Today’s Readings – Saint Colmcille (Columba), Abbot

Colmcille (also Columcille or Colum Cille) was born on 7 December, 521, near Lough Gartan in County Donegal, in the northwest of Ireland. On his father’s side he was a great-great-grandson of Niall of the Nine Hostages, a high king of Ireland in the 5th century. His original name was Crimthann, meaning ‘fox’. He could have been called that because of his red hair. Colmcille (Dove of the Church) was the name given to him as a monk and he is also known as Columba, the Latin word for ‘dove’.

Already in his time in Ireland, there were many monastic settlements which were centres of learning and holiness. He began his studies at the monastery of Moville in County Down, which had been founded by St Finian. He later studied at the famous monastery of Clonard, near Kinnegad in County … Continue

Yesterday’s Readings – Monday of Week 10 of Ordinary Time - First Reading

Commentary on 1 Kings 17:1-6

As stated in the Vatican II Missal:

"Today we begin reading the story of the dramatic man of God, Elijah (9th century BC). The king of the northern kingdom, Ahab, married the pagan, Jezebel.  She introduced pagan cults.  Elijah, chosen by God to battle … Continue