Above: Stained glass depicting the image of St. Columbanus Another source of trouble also arose. Thierry, the youthful King- of Austrasia, acting- on the advice of his grandmother Brunehaut, repudiated his lawful wife, and lived in a state of debauchery. Saint Columbanus reproved Thierry for his wicked life, and the King, who greatly reverenced him, promised to reform, but showed no signs of amendment. One day Brunehaut brought four illegitimate sons of Thierry before Columbanus, and asked him to bless them. Columbanus ... Read More

Above: One of the jars imported by Gaulish pottery When Columbanus bad lived for some years at Luxeuil, a dispute arose between himself and the secular clergy. The French bishops and priests in the neighborhood complained that the Columban monks wore the tonsure differently from the Gaulish clergy. The Columban monks, in accordance with the Irish custom, shaved the front of the head as far as the ears, while the priests of Gaul shaved the top of the head. It was ... Read More