Author: Duncan MacDonald
Category: Cook books
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He built his own little beehive hut from the many stones available on the island. And he began giving lessons to any monk (or student) wishing to improve their skills using the staff.
"For self-defense purposes only of course" stated Culann, with a straight face.
Oh yes, he also rigged a leather strap and scabbard, which he slung over his shoulder to carry his sword, out of sight under his cloak.
One thing which relieved Culann, was the fact that everyone spoke Irish Celtic. He was originally concerned that the monks would speak only Latin, and he would not be able to communicate with anyone.
In fact, only the books or codex were written in Latin.
Mostly Latin was spoken only at meal time in the refectory. Everyone sat in silence during the meal, and the only sound heard - apart from wooden spoons scraping food from wooden bowls - was the spoken words of a nominated monk, who read aloud from one of the gospels.
A far cry from the riotous behavior at the evening meals at the great halls of Kings with all their warrior entourage. Or in the deep forest with the Fianna, that Culann had experienced most of his life.
Brother Bryan explained to Culann that the Columban Celtic monks relied on no man for their support or keep. They grew their own crops, built their own buildings and tended their own animals. Some exchange was made between other monasteries such as Jura where milk was more plentiful on the larger island and Iona provided grain. In fact, Iona was self-sufficient in milk, but the Abbott was keen to continue the custom as it was an excuse to visit Jura each week, without that monastery feeling Iona was checking up on them.
The same strong discipline regarding prayer and meditation was exhibited in the matter of food. They fasted during Lent, for forty days before Christmas and all Wednesdays and Fridays. During the season of Lent, they took no food until evening, but on other fast days they took their meal in the afternoon. Their ordinary fare was frugal consisting of barley bread, milk, fish and eggs. On Sundays and festivals something extra was allowed.
Culann fitted easily with the strict regimentation of the monastic order with its prescribed timing of prayers, meals, lessons and periods of silence. He had led a highly regulated life with the Fianna, learning skills with sword and staff every day, where a mistake in training resulted at best a sharp cuff across the head or worst case a severe life threatening wound.
* * * *
While taking lessons one day from Brother Bryan, Culann asked "Why did Saint Columba found Iona?” [a small Hebridean island originally known as ‘I’, known today as Iona, a late misreading of its Latin name ioua]
Bryan paused and then related the famous story. "In the year 561, when Columba was forty, he went to visit his old master Saint Finbar at Moville. While there Columba determined to make a secret copy of one of the valuable manuscripts owned by Finbar, the St. Martin's Gospel. Each night he stole to the scriptorium and copied part of the great Gospel.
Unfortunately, after he completed his task, St. Finbar discovered what had taken place while he slept. He was furious. But then Columba was equally short tempered and declared he would not give up his copy.
“He advised Finbar to take the matter to the High King's Court at Tara.
"But the unpredictable occurred. High King Diarmait brushed aside the accused's exalted position in the land: Columba was a direct descendant of Nial of the Seven Hostages, whose men captured the young Saint Patrick on one of their raids on the British coast.
"The King found in favor of St. Finbar. "To every cow" he said "belongs her calf. To every book her son-book." [possibly the earliest legal decision on copyright on record]
"Columba was imprisoned, escaped and roused his clan in Ulster. Together with allied clans from Connaught, he led them to victory in a bloody battle against King Diarmait near Sligo.
"However the High King appealed to the church. A synod [a special church council which meets to discuss church affairs. From the Greek sunodos] was held to discuss this unprecedented event. This resulted in the excommunication [from Latin excommunicare to exclude from the community] of Columba for causing civil war in the land, resulting in the death of 3,000 warriors.
"Upon appeals from his friends, Columba's excommunication was repealed but Saint Columba was exiled from Ireland. An additional apt penance was; he had to win for God as many souls as were lost in battle.
