This day is a memorial to Columba, a 6th-century Irish monk.

Columba is best-known for becoming a "pilgrim for Christ" during which time he and a dozen followers settled on the island of Iona, off the western coast of Scotland. Columba established an abbey there, and used the solitude and isolation to enter into a profound life of prayer.

But Columba also had a strong desire for evangelism. He and his followers founded several other monasteries throughout Scotland, and helped lead many Scottish tribes to faith in Christ.