merry with a group of friends at supper, twirling the ladle around in the strainer, know that the time of your death is near. What more need be said? This prophecy of the blessed man was fulfilled exactly as it had been foretold to Colca.

Chapter 14 #

¹ On a certain day, the holy man directed one of his monks, named Trena, of the tribe Mocuruntir, to carry a message for him to Scotia (Ireland). While Trena was hastily preparing the ship to carry out the saint’s command, he lamented before the saint that one of the sailors was missing.

² The saint immediately responded, uttering these words from his sacred heart: The sailor who, as you say, is absent, I cannot presently find. But go in peace; you will have a favorable and steady breeze until you reach Hibernia. You will see a man coming from a distance to meet you, and he will be the first to grasp the prow of your ship in Scotia (Ireland). He will remain with you during your time in Hibernia and will accompany you on your return to us, as one chosen by God. In this very monastery of mine, he will live piously for the rest of his days.

³ What more can I add? Trena received the saint’s blessing and crossed the sea with full sail throughout the entire voyage. And behold, as his small ship approached the port, Laisran Mocumoie rushed ahead of the others and seized the prow. The sailors immediately recognized that this was the very man of whom the saint had spoken beforehand.

Chapter 15 #

¹ One day, while the venerable man was staying on the island of Iona (Hy, now Iona), a certain brother named Berach planned to sail to the Ethican island (Tiree). In the morning, he went to the saint and asked for his blessing. The saint, gazing at him, said, O my son, take great care today not to sail directly across the open sea to the Ethican land (Tiree); instead, take a circuitous route and sail around by the smaller islands. This is because, if you do not, you may encounter a huge monster and be thrown into great terror, barely escaping with your life.

² After receiving the saint’s blessing, he departed. But when he reached his ship, he set sail without heeding the saint’s words. As he was crossing the broader stretches of the Ethican sea, he and the sailors with him looked out and, behold, a whale of enormous and astonishing size rose up like a mountain. Floating on the surface, it opened its mouth, which gaped wide and was bristling with teeth. The rowers, in utmost terror, hauled in the sail and rowed backward, narrowly escaping the violent agitation of the waves caused by the creature’s movements. Struck with fear and wonder, they recalled the prophetic words of the saint.

³ On the morning of that same day, as Baithene prepared to sail to the aforementioned island, the saint spoke to him about the whale, saying that last night, at midnight, a great whale had risen from the depths of the sea, and it would float that day on the surface of the ocean between the islands of Louan and Ethica (Iona and Tiree). Baithene responded, saying that both the beast and he were under the power of God. The saint then said, “Go in peace. Your faith in Christ will defend you from this danger”.

⁴ Baithene, having received the saint’s blessing, departed from the harbor and set sail. After they had journeyed a considerable distance, he and his companions encountered a great whale. While the others were seized with fear, Baithene alone remained unshaken. Lifting both his hands to heaven, he blessed the sea and the whale. Immediately, the immense creature plunged beneath the waves and was never seen by them again. As they continued their voyage, Baithene exhorted his companions to trust in the providence of God, for He rules over the sea and the dry land, and even the great creatures of the deep are subject to His will. In due time, they reached their destination in safety, praising God for their deliverance, as it is written, “They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep”.

Chapter 16 #

¹ At another time, a man named Baitan, a descendant of Niath Taloirc by lineage, prepared to set out with companions in search of a desert in the sea. Before departing, he sought the blessing of the saint. The saint, bidding him farewell, prophesied concerning him: “This man, who goes in search of a desert in the ocean, will not be buried in the desert, but in the place where a woman will drive sheep over his grave.” Baitan, after enduring long and perilous wanderings on tumultuous seas, returned to his native land without discovering the desert he sought. For many years afterward, he remained the head of a small monastic house, called in the Scotic tongue Lathreginden, though its location remains unknown.

² When, after a time, Baitan died and was buried in the Oakgrove of Galgach (now Derry), it happened that during a hostile inroad, the poor people of the area, with their wives and children, fled to the church for sanctuary. On a certain day, a woman was seen driving her lambs over the grave of the recently buried Baitan. A holy priest who was present and witnessed the scene said, “Now is fulfilled the prophecy which St. Columba uttered many years ago.” This account regarding Baitan was related to me by the same priest and soldier of Christ, named Mailodran, of the tribe of Mocurin.

Chapter 17 #

¹ At another time, the saint traveled to the Hinbina island (Eilean-na-naoimh, one of the Garveloch islands), and on that day, he instructed that even the penitents should partake in some indulgence regarding their food. Among the penitents there was a man named Neman, son of Cathair, who, despite the saint’s directive, refused to accept this small allowance. The saint then addressed him, saying: “O Neman, do you not accept the indulgence in food kindly granted by me and Baitan?”

