Homily: Feast of St. Columban
Feast of St. Columban (2021)
We often think St. Patrick as the most impressive Irish Saint. But we forget that St. Patrick was not Irish. He was kidnapped from England and taken to Ireland as a boy and was enslaved there. After he regained his freedom, he went back to Ireland to spread the Christian faith. He is thought to be the greatest Irish missionary, but we remember a saint today who was both an Irishman and a great missionary.
St. Columban was born in Leinster in Ireland in the 6th century. At that time Ireland had many monasteries that were centers of learning and culture. This was a period known as the dark ages. The reason for this is that there was a lot of chaos in Europe. The only places where people could live with a sense of security was in the monasteries.
Columban was well educated in Latin and literature as a boy and then he became a monk which began a strange odyssey for him. He entered a monastery at Lough Erne and then at Bangor where he remained until 590.
The Irish monks were an adventuresome lot. They knew that Christianity was in trouble on the continent, so a dozen monks set sail for Gaul where the set up a monastery. At first they were well received, but their uncompromising brand of Christianity led to them be driven out of the country by the King of Burgundy.
He set up a new Monastery in Metz, but when the King of Burgundy conquered Austria Columban moved to Italy to Bobbio. He lived out his days there. Columban was a man who would not compromise his morals to please those in power. He was what we would call today a stubborn Irishman. His Celtic spirituality was rigorous and demanding, but he could be gentle and humble as well.
He said once, “Be helpful when you are at the bottom of the ladder and be lowest when you are in authority.”
Reflection Questions:
- Have I heard of Irish saints other than Patrick? What impresses me about Columban?
- Would I have the courage to set sail for an unknown destination? Could I hold on to my faith if I was constantly attacked?
Dear Parishioners,
Remember this Thursday we will be having a Thanksgiving Mass at 8 a.m. This would be a good time to come together to give thanks that we have religious freedom in our country.
I was out visiting my uncle who farms near Woodhull today. He shared with me that the harvest went well this fall and that the yields were good. On Thanksgiving we should be happy for those farmers who brought in the crops in relative safety.
I would encourage everyone who can to come to Mass on Thursday. What better way to start the celebration?
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark