Today we celebrate St Columba, one of Scotland's patron saints and one of the greatest missionaries of the early Church.

Born in Gartan, County Donegal, in 521, Columba – known in Irish as *Colum Cille* or "Dove of the Church" – left Ireland and sailed with twelve companions to the island of Iona in 563. From this small island off Scotland's west coast, he established a monastery that became a centre of prayer, learning and evangelisation.

St Columba dedicated his life to preaching Christ and sharing the Gospel among the peoples of Scotland. Through his faith, leadership and missionary zeal, Iona became the spiritual heart of the Scottish Church, and generations of missionaries carried his work throughout Scotland and beyond.

Known for his deep prayer, love of Scripture, care for the poor and compassion for those in need, St Columba combined great strength of character with remarkable gentleness. His witness continues to inspire Christians more than fourteen centuries after his death.

As we celebrate his feast day, let us give thanks for the faith he helped establish in our land and pray for a renewed spirit of missionary discipleship in Scotland today.

St Columba, pray for us.