² “The time will come when you will be stealthily eating mare’s flesh, as you lie concealed in the woods with robbers.” In accordance with the saint’s prophecy, that same man later abandoned his religious life and returned to the world. He was discovered in a forest among robbers, eating mare’s flesh from a wooden griddle, exactly as the saint had foretold.

Chapter 18 #

¹ At another time, the saint summoned the brethren in the dead of night, and when they had gathered in the church, he said to them: “Let us now pray fervently to the Lord, for at this very hour a sin has been committed such as has never before been heard of in the world, and it is to be greatly feared that the rigorous vengeance justly due for it will follow.” On the next day, when a few of the brethren inquired about the sin, he revealed to them, “After a few months, the unhappy man who committed this grievous act will come here to the Iouan island (Hy, now Iona) with Lugaid, who knows nothing of the sin.”

² Accordingly, after a few months had passed, the saint one day said to Diormit, “Rise quickly; behold, Lugaid is coming. Tell him to send away the wretch who is with him in the ship to the Malean island (Mull), so that he may not set foot upon the soil of this island.” Diormit, obeying the saint’s command, went to the shore and delivered to Lugaid, as he approached, all the words of the saint concerning the unfortunate man.

³ On hearing the directions, the unhappy man swore that he would not eat food with others until he had seen St. Columba and spoken with him. Diormit returned to the saint and relayed the words of the wretched man. Upon hearing this, the saint went down to the harbor. While Baitan was citing the authority of Holy Scripture and urging that the repentance of the unfortunate man should be accepted, the saint immediately replied, “O Baitan! This man has committed fratricide, like Cain, and has become an adulterer with his mother.”

⁴ Then the poor wretch, falling to his knees on the beach, promised that he would submit to all the rules of penance as determined by the saint. The saint said to him, “If you perform penance in tears and lamentations for twelve years among the Britons, and never return to Scotia (Ireland) for the rest of your life, perhaps God may pardon your sin.”

⁵ Having spoken these words, the saint turned to his friends and said that the man was a son of perdition, who would not perform the penance he had promised but would soon return to Scotia (Ireland) and there, in a short time, meet his death at the hands of his enemies. This unfolded exactly as the saint had foretold, for the unfortunate man returned to Hibernia at that same time, fell into the hands of his enemies in the region known as Lea (Firli, in Ulster), and was killed. He was a descendant of Turtre.

Chapter 19 #

¹ One day, Baithene approached the saint and said he wished for one of the brethren to review and correct the psalter he had written. Hearing this, the saint replied that there was no need for such trouble, as in the psalter Baithene mentioned, there was neither a single superfluous letter nor any omission except for one vowel, the letter “I.” When the entire psalter was reviewed, it was discovered that the saint’s words were entirely accurate.

Chapter 20 #

¹ In a similar manner, on another day, as the saint sat by the hearth in the monastery, he noticed Lugbe, of the tribe Mocumin, reading a book at some distance. The saint suddenly said to him to be careful, as he thought the book Lugbe was reading was about to fall into a vessel full of water. Shortly thereafter, this came to pass, for when the young man rose to perform a task in the monastery, he forgot the saint’s warning, and the book he was holding carelessly under his arm suddenly fell into a water pot that was filled with water.

Chapter 21 #

¹ On another day, a shout was heard from the far side of the Sound of the Iouan island (Sound of Iona). Upon hearing the shout, the saint, who was sitting in his small hut made of planks, remarked that the man shouting across the Sound was not particularly sharp-witted, as when he arrived later that day, he would overturn the saint’s inkhorn and spill the ink.

² Diormit, the saint’s attendant, hearing this, positioned himself near the door to await the arrival of the troublesome guest and to protect the inkhorn. However, for some reason, he was soon compelled to leave his post. After his departure, the unwelcome guest arrived and, in his eagerness to greet the saint and kiss him, accidentally knocked over the inkhorn with the hem of his garment, spilling the ink.

Chapter 22 #

¹ On another occasion, the saint said to his brethren on the third day of the week that they intended to fast the next day, which was Wednesday, but the arrival of a troublesome guest would interrupt their usual fast. As foretold, it happened; on the morning of that Wednesday, a stranger was heard signaling across the Sound. This was Aidan, the son of Fergno, who, it is said, had served as a minister for twelve years to Brendan Mocualti. Aidan was a very devout man, and his arrival, just as the saint had predicted, caused the fast of that day to be broken.

Chapter 23 #

¹ On another occasion, the saint heard someone shouting across the Sound and said that the man shouting was greatly to be pitied, for he was coming to seek a cure for a bodily ailment. However, it would be better for him to perform true penance for his sins that day, as he would die by the week’s end. Those present conveyed these words to the unfortunate man upon his arrival. Yet, after receiving the remedy he sought, he paid no heed to the saint’s warning and departed quickly. Before the end of that same week, he died, just as the saint had foretold.

Chapter 24 #

¹ On another occasion, Lugbe, of the tribe Mocumin, previously mentioned, came to the saint one day after grinding the corn. However, the saint’s face shone with such extraordinary brilliance that Lugbe could not bear to look at it and fled in great fear. The saint gently clapped his hands and called him back. When Lugbe returned, the saint asked him why he had fled so quickly.

² “I fled,” Lugbe replied, “because I was very much alarmed.” Growing more confident after a moment, he asked the saint, “Has any awful vision been shown to you just now?” The saint answered that a very fearful vengeance had just been exacted in a distant corner of the world. “What vengeance?” asked the youth, “and where has it taken place?”

³ The saint then said to him that a sulfurous fire had just been poured down from heaven upon a city under Roman authority, within the Italian territory, and about three thousand people, including women and children, had perished. He added that before the end of the year, Gallican sailors would arrive from the provinces of Gaul and report these events to Lugbe himself. The saint’s words were fulfilled within a few months, for when Lugbe accompanied him to the Head of the Land (Kintyre), he questioned the captain and crew of a newly arrived ship. They confirmed all the details about the city and its inhabitants, precisely as the saint had foretold.

Chapter 25 #

¹ One very cold day in winter, the saint was deeply afflicted and wept bitterly. His attendant, Diormit, asked the reason for his sadness, and the saint replied, “With just reason am I sad today, my little child, seeing that my monks, now wearied after their severe labors, are engaged by Laisrann in building a large house; with this, I am very much displeased.”

² Strangely enough, at that very moment, Laisran, who was living at the time in the monastery of the Oakwood Plain (Deny), felt an inexplicable urge, as though consumed by an inner fire. He immediately commanded the monks to stop their work and ordered that refreshments be prepared for them. Furthermore, he instructed that they should rest not only that day but also on other occasions of severe weather.

³ The saint, hearing in spirit the words of consolation spoken by Laisran to his brethren, stopped weeping. Though he was living on the island of Louan (Hy, now Iona), he rejoiced with great joy and recounted all the details to his own brethren. At the same time, he blessed Laisran for his timely assistance to the monks.

Chapter 26 #

¹ Another time, the saint was sitting on the top of the mountain overlooking our monastery, some distance away from it. Turning to his attendant Diormit, he said, “I am surprised that a certain ship from Scotia (Ireland) has not arrived sooner. On board is a wise man who has fallen into a great sin, but with tears of repentance, he will soon arrive.”

² Not long afterward, the attendant looked to the south and saw the sail of a ship approaching the harbor. When he pointed this out to the saint, the saint quickly rose and said, “Let us go to meet this stranger, whose sincere penance is accepted by Christ.” As soon as Feachna came ashore, he ran to meet the saint, who was descending to the shore. Falling on his knees before him, Feachna lamented bitterly with wailing and tears, openly confessing his sins in the presence of all.

³ Then the saint, also shedding tears, said to him, “Arise, my son, and be comforted. The sins you have committed are forgiven, because, as it is written, ‘A humble and contrite heart God will not despise’.” Feachna then arose, and the saint received him with great joy. After a few days, he was sent to Baithene, who at that time was the superior of the monastery in the plain of Lunge (Maigh Lunge, in Tiree), and he journeyed there in peace.

Chapter 27 #

¹ At another time, the saint sent two of his monks to Cailtan, who was then the superior of the cell named after his brother Diuni, located near the lake of the river Aba (Loch Awe). The saint instructed them, “Go quickly to Cailtan and tell him to come to me without delay.” In obedience to the saint’s command, the monks went to the cell of Diuni and conveyed the message to Cailtan. Without any hesitation or delay, Cailtan set out with the saint’s messengers and soon arrived at the saint’s dwelling on the island of Louan (Hy, now Iona).

² When Cailtan arrived, the saint addressed him, “O Cailtan, you have done well to come here quickly in obedience to my summons; rest now for a while. I sent for you because, loving you as a friend, I wish you to end your days with me here in true obedience. For before the close of this week, you will depart in peace to the Lord.” On hearing these words, Cailtan gave thanks to God, embraced the saint with tears, and, receiving his blessing, retired to the guest chamber. That same night, he fell ill and, as the saint had foretold, passed away to Christ the Lord during that very week.

Chapter 28 #

¹ One Lord’s Day, a loud cry was heard beyond the Sound so often mentioned. As soon as the saint heard it, he said to the brethren who were with him, “Go immediately and bring before us the strangers who have now arrived from a distant land.” The brethren obeyed, ferried the strangers across, and brought them to the saint. After embracing them, the saint asked the purpose of their journey. They replied, “We have come to reside with you for this year.” The saint responded, “As you say, you cannot reside with me for a year unless you first take the monastic vow.”

² When those who were present heard these words addressed to strangers who were only newly arrived, they were filled with wonder. The elder brother, responding to the saint’s counsel, said, “Although we have never before considered this path, we will now follow your advice, believing it to be the will of God.” At that moment, without delay, they entered the chapel with the saint and, kneeling with great devotion, took the monastic vow. Then the saint spoke to his monks, saying, “These two strangers, now presenting themselves as a living sacrifice to God, will complete in a short time the journey of a long Christian warfare, will peacefully pass on to Christ our Lord.”

