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

Above: Cross Stitch depicting St. Columcille This is the traditional account of the cause of Columcille's exile, but it is to be noted that the Old Irish Life does not ascribe his journey to Scotland to the circumstances arising out of the quarrel with King Diarmait, but merely states that :— " When Columcille had made the circuit of all Erin, and when he had sown faith and religion; when numerous multitudes had been baptised by him ; when he had founded churches ... Read More