Colmcille 1500

Colmcille 1500

This year commemorates the birth of St. Colmcille 1500 years ago – 7th December 521.

Beginning Tuesday 1st June, we will lead a Novena in honour of Colmcille after all the Masses, culminating in a Triduum in his honour at 7 pm on Monday 7th, Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th – his Feast Day.

Other celebrations will take place in Gartan on Wednesday 9th June, some of which will be ecumenical celebrations with the other Christian communities who acknowledge the legacy of St. Colmcille.

For the walkers amongst us, the principal legacy that will be left marking this anniversary will be Slí Cholmcille, a pilgrim route devised by Bishop McGuckian and his Colmcille 1500 Committee that will take pilgrims to the many places associated with Colmcille in Donegal – and onward into Derry and ultimately to Scotland!

This route, when announced, will offer a thoughtful and inspiring encounter with the saint and his legacy, and bring walkers through the natural splendour of our county – enough to raise any soul to the wonder of God!

The Triduum will be for us at the Cathedral an opportunity to reflect on the greatness of this saint, his significance and impact in his own time, and how he guides us in the way of the Gospel today. Bígí linn!