³ The two brothers, on hearing this, gave thanks to God and were led to the guest-room. After seven days, the elder brother fell ill and departed to the Lord during that same week. Seven days later, the younger brother also fell ill and, within the same week, passed to the Lord with joy, fulfilling the saint’s truthful prophecy that both would end their earthly lives within the span of one month.

Chapter 29 #

¹ When the blessed man was staying for some days on the island of Skye, he struck the ground near the sea with his staff and said to his companions, “Strange to say, my children, this very day, an aged heathen, whose natural goodness has been preserved throughout his life, will be baptized, will die, and will be buried on this very spot.” And behold, about an hour later, a boat arrived in the harbor, with a decrepit old man seated on its prow, who was the chief of the Geona cohort. Two young men lifted him from the boat and laid him at the feet of the blessed man.

² After being instructed in the word of God by the saint through an interpreter, the old man believed and was immediately baptized by him. As soon as the baptism was administered, he died on that very spot, fulfilling the saint’s prophecy. He was buried there by the saint’s companions, who raised a heap of stones over his grave. This cairn remains visible to this day on the sea-coast, and the river in which he was baptized is still called by the inhabitants Dobur Artbranan.

Chapter 30 #

¹ Another time, as the saint was traveling beyond the Dorsal Ridge of Britain (Drumalban), he arrived at a small village situated among deserted fields on the banks of a river where it flows into a lake. There the saint decided to stay. That same night, as they were just falling asleep, he suddenly awoke his companions and said to them, “Go out this instant with all speed, bring the boat you left on the other side of the stream, and place it in a house near us.”

² They immediately obeyed his command, and soon after they returned to sleep. Not long afterward, the saint roused Diormit and said, “Stand outside the door and see what has happened to the village where you left your boat.” Diormit went out and saw the entire village engulfed in flames. Returning to the saint, he reported what was taking place. Then the saint revealed to the brethren the name of the malicious enemy who had set the houses ablaze that night.

Chapter 31 #

¹ One day, as the saint sat in his small hut, he said prophetically to Colca, who was reading beside him, “At this moment, demons are dragging one of the chiefs of your district, a miserly man, down to hell.” Upon hearing this, Colca carefully noted the exact time on a tablet. When he returned home a few months later, he inquired of the local inhabitants and learned that Gallan, son of Fachtna, had died at the precise moment the saint had spoken of the man being carried off by demons.

Chapter 32 #

¹ At another time, Findchan, the priest and soldier of Christ mentioned earlier, brought with him from Scotia (Ireland) to Britain a man named Aid, surnamed the Black, who was of royal lineage and of the Cruthinian race. Aid, dressed in the clerical habit, arrived with the intention of residing with Findchan in the monastery for several years.

² Now this Aid the Black had been a man of great bloodshed, having cruelly murdered many people, including Diormit, son of Cerbul, who had been divinely appointed king over all. After spending some time in his monastic retirement, Aid was irregularly ordained as a priest by a bishop who had been invited for this purpose. However, the bishop refused to lay hands on Aid’s head unless Findchan, who was deeply and improperly attached to Aid in a carnal manner, first placed his own right hand on Aid’s head as a sign of approval.

³ When news of this ordination reached the saint, he was deeply grieved and immediately pronounced this dreadful sentence upon the unfortunate Findchan and Aid: “The right hand that Findchan, in defiance of God’s law and the Church, placed upon the head of this wicked man will soon be stricken with sores. After suffering immense and agonizing pain, it will wither away and be buried before him, while he will live on for many years after its loss. And Aid, having been improperly ordained, will revert to his former ways like a dog returning to its vomit, once again becoming a ruthless murderer. In the end, he will be pierced in the neck by a spear, fall from a tree into the water, and drown.”

⁴ Such indeed was the end long overdue to the man who murdered the king of all Scotia (Ireland). The prophecy of the blessed man was fulfilled for both individuals, for the priest Findchan’s right hand, having been afflicted with festering as a result of a blow, was buried before him in the earth on an island called Ommon (unidentified). He himself lived for many years afterward, in accordance with the words of St. Columba. Aid the Black, however, being a priest in name only, returned to his former wicked ways, and, having been treacherously struck with a spear, fell from the prow of a boat into a lake and drowned.

Chapter 33 #

¹ Among these remarkable demonstrations of the prophetic spirit, it seems fitting to include in this brief account the spiritual consolation experienced by the monks of St. Columba when his spirit once encountered them along the way.

² As the brethren were returning to the monastery one evening after completing the harvest work, they arrived at a place in Scotic called Cuuleilne, located on the western side of the island of Iouan (Hy, now Iona), midway between the plain’s field and the monastery. Each of them felt something strange and extraordinary, yet none dared to speak of it to the others. This sensation persisted for several days, occurring at the same place and at the same hour in the evening.

