Feast days this week:
Monday 23rd, St. Columban (Columbanus) was born c.543. He became a monk of Bangor and later principal teacher there. In 591, desiring to go on pilgrimage for Christ, he set out with twelve companions and came to Burgundy. He established three monasteries there and then moved to Bregenz, Austria, founding one there and one in Bobbio, near Genoa, where he died in 615. He is remembered as one of the greatest Irish missionary monks.
The patron saint of our diocese’s feast day is on Tuesday 24th — St. Colman was born around 530. A bard by profession, it is reputed that he was influenced by St. Brendan and became a priest. His apostolate was to east Cork and his main foundation was at Cloyne.
Friday 27th, St. Fergal. Lived in France; moved to Bavaria where he founded a monastery. Appointed Bishop of Salzburg around 754 and died in 778. Had a reputation for learning and holiness.