PUBLISHER TO THE HOLY APOSTOLIC SEE, 1904. THE LIFE OF SAINT COLUMB-KILLE SAINT COLUMB-KILLE was born at Garten, in the district of Kilmacrenan, in Tyrconnell, on the seventh of December, a. D. 521. He was of royal lineage, for his father, Felim, descended from the monarch Nial of the Nine Hostages, and his mother, Aithana, was a daughter of the princely house of Macnava, (of the ships,) which long before the coming of St. Patrick held potent sway in Leinster. The birth of this illustrious Saint-the second patron of the Irish Churches-was predicted by angels, who announced to his mother that the child whom she bore was destined to leave an imperishable name on the catalogue of the Saints. One of his earliest biographers informs us, “that an angel appeared to his mother a short while before his birth, and clothed her with a shining robe, which, when removed by the angelic hand, floated away in the air till it covered plains, mountains, and forests. The mother wept when the celestial visitant told her that this robe was too magnificent for her; but her tears were turned into joy when she learned that this ample and radient garment was a type of the future greatness and sanctity of her child. At baptism he received the name of Crimthan, which was afterwards changed into that of Columba or Dove-so remarkable was he for the dove-like simplicity of his life; and to Columba was subsequently added the surname KILLE, indicative of the number of churches or cells which he had founded; his baptismal name was Crimthan, and his historical, Columb-Kille. At a very early age this blessed child was confided to the tutelage of a priest who dwelt near the church of Kilmacrenan, by whom he was instructed in the rudiments of the Catholic faith. His proficiency was very rapid, and the person charged with his early education had reason to know that Heaven destined this child to perform great works for God's glory and the welfare of men. On one occasion, this priest beheld his habitation lit by a supernatural light, and a globe of fire shedding heavenly lustre on the features of young Columba as he slept; and so awful was the beauty of the vision, that he cast himself down in adoration, rightly interpreting that God was manifesting special predilection for this chosen child. From Kilmacrenan Columba was sent to the school of St. Finian, at Moville, on Lough Foyle, and here he commenced his ecclesiastical studies. His meekness and piety won him the respect of his sainted teacher, and the monks of that great seminary listened with admiration while he chanted the Psalms of David, and poured forth his own soul in the graceful compositions in which he hymned praises to God. In this school he was advanced to deacon's orders. Here, too, he wrought his first miracle. When there was no wine for the celebration of the Divine mysteries, Columba |