³ The holy Baithen, who was overseeing the work at that time, one day addressed the brethren, saying, “Now, my brothers, if any of you perceives anything remarkable or extraordinary at this spot between the cornfield and the monastery, it is your duty to speak of it openly.”

⁴ An elder brother responded, “As you have commanded, I will share what I have experienced at this spot. Over the past few days, and even now, I perceive the fragrance of an extraordinary aroma, as if all the flowers of the earth were gathered together in one place. I also feel a warmth within me—not at all unpleasant, but most delightful—and an unusual, indescribable joy fills my heart. This joy suddenly refreshes and gladdens me so deeply that I forget all grief and weariness. Even the burden, no matter how heavy, that I carry on my back becomes mysteriously lightened from this spot all the way to the monastery, so much so that it feels as though I am carrying no weight at all.”

⁵ What more need I say? Each of the other reapers, in turn, testified that they had experienced precisely the same sensations as the first had described. They all knelt together and earnestly entreated the holy Baithen to discern and reveal to them the still unknown cause and origin of this extraordinary relief, which he, like them, was also experiencing.

⁶ He immediately replied, “You all know our father Columba’s tender care for us and how, ever mindful of our labors, he is always distressed when we return later than usual to the monastery. Now, since he cannot come in person on this occasion to meet us, his spirit comes forth to meet us as we walk, bringing us this great comfort.” Hearing these words, they raised their hands to heaven in profound joy as they knelt and venerated Christ in the holy and blessed man.

⁷ I must not omit another well-attested story, recounted by those who heard it, concerning the voice of the blessed man while singing the psalms. When the venerable man sang in the church with the brethren, his voice rose so remarkably that it was sometimes heard four furlongs away, equivalent to five hundred paces, and at other times as far as eight furlongs, or one thousand paces. What is even more astonishing is that to those present with him in the church, his voice did not seem any louder than that of others; yet, at the same time, individuals over a mile away could hear it so clearly that they could discern every syllable of the verses he sang. His voice sounded the same whether nearby or distant. It is acknowledged, however, that this extraordinary quality in the blessed man’s voice was rarely observed, and even then, it occurred only through the power of the Holy Spirit.

⁸ Another story about the extraordinary power of his voice must not be overlooked. This event is said to have occurred near the fortress of King Brude (near Inverness). As the saint, along with a few brethren, was chanting the evening hymns outside the king’s fortifications, as was his custom, some Druids approached and tried to stop the singing of God’s praises in a pagan nation. Seeing this, the saint began to sing the 44th Psalm, and at that moment, his voice became so astonishingly loud, like resounding thunder, that both the king and his people were seized with terror and amazement.

Chapter 34 #

¹ At another time, when the saint was staying some days in Scotia (Ireland), he saw a cleric mounted on a chariot and driving pleasantly along the plain of Breg (Magh Bregh, in Meath).

² On asking who the person was, the cleric’s friend made this reply regarding him: “This is Lugud Clodus, who is rich, and much respected by the people.” The saint immediately answered, “He does not seem so to me, but a poor wretched creature, who on the day of his death will have within his own walled enclosure three of his neighbour’s cattle which have strayed on to his property. The best of the strayed cows he will order to be killed for his own use, and a part of the meat he will direct to be cooked and served up to him at the very time that he is lying on the same couch with a prostitute, but by the first morsel that he eats will he be choked and die immediately.” Now all these things, as we heard from well-informed persons, afterwards happened according to the saint’s prophecy.

Chapter 35 #

¹ For when the saint corrected this man for his faults, he received the saint’s reproof with derision. The blessed man then said to him, “In God’s name I will declare these words of truth concerning you, Neman, that your enemies will find you in bed with a prostitute and put you to death, and the evil spirits will carry off your soul to the place of torments.” A few years after, his enemies found this same Neman on a couch along with a prostitute, in the district of Cainle (not identified), and beheaded him, as was foretold by the saint.

Chapter 36 #

¹ At another time, as the saint was staying in that part of Scotia (Ireland), named a little before, he came by chance on the Lord’s Day to a neighbouring little monastery, called in the Scotic language Trioit (Trevet, in Meath). The same day, a priest celebrated the holy mysteries of the Eucharist, who was selected by the brethren who lived there to perform the solemn offices of the Mass, because they thought him very pious.

² The saint, on hearing him, suddenly opened his mouth and uttered this fearful sentence: “The clean and unclean are now equally mingled together; that is, the clean mysteries of the holy sacrifice are offered by an unclean person, who just now conceals within his own conscience a grievous crime.” The bystanders, hearing these words, were struck with terror; but he of whom they were said was forced to confess his sin before them all. And the fellow-soldiers of Christ, who stood round the saint in the church, and had heard him making manifest the secrets of the heart, greatly wondered, and glorified the heavenly knowledge that was seen in him.