"In 563 Columba sailed for Alba with twelve disciples and thereafter founded this monastery on Iona. And he brought with him that contested psalter [a book of psalms] Gospel of St Martin, which was called the Cathach, or 'Warrior'."
The story appealed enormously to Culann, the former Fianna warrior.
* * * *
As a novice Culann was allocated considerable time to study. Learning the basic tenants of Christianity was easy, but he found it very difficult mastering Latin. In fact it would take some years before he would be deemed proficient.
Copying or writing text however was something else. His teachers were amazed at how quickly he developed that particular skill. Those who knew of his background might have suggested it was a special ability passed on from his father, the Smith.
Reading and writing Irish Celtic was easier as it was his mother tongue.
And thus began Culann's time at Iona; a warrior learning how to become a monk; and quietly teaching monks to become warriors.
Culann with some of his students from his self-defense classes.
A warrior or learning to become a monk and quietly teaching monks to become warriors
For the first few weeks, Culann investigated every nook and niche of his new island home. Everything that is, except the smithy. For some reason, he was unable to fathom, he could not bring himself to go inside the building.
One windy day, after a particularly strenuous workout with his students, and the inevitable finishing plunge into the icy sea, Culann was walking in company with two of his students. They passed the smithy building, aglow with the fire from the bellows. "Quick," said one student, grabbing Culann's arm, "let's go inside; it's warmer." Culann, initially resisted, but unable to say why, allowed himself to be pulled inside.
Two monks, stripped to the waist, looked up smiling at their sudden audience. One was working the bellows while his companion hammered a glowing red hot metal object on an anvil. "Welcome Brothers," said the monk wielding the hammer, sweat streaming down his body, "come to see how real men work have you?"
"No, "laughed one of the students, "we came in to get out of the cold."
"And you Brother Culann," said the monk on the bellows, smiling "why haven't we been graced by your company before."
Culann was staring around at some of the equipment and metal items decorating the walls. His revere abruptly snapped by the monk's question "This brings back memories of long ago, Brother Smith." he said slowly.
"Pleasant memories I trust." smiled the monk.
Culann paused for a long moment, as if trying to decide on his answer, then with a smile "Yes. Surprisingly, good memories."
From that day forward, Culann became a regular visitor to the Smiths' shed. The monks grew used to his manner, which changed radically; some days just sitting deep in thought and other times carrying on an animated inquiry on how some procedures were carried out.
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* * * * *
4.4 Ardslignish
Culann watched as the villagers gasped in wonderment as they observed the carved cross
Six months after Culann joined the Iona community, Abbot Cumméne called Brother Bryan to his hut. Upon entering Bryan immediately noticed a forlorn looking monk sitting slumped at one side. The Abbott motioned him to be seated opposite.
"Brother Bryan we have a problem at our new monastery at Ardslignish." began Cumméne "We have just received word that there are disagreements between the Abbott of Ardslignish and his fellow monks. This may be spilling over into disturbances with the local tribe"
> Bryan sat stony faced saying nothing.
"I believe you are familiar with our operation at Ardslignish Brother Bryan. In fact, if I remember correctly you arranged the transfer of cattle from the Lios mòr monastery to Ardslignish last summer." Bryan nodded.
"Excellent!" The Abbott smiled. "Would you be prepared to go to Ardslignish and determine if the current Abbott is the appropriate person to lead that parish?"
"Just me?" asked Bryan in astonishment. "No, no, of course not. You may choose some companions to assist you. However, I have selected Brother Morann to accompany you. If you decide that the current Abbott is not suitable, I would request that Brother Morann be installed in his stead. However, let me be quite clear on one thing. You are in charge of this mission Brother Bryan. I have great faith in your ability in these matters and I need you back here for other work." Abbott Cumméne rose in dismissal.
"Do you need our colleague here" nodding to the melancholy monk, "to guide you?"
"Not necessary sir, I know the way." replied Bryan thoughtfully. He was already trying to determine who else he should take with him.
