St. Columba

Today the Church remembers the life and ministry of Columba, an Irish monk, who was born in 522 and died on this day in 597.  Columba studied in Ireland and then went on to found several monasteries in the country. Around 563, Columba and his 12 companions crossed to Dunaverty near Southend, Argyll in Kintyre before settling in Iona in Scotland, then part of the Irish kingdom of Dál Riata, where they founded a new abbey as a base for spreading Christianity.

 

James Kiefer writes:

 

In the troubled and violent Dark Ages in Northern Europe, monasteries served as inns, orphanages, centers of learning, and even as fortresses. The light of civilization flickered dimly and might have gone out altogether if it had not been for these convent-shelters. 

 

Columba, a stern and strong monk from Ireland, founded three such establishments. He founded the monasteries of Derry and Durrow in his native Ireland, and the island monastery of Iona on the coast of Scotland. Iona was the center of operations for the conversion of the Scots and Picts, and became the most famous religious house in Scotland. There Columba baptized Brude, King of the Picts, and later a King of the Scots came to this Abbot of the "Holy Isle" for baptism.

 

Let us pray:  O God, who by the preaching of your blessed servant Columba caused the light of the Gospel to shine in Scotland: Grant, we pray, that, having his life and labors in remembrance, we may show our thankfulness to you by following the example of his zeal and patience; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

 

CALENDAR REMINDERS

 

It is hurricane season!  Are you ready?  Make sure that youR home insurance is up to date and that you have an evacuation plan.  Remember that St. James Episcopal Church in Austin is a place that you can use as an evacuation center. 

 

Every Wednesday, the Healing Arts Ministry with Lee Runion starting at 11:00 AM with a light lunch provided.

 

The Seaside Seniors meet every third Thursday of the month in Sutton Hall at 1100 AM.

 

Gospel by the Sea is 14 June at 6 PM at Greater St. Matthew’s Baptist Church, 6333 Highway 6, Hitchcock, Texas 77563.

 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List and especially Patricia, Lee’s mother and his family, Pat, Patricia, Julie for her quick recovery, and all of those who are serving in the Armed Forces.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550