Chapter 37 #

¹ At another time, when the saint was in the louan island (Hy, now Iona), he called two of the brothers, Lugbe and Silnan, and gave them this charge: “Sail over now to the Malean island (Mull), and on the open ground, near the sea-shore, look for Ere, a robber, who came alone last night in secret from the island Coloso (Colonsay). He strives to hide himself among the sand hills during the daytime under his boat, which he covers with hay, that he may sail across at night to the little island where our young seals are brought forth and nurtured. When this furious robber has stealthily killed as many as he can, he then fills his boat, and goes back to his hiding-place.”

² They proceeded at once in compliance with their orders, and found the robber lying hid in the very spot that was indicated, and they brought him to the saint, as they had been told. The saint looked at him, and said, “Why do you break the commandment of God so often by stealing the property of others? If you are in want at any time, come to us and your needs will be supplied.”

³ At the same time, he ordered some wethers to be killed and given to the wretched thief in place of the seals, so that he might not return empty-handed. A short time later, the saint saw in spirit that the death of the robber was near and ordered Baithen, then steward in the plain of Lunge (Maigh Lunge, in Tiree), to send a fat sheep and six pecks of corn as a final gift. Baithen sent them at once, as the saint had recommended, but he found that the wretched robber had died suddenly that same day, and the gifts sent over were used at his burial.

Chapter 38 #

¹ At another time, as the saint was sitting one day with the brothers beside the lake Ce (Lough Key, in Roscommon), at the mouth of the river called in Latin Bos (the Boyle), a certain Scotic poet came to them. When he departed after a brief visit, the brothers said to the saint, “Why did you not ask the poet Cronan, before he left, to sing us a song with accompaniment, according to the rules of his profession?” The saint replied, “Why do you now speak such idle words? How could I ask that poor man to sing a song of joy, when he has already been murdered and has thus suddenly ended his days at the hands of his enemies?”

² The saint had no sooner said these words than immediately a man cried out from beyond the river, “That poet who left you in safety a few minutes ago has just now been met and put to death by his enemies.” Then all who were present were greatly astonished and looked at one another in amazement.

Chapter 39 #

¹ Again, at another time, as the saint was living on the louan island (Hy, now Iona), he suddenly moaned very heavily while he was reading, to the great surprise of all. Lugbe Mocublai, who was beside him, asked the cause of such sudden grief.

² The saint, in very great affliction, answered him, “Two men of royal blood in Scotia (Ireland) have perished of wounds mutually inflicted near the monastery called Cellrois, in the province of the Maugdorna (Magheross, in Monaghan); and on the eighth day from the end of this week, one will give the shout on the other side of the Sound, who has come from Hibernia, and will tell you all as it happened. But oh, my dear child, tell this to nobody so long as I live.”

³ On the eighth day, accordingly, the voice was heard beyond the firth. Then the saint called quietly to Lugbe and said to him, “This is the aged traveller to whom I alluded, who now crieth aloud beyond the strait; go and bring him here to me.” The stranger was speedily brought and told, among other things, how two noblemen in the district of the Maugdorna, near the confines of the territory in which is situate the monastery of Cellrois, died of wounds received in single combat—namely, Colman the Hound, son of Ailen, and Eonan, son of Aid, son of Colga, both descended of the kings of the Anteriores (the Airtheara, or people of Oriel in Ulster).

⁴ After these events had been recounted, Lugbe, a servant of Christ, privately questioned the saint. “Please tell me about these prophetic revelations—how they come to you. Are they through sight, hearing, or some other means unknown to humans?” The saint replied, “You are asking about a very difficult matter, and I cannot share any information about it unless you first kneel before me and solemnly swear, in the name of the Most High God, that you will never reveal this most secret mystery to anyone as long as I live.”

⁵ Hearing this, Lugbe immediately fell to his knees and, with his face pressed to the ground, faithfully promised everything the saint required. After giving this pledge without hesitation, he stood up, and the saint said to him: “There are some, though very few, who are enabled by divine grace to perceive with utmost clarity and precision the entirety of the world. They can, within their wondrously expanded minds, comprehend the farthest bounds of the heavens and the earth simultaneously, as if everything were illuminated by a single ray of the sun.”

⁶ In speaking of this miracle, the saint, though he appears to refer to the experiences of other favored individuals, was in truth alluding to his own, albeit indirectly, so as to avoid the appearance of vain-glory. No one can doubt this upon reading the Apostle Paul, that chosen vessel, when he recounts the visions revealed to him. For he did not write, “I know that I,” but rather, “I know a man caught up even to the third heaven”. Although the words seem to refer strictly to another person, all agree that he spoke of himself in this manner, out of profound humility.