Bryan retired to his beehive hut to think. After a short time, he walked over to the scriptorium where he knew Culann would be studying Latin. After a quiet word to the monk instructing the class, he motioned to Culann to follow him outside. Culann gratefully packed his codex into his satchel and followed his mentor into the pale sunlight.
Brother Bryan led them to a log beneath one of the large trees nearby. There they sat while Bryan explained what he had been told by the Abbott. Culann said nothing, but gripped his satchel a little tighter in anticipation.
"Culann, I have given some thought to this matter." said Bryan. "At this stage I don't know the extent of the problem in Ardslignish. I plan to go with two older learned monks and use their seniority and obvious respect to influence the monks who wish to remain at Ardslignish.
"Regarding the local tribe which seems to be involved as well, I need someone who has an understanding of tribal matters. Is there anyone among your students learning how to use the staff, who could be useful? "
Culann spoke slowly looking Bryan directly in eyes "Many of my students are enthusiastic, but they have little experience I feel in this area."
"Ah yes, I was afraid you might say that. In that case I will have to go and evaluate the situation myself."
Culann placed a restraining hand on Bryan as he moved to stand. "Take me with you Brother Bryan. I fought with men from Dál Riata in the Fianna. I know them."
"I was hoping you might say that." smiled Bryan. "I will talk with your lecturers and obtain leave from your lessons for a couple of weeks."
* * * *
Early next morning the curach manned by six seamen pulled out of the cove where Culann had landed barely half a year earlier. Onboard were Bother Bryan, Brother Morann who had a full head of hair, but cut of course in the style of the Celtic tonsure, shaving the front from ear to ear and always seemed to be smiling, plus two grey haired monks and Culann.
The small craft rounded the southern tip of Iona and headed due north. The weather was kind to them, with only light winds and little swell. With islands Tyree and Coll on their left and Ulva and the large island of Mull on their right they pressed on till sundown. The sailors tiring after a full days hard rowing, pulled into a cove on the top end of Mull where a makeshift camp was set up for the night.
Next morning brought overcast skies with the wind gusting, threatening rain. The travelers set off at first light and rounding what would later be called Ardmore Point, hoisted their sail and with the wind behind them scudded east across the Sound of Mull and into Loch Sunart.
Ardslignish monastery came into view and the oars were brought out to pull them into the cove below the four wooden buildings lining the dark rocky shore.
No one came to greet them. A few figures silhouetted on the skyline, obviously not monks, watched as they disembarked. Bryan gathered his small party and leaving the sailors to unload their gear, marched up toward the nearest building.
Pushing through the door they found ten monks lying or sitting on blankets, rubbing their eyes as the suddenly open door let light stream into the stuffy room. "Come on lads " exulted Brother Bryan clapping his hands "Time for Terce. [ mid-morning prayer, around 9 am] Quickly now, over to the Church."
Years of order and strict regime kicked in. The lolling monks quickly jumped to their feet, struggled into their habits and followed Brother Bryan into the middle building which indeed was the church.
Culann watched as the Ionian monks and the ten local monks knelt on the church floor. Brother Bryan led them in prayer. Culann then turned and climbed to the crest of the nearby hill where he had earlier noticed figures. None were now present.
From this position he could see south into the next cove. There was a small farming community with a number dwelling houses, what appeared to be a barn and some lean-to sheds. Sheep were scattered in the distance. There was no sign of life except for the smoke rising from both dwelling houses. They must be hiding.
Culann retraced his steps, but observing a small grassed flat area to his right, he detoured toward it. There was a strange object in the middle of the clearing. As he approached he noticed with surprise it was a large standing stone. It was moss covered on top and looked very old. Puzzled, Culann turned and made his way downhill to the church.
Prayers were still coming from the church so Culann instructed the sailors to place the equipment they had just unloaded in the building the monks had been found sleeping. He then waited for Brother Bryan.
On emerging from the church Brother Bryan nodded to Culann and indicated they should walk together.
