Historic Kells sites light up to launch 1,500th anniversary of the birth of St Colmcille

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

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.

Attending the launch of the year of commemoration was Fr. David Bradley PP, Rev. William Seale C of I; Mrs Ruth McCartney Presbyterian. Bells in the town's churches rang out at 7pm. The thick fog that enveloped Kells added to the atmosphere of the occasion.

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 once again beamed on the monastic centre and other spiritual sites including St. Colmcille’s Parish Church, Kells Presbyterian Church, St. Colmcille’s House, The Round Tower and The South Cross at the Church of Ireland.

This was accompanied by co-ordinated bell ringing at the Church of Ireland, St. Colmcille’s Parish Church and handbell ringing at Kells Presbyterian Church.