Fraternitas Monastica Sancti Columbae
Preserving the ancient faith & Liturgy of the British Isles
Monastic Brotherhood of Saint Columba
The venerable and God-Bearing Father Columba of Iona, enlightener of Scotland
Following Saint Columba’s life and example, which not only reintroduced Christianity to Scotland and Northern England but planted the seed for monasticism, our mission is to reintroduce the ancient faith and liturgy to Britain the world.
Born in Donegal in the year of the Lord 521, Saint Columba travelled to Scotland as a hieromonk and established a monastery on the island of Iona in 563 AD. He and his monastic brothers proclaimed the Gospel of Christ, converting numerous Picts (the indigenous people of Scotland), and founded many churches on their way.
Although Saint Columba did not leave a written monastic rule, there is a rule attributed to him which our brotherhood follows.
Among the 28 rules are:
- Follow alms-giving before all things
- Be prepared for red martyrdom (death for the faith)
- White martyrdom (asceticism)
- Fervour in singing the Office for the dead
- Three labours in the day: prayer, work, and reading
- Speak not except on business
- The love of God with all thy hear and all thy strength
- Pray until tears come
Joining us
Whether you are interested in joining us as a tonsured monk or a layman (for the Confraternity of Saint Columba), or merely curious: we invite you to come and see.
What's On?
Discover live streams, celebrations of the Divine Liturgy, readings of the Divine Offices.
