In Iona

St. Colmcille and the Picts

This illustration shows a group of Picts in the process of being converted to Christianity by Colmcille. The Picts, who were said to be a war-like people, wore tatoos on their skin and carried spears.

Copyright David Ross.

St. Colmcille and the Picts
Copyright David Ross.

St. Colmcille and the Picts

This illustration shows a group of Picts in the process of being converted to Christianity by Colmcille. The Picts, who were said to be a war-like people, wore tatoos on their skin and carried spears.

Copyright David Ross.

Enlarge image

St. Colmcille Overpowers the Loch Ness Monster

Colour Illustration of Colmcille using his powers to banish the Loch Ness Monster. This event happened while Colmcille was living in Scotland. He and his fellow monks were on a mission to convert the fierce, war-like Pictish tribes. One of his monks, Lugenus, was confronted by the monster while swimming to fetch a boat from the other side of Loch Ness. Colmcille commanded the monster to go to the bottom of the loch, allowing Lugenus to fetch the boat in safety.

Copyright David Ross.

St. Colmcille Overpowers the Loch Ness Monster
Copyright David Ross.

St. Colmcille Overpowers the Loch Ness Monster

Colour Illustration of Colmcille using his powers to banish the Loch Ness Monster. This event happened while Colmcille was living in Scotland. He and his fellow monks were on a mission to convert the fierce, war-like Pictish tribes. One of his monks, Lugenus, was confronted by the monster while swimming to fetch a boat from the other side of Loch Ness. Colmcille commanded the monster to go to the bottom of the loch, allowing Lugenus to fetch the boat in safety.

Copyright David Ross.

Enlarge image

Colmcille founded his most famous monastery in Iona. From here, he travelled and preached the gospel among the war-like Pict tribes of Scotland.


 

He is famous for his prophecies and sayings. He performed many miracles.


 

One of Colmcille's miracles is said to have involved the Loch Ness Monster. This story is the first recorded sighting in history of the legendary creature.




The story goes that Colmcille saved a man who was swimming from being killed by the monster. He made the sign of the cross and said to the monster, 'You will go no further.' At this, the monster fled in fear.


 

All the Picts who witnessed this act were amazed and converted to Christianity.