Colum Cille

Feastday of Saint Columba

9 June St. Colmcille

In the Introduction of the Community Mass, I mentioned that the Pope has appointed someone as Special Envoy to Derry, Cardinal K.P. O’Brien.

(Papal Envoy named for Long Tower celebration
VATICAN, April 24, 2009-- Benedict XVI is sending Cardinal Michael Patrick O'Brien as his special envoy to the centenary celebration of the foundation of Long Tower Church in Derry, Northern Ireland. The archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, Scotland, will preside at the event June 9. Dedicated to St. Columba, the Church is built on the site where Mass has been said since the 12th century. The current structure was first built in 1783, and then remodeled in 1810. Additional changes were made in 1909, including the addition of new stained glass windows, a baptismal font and a new sacristy. The centenary marks 100 years of the present building. (Zenit))

From the Lectern looking towards the Altar Rails, there are 4 Crosses.
The teak wood furnishing originated from the Church of the Royal Naval Base, Rosyth Dock.
Three Crosses are of Andrew, George and David.
The 4th one is the Cross of St. Columba, a Celtic Cross. Andrew, George and David donate to the British & NI flag, the Union Jack.

Columba is the man-out.
Columba was sent to exile and lived on his island.
As a powerful and charismatic character he was better off in Iona.
The source of his amazing reputation was not from politics but from the hidden life of the monastery.
The mighty influence flowed from his prayer, his spiritual and inner life which radiate to the people.

Today as we share in that life of monastic life, we turn to the mystery of Eucharistic adoration and sacrifice.





On the eve of the Feast of St. Columba, I found the Homily, of Monday 9th June 1997. It is interesting to recall and Attach a copy on the next.

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