⁷ This was the example followed by our Columba in recounting those spiritual visions mentioned above, doing so in such a way that even Lugbe, for whom the saint had a particular affection, could scarcely compel him to share these wonders, despite much pleading. To this fact, Lugbe himself testified after St. Columba’s death, in the presence of other holy men, from whom I learned the unquestionable truths I have now recorded about the saint.

Chapter 40 #

¹ At another time, a stranger from the province of the Munstermen, who, in his humility, did everything he could to conceal his identity so that no one would know he was a bishop, came to the saint. Yet his rank could not remain hidden from the saint. On the next Lord’s Day, the stranger was invited by the saint, as was the custom, to consecrate the Body of Christ. He asked the saint to join him so that, as two priests, they might break the bread of the Lord together. The saint approached the altar as requested, but suddenly, looking directly into the stranger’s face, he said: “Christ bless you, brother. Do you alone break the bread, according to the episcopal rite, for I now know that you are a bishop.”

² “Why have you concealed your identity for so long and prevented us from giving you the honor due to you?” On hearing the saint’s words, the humble stranger was greatly astonished and worshiped Christ in His saint, while the bystanders, filled with amazement, gave glory to God.

Chapter 41 #

¹ At another time, the venerable man sent Ernan, his uncle and an aged priest, to preside over the monastery he had established many years earlier on Hinba Island (Eilean-na-Naoimh). As he departed, the saint embraced him lovingly, blessed him, and then foretold what would soon come to pass, saying: “This friend of mine, who is now leaving me, I do not expect to see alive again in this world.”

² After a few days, this same Ernan became very ill and requested to be taken back to the saint, who was greatly pleased at his return and went to the harbor to meet him. Ernan, though weak, attempted with great determination and without assistance to walk from the harbor to meet the saint. However, when they were only twenty-four paces apart, death suddenly came upon him before the saint could see his face in life, and he breathed his last as he fell to the ground, fulfilling the saint’s prophecy. As a result, a cross was raised on that spot before the door of the kiln, and another cross was similarly erected where the saint resided at the time of Ernan’s death, both of which remain to this day.

Chapter 42 #

¹ At another time, while the saint was staying in the district called in the Scotic tongue Coire Salchain (Corrie Sallachan, now Corry in Morvern), some peasants came to him. One evening, when he saw one of them approaching, he asked, “Where do you live?” The man replied, “I live in that district which borders the shore of Lake Crogreth (Loch Creran).” The saint responded, “That district of which you speak is now being pillaged by savage marauders.”

² On hearing this, the distressed peasant began to lament for his wife and children. Seeing him so afflicted, the saint consoled him, saying, “Go, my poor man, go; your whole family has escaped by fleeing to the mountains, but your cattle, furniture, and other belongings have been carried off by the ruthless invaders with their unjust spoils.” When the poor man heard these words, he returned home and found that everything had happened exactly as the saint had foretold.

Chapter 43 #

¹ At another time, in a similar manner, a peasant, who at that time was by far the bravest among all the inhabitants of Korkureti (Corkaree, in Westmeath), asked the saint what kind of death he would meet. The saint replied, “You will not die on the battlefield, nor at sea, but the traveling companion of whom you have no suspicion will cause your death.” Goire then said, “Perhaps one of the friends who accompany me on my journey intends to murder me, or my wife, in her affection for a younger man, may treacherously kill me.” The saint answered, “Not so.” Goire pressed further, asking, “Why will you not now reveal the cause of my death?” The saint replied, “Because I do not wish to explain more clearly at this time who the companion is that will harm you, in case the frequent thought of it make you too unhappy before the hour comes when you will find my words fulfilled. Why dwell further on what I have said?”

² After a few years had passed, this same Goire was lying one day under his boat, scraping bark from a spear-handle, when he heard others fighting nearby. He rose hastily to stop the fight, but in his sudden movement, his knife accidentally fell to the ground and caused a very deep wound in his knee. Thus, his death was caused by such a companion, and he immediately remembered the holy man’s prophecy with astonishment. After a few months, he succumbed to the same wound and died.

Chapter 44 #

¹ At another time, while the saint was living on the island of Iouan (Hy, now Iona), he called one of the brothers and said to him, “On the morning of the third day from now, you must sit and wait on the shore on the western side of this island. A crane, which is a stranger from the northern region of Hibernia and has been driven about by various winds, will arrive, weary and fatigued, after the ninth hour, and will lie down before you on the beach, utterly exhausted.”

² “Treat that bird tenderly,” the saint continued, “and take it to a nearby house, where it may be kindly received and carefully nursed and fed by you for three days and three nights. When the crane is refreshed by this rest and no longer wishes to remain with us, it will fly back with renewed strength to the pleasant part of Scotia (Ireland) from which it originally came. I entrust this bird to you with such special care because it comes from our own native place.” The brother obeyed, and on the third day, after the ninth hour, he waited as instructed for the arrival of the expected guest. When the crane arrived and landed on the shore, he gently took it up in its weakness and carried it to a nearby dwelling, where he fed it in its hunger.

