Kells 1,500 anniversary celebrations gets underway

On Sunday, 6th December, the year-long celebration to mark the 1,500th anniversary of St. Colmcille’s birth will be launched in Kells by the Colmcille 1500 committee in association with the parish church authorities, Meath County Council and St. Colmcille’s Credit Union.

Fifteen centuries separate us from Colmcille, but his influence is still strongly felt. The sacred site of his monastery in Kells, a place of pilgrimage for many centuries, still overlooks the town and draws people from far and near.

Once a centre of spirituality, art and learning its inhabitants - included stonecutters, goldsmiths, woodcarvers and masons. The Kells Crozier and the silver and gold Cumhdach, a precious book shrine, attest to the accomplishments of the goldsmiths.

Likewise, the great High Crosses signal the life of work, prayer and study of the Columbian monks. The zenith of this craftsmanship is the Book of Kells, one of the greatest examples of medieval Christian art renowned for the richness of its decoration, enigmatic imagery and vivid colouring. Sections of the Book of Kells are believed to have been completed in the Kells.

In keeping with the legacy of Columba / Colmcille, in whose time the art of the illuminated manuscript was perfected, light will once again be brought to the monastic centre and to other spiritual sites and the following will be illuminated:

St. Colmcille’s Parish Church

Kells Presbyterian Church,

St. Colmcille’s House,

The Round Tower and

The South Cross at the Church of Ireland.

At 7pm this will be accompanied by co-ordinated bell ringing at the Church of Ireland, St. Colmcille’s Parish Church and handbell ringing at Kells Presbyterian Church.