"We certainly have a problem here Culann." said Bryan clasping his hands behind his back. "Well we have two problems actually. It appears our former Abbott was unsuitable for the task given him. His autocratic manner succeeded in alienating not only most of the monks but the local people as well."
"With all due respect sir," suggested Culann quietly "I thought our own Abbott acts in a somewhat autocratic manner."
Bryan burst out laughing. "Bless my soul Culann," said Bryan clapping his hand on Culann's shoulder "you are observant. However, there is a difference between strongly suggesting something be done, which is how I think Abbott Cumméne conducts himself, with dignity, and telling someone to do something without adequately explaining why."
"Where is the Abbott of Ardslignish?" asked Culann. "Well that is the only bit of good news. He left."
"Left?" repeated Culann incredulously.
"Yes, apparently things degenerated to such a state that the majority of the monks refused his instructions, so he and two of his followers took one of the only two curachs and left for Ireland. The second one was then taken by the poor fellow I saw in Abbott Cumméne's room, to report the mess to Iona.
"The monks here are totally demoralized. Never the less, I think Brother Morann will be able to rejuvenate them."
"And the second thing?" prompted Culann. "Ah yes. The locals. It appears that our little community here have upset the locals because they did not to allow them to continue to worship at some obviously pagan site. Now the locals refuse to have anything to do with the monastery or accept any of our teachings."
"I think I may have seen that pagan site." volunteered Culann.
"You have? Where is it?"
"Up yonder hill." said Culann pointing. "Would you like to see it?"
"Yes, yes man. Take me to it now."
* * * *
A short time later Culann and Brother Bryan stood contemplating the standing stone. Bryan walked around it a number of times. "Amazing" said Bryan. "I have seen something similar a few times in Eire. Hmmm, . . . this may solve our problem with the locals."
"How is that?" asked Culann.
"Well my son, when Christianity first began spreading in Eire, we faced many problems with the pagan practices of the Druids. They h
ad sacred oaks trees, wells and streams - the Druids also revered water. They believed it was a doorway into the afterlife.
"Originally Saint Patrick and our own Saint Columba countered this by casting Holy Water into the wells and streams, blessing them and therefore changing them into Christian holy places.
"As for the oak trees, our own Saint Brigid, may her soul rest in peace, built her most famous monastery located under a huge oak tree, and originally called it Cill-Dara [Church of the Oak], now known as Kildare. I recall you have in fact been there Culann.
"So I think we will carry on that tradition. We will carve a cross on this standing stone, bless it and then allow the locals to pray at our now Christian relic."
"But that is not honest." stated Culann.
"No, it involves something the Christian church does very well -adaptation. We simply adapt to changing conditions. Now do we have any stonemasons down there?" pointing to the monastery below.
There were no stone masons among the monks, but most had worked at some time in the scriptorium. So Brother Bryan selected one to draw the outline of a cross on the side of the stone facing the sea.
"That is fine" stated one of the Ardslignish monks "but how do we carve the cross? We have no tools for carving stone." "We will use this." said Brother Bryan bending down and selecting one of the larger pieces of stone that lay at the base of the rock.
"It won't work." said the Ardslignish monk, picking up two stones and cracking them against each other - both stones crumpled equally.
"Ah yes" replied Brother Bryan "but we will use Holy Water." He picked up two stones and walked to a small soak about fifty paces away. He blessed the water and made the sign of the cross. Then he dipped one stone in the water for a few moments. Then standing and facing his audience struck both stones together. The wet one crumbled and the dry one remained intact.
"That is how we will dress our standing stone gentlemen. I witnessed some of our monks carving the Celtic Cross at Iona some years ago using this water method to prepare stone."
A leather shield was erected around the stone to hide the monks activity. For the next three days and nights two monks worked diligently, one using a rag, dripped water onto selected areas of the standing stone while the other chipped away using the dry stone.