Columbanus

Columbanus (d. 615), born in Leinster, the most famous of the medieval Irish peregrini on the Continent, upon whose exploits the notion of the Irish reconverting Europe is chiefly based. He studied at Bangor, and became learned in Latin and the scriptures. This is borne out in his writings which, in fine Latin, show his acquaintance with the theological currents of his time. Around 590 he went to Gaul, and established several monasteries (e.g. Luxeuil) in the Vosges. In 603 Columbanus came into conflict with the local bishops, refused to recognize their authority, and appealed directly to Rome. His letter to the pope reveals a perception of Europe as a Christian cultural unit focused on Rome. Later Columbanus was expelled from Gaul over his refusal to bless King Theuderic's illegitimate sons. Columbanus and other monks, including Gall, travelled in what is now eastern France and Switzerland. On this journey he quarrelled with Gall, who left him and became a hermit. Finally, Columbanus arrived at Bobbio in northern Italy and established another monastery (c.612).

Columbanus is the first Irish writer who has left a body of writings, but its extent is debated: of the 34 attributed texts, doubts have been raised about 27. There is agreement that eight of these are not genuine, and six are doubtful (or Columbanus plus accretions), and only recently has a consensus emerged that the thirteen Instructiones are his. Thus there are 20 works that can be used to establish his thought. Our information about him comes from what we can glean from his writings, a life by Jonas of Bobbio, and later lives of St Gall. Hence the details and dates of his life are matters of controversy.

Bibliography

Stancliffe, C. , ‘The Thirteen Sermons Attributed to Columbanus and the Question of their Authorship’, in M. Lapidge (ed.), Columbanus: Studies in the Latin Writings (1997)

Thomas O'Loughlin