Above: Group of monasteries in Bobbio The life work of Columbanus must be judged, not by his own accomplishment alone, but by the accomplishment of the men who were trained by him, and under the rule which he established. It has been calculated that 105 monasteries were founded by his disciples in France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. The great monastery of Bobbio which he founded in Lombardy became one of the most celebrated homes of religion and learning in Europe. " St. Columbanus," ... Read More

Above: Map showing Lexeuil and other neighboring places In parting from the community at Luxeuil, Columbanus sent a letter of farewell, in which, writes Montalembert, recollections of classical antiquity mingle with evangelical instruction to dictate to the Saint some of the finest and proudest words which Christian genius has ever produced. The letter runs as follows:—" I had at first meant to write a letter full of sorrows and tears, but knowing well that your heart is overwhelmed with ... Read More