Columba (c. 521-597) was a renowned Irish Celtic missionary. He was probably born in County Donegal. His father was a member of the reigning family in Ireland and his mother was descended from royalty. During his youth the church in Ireland grew considerably and numerous monasteries were founded. Columba embraced the monastic life and became a deacon and priest in about 551. In 563 he left Ireland, accompanied by twelve disciples, and went on a mission to northern Britain. They landed first on lona, a small island off the coast of Scotland, where they erected a church and a monastery. About 565 they began evangelizing the heathen kingdom of the northern Picts. They succeeded in converting the king and many of his subjects. Eventually the whole of northern Scotland was converted by the labors of Columba and his disciples and numerous churches and monasteries were established. Iona remained the primary center for oversight and missionary training. He died beside the altar of a church he had founded during his midnight devotions. His courage and determination, along with his tremendous planning skills, led to the conversion of the unreached tribes of Scotland.
