Saint Columba, or Columcille, came from Ireland to the island of Iona in the year 563. He was born at Gartan, Co. Donegal, of royal blood. Columba means “dove” in Latin and would indicate he was a man of peace. Columcille is Irish for “Dove of the Church”. His earlier life contains some contradictions about his peace-loving credentials. It is believed that he was responsible for copying a manuscript without the owner’s permission. This led to a battle between opposing tribes, and Columba imposed on himself the penance of leaving his native land to win souls for Christ to make up for the souls who had died in the battle which he had caused.