Holy Cross Window Saint Feastday - St. Colmcille
November 23, 2013
St. Columba, Colmcille, Columkille - many names for the same faith-filled man of God.
His alias, Columkille, is given to distinguish him from among many other Columba's and because he founded so many Irish monastic cells or kille.
He lead a life of austere piety, and after having been named abbot, he offended the local Irish king by his zealous preaching and travelled to what is now Scotland. There he founded a famous monastery on the island of Iona, which the locals gave him in gratitude for his preaching and pastoral care. This monastery not only educated many church leaders, but produced the incomparable Book of Kells. He was noted for his wisdom, piety and miracle working during his lifetime - including it seems, an encounter with the Loch Ness monster!
After his death, his relics were translated to lie alongside St. Patrick and St. Brigid.
Our beautiful window shows the boat on which he sailed for Iona, the monasteries he founded at his feet and the dove (Columba in Latin) nestled in his arm.
This window will be enjoyed for generations by parishioners visitors to Holy Cross Church through the generosity of the O'Mealia family to whom we express our gratitude.