³ When the brother returned to the monastery that evening, the saint, without asking any questions but as if stating a fact, said to him, “God bless you, my child, for your kind care of this foreign visitor, which will not linger long on its journey but will return within three days to its old home.” As the saint had foretold, so it came to pass. After being carefully nursed for three days, the bird gently rose into the air to a great height in the sight of its hospitable caretaker. Pausing briefly to mark its path through the sky, it then directed its course across the sea to Hibernia, flying as straight as it could on a calm day.

Chapter 45 #

¹ Another time, after the meeting of the kings at Druim Ceatt—that is, Aidan, son of Gabran, and Aid, son of Ainmure—the blessed man returned to the sea coast. On a calm summer day, he and Abbot Comgell sat down not far from the aforementioned fort.

² Then water was brought in a bronze vessel to the saints from a nearby well to wash their hands. When St. Columba received the water, he spoke to Abbot Comgell, who was sitting beside him: “A day will come, O Comgell, when the well from which this water is now drawn for us will no longer be fit for human use.” Comgell asked, “How? Will the water of this spring be defiled?” St. Columba replied, “This will happen because it will be filled with human blood. For our relatives—the people of the Cruithni and the race of Niall—will be at war in the neighboring fortress of Cethirn, now called the Giant’s Sconce, near Coleraine. At this same well, an unfortunate relative of mine will be slain, and his blood, mingling with that of many others, will fill it up.” This truthful prophecy was fulfilled many years later, for in that battle, as is well known to many, Domnall, son of Aid, emerged victorious, and at that well, according to the saint’s words, a close kinsman of his was slain.

³ Another soldier of Christ, named Finan, who lived as an anchorite blamelessly for many years near the monastery of Oakwood Plain (Derry), was present at the battle. He later recounted these events to me, Adamnan, affirming that he saw the dead body of a man lying in the well. Upon his return that same day from the battlefield to the monastery of St. Comgell—known in the Scotic tongue as Cambas—on the river Bann in the diocese of Derry, from where he had first set out, he found two aged monks of St. Comgell there. When he described the battle he had witnessed and the well defiled with human blood, the monks immediately said to him, “Columba is truly a prophet, for he foretold all the details you now recount about the battle and the well many years before they happened. He did this in our hearing as he spoke to St. Comgell near the fort Cethirn.”

Chapter 46 #

¹ About the same time, Conall, bishop of Culerathin (Coleraine), gathered an almost countless number of gifts from the people of the plain of Eilne (Magh Elne, on the Bann) to provide a hospitable reception for the blessed man and the vast multitude accompanying him upon his return from the meeting of the kings mentioned earlier.

² Many of these gifts from the people were arranged in the paved courtyard of the monastery so that the holy man might bless them upon his arrival. While giving the blessing, he specifically pointed out one gift, which had been given by a wealthy man.

³ “The mercy of God,” said he, “attends the man who gave this, for his charity to the poor and his generosity.” Then, pointing to another of the many gifts, he said, “I cannot partake of this offering from a wise but avaricious man until he sincerely repents of his sin of greed.” This statement quickly spread among the crowd and soon reached the ears of Columb, son of Aid. His conscience troubled him, and he immediately ran to the saint. Falling to his knees, he repented of his sin, promising to abandon his former greedy ways and to live generously from then on, with true amendment of life. The saint bade him rise, and from that moment he was freed from the fault of greed. For he was indeed a wise man, as this was revealed to the saint through the offering.

⁴ The generous rich man, named Brenden, whose gift was mentioned earlier, heard the saint’s words about him. He knelt at the saint’s feet and earnestly begged him to pray to the Lord on his behalf. At first, the saint reproved him for other sins he had committed, and Brenden expressed deep sorrow and a firm resolve to amend his life. Thus, both he and Columb, son of Aid, were cured of the particular vices they had been accustomed to. Similarly, on another occasion, during a visit to the Great Cell of Deathrib (Kilmore, in Roscommon), the saint recognized the offering of a stingy man named Diormit among the many gifts collected there upon his arrival.

⁵ To have written thus far in this first book, selecting a few examples from among the many prophetic gifts of the blessed man, may suffice. Indeed, I have recorded only a small number of facts about this venerable person, for there were undoubtedly many more that remained unknown, hidden under a kind of sacramental veil. Those recorded here are but a few drops, as if newly fermented wine seeping through the cracks of an overfilled vessel. For holy and apostolic men generally strive, as much as they can, to conceal the wonders of God’s secret workings within them, in order to avoid vain glory. Yet God, at times, whether they will it or not, reveals some of these works to the world and brings them into the light by various means. In doing so, He wishes to honor those saints who honor Him—that is, our Lord Himself, to whom be glory forever and ever.

⁶ Here ends this first Book. The next Book will cover the wonderful miracles which generally accompanied his prophetic foreknowledge.