Baithéne mac Brénaind facts for kids

Saint Baithéne (also known as Saint Baoithin or Saint Buadán) was an Irish monk. He was a close friend and follower of Columba, a famous Irish saint. Baithéne traveled with Columba to Scotland around the year 563.

He later became the leader, or abbot, of the famous monastery on the island of Iona. Historical records show he was born in 534. He likely passed away between 596 and 598. Baithéne came from an important Irish family. Many abbots of Iona after Columba were also from this family.

People still remember and honor Baithéne in Ireland. He is especially connected to County Donegal. There, special events are held to celebrate him. For example, a big celebration happened in 2000 for the 1400th anniversary of his death.

Baithéne is also honored in Scotland. Places like Abbey St Bathans in Berwickshire are named after him.

The earliest and most important information about Baithéne comes from a book. It is called Life of St Columba (Vita Columbae). This book was written by Adomnán of Iona, another abbot of Iona. In this book, Baithéne is shown as Columba's trusted friend. Later books about Baithéne were also written in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Baithéne's special day, or feast day, is June 9th. He shares this day with Saint Columba.

Baithéne: Columba's Trusted Friend

Baithéne appears often in Adomnán's book about Saint Columba. He is shown as Columba's very close companion. Columba even chose him to be his successor. The book calls Baithéne Columba's alumnus. This means he was like a close student or even a foster-son.

In one story, a man came to Iona wanting to become a monk. Columba knew the man had done bad things in the past. He said the man should not be allowed to join. But Baithéne felt the man should be given a chance. He thought the man could change his ways. Columba then explained the man's past actions. When the man finally met Columba, he was told to live far away for twelve years. Columba predicted the man would not follow this advice. Sadly, the man did not listen. He went back to his old ways and was later killed.

Another time, Baithéne asked Columba for help. He wanted a monk to check a special book of psalms for mistakes. Columba told him there was only one small mistake. He said a single letter 'I' was missing. When they checked the book, it was exactly as Columba had said.

Adomnán also wrote that Baithéne once visited the island of Eigg.

Baithéne is also on a list of twelve companions. These were the monks who followed Columba to Iona. This list sometimes gives Baithéne another name, 'Conin'. It also mentions he had a brother named Cobthach.

Leading Monasteries: Iona, Tiree, and Hinba

Baithéne became abbot of Iona after Columba died around 597. His time as abbot was quite short. He passed away himself around 598. He was about 66 years old. Not many writings from his time as abbot still exist.

Before becoming abbot of Iona, Baithéne was in charge of another monastery. This monastery was on the island of Tiree. It was a place for monks from Iona to do penance. Some historians think this monastery also helped provide food for Iona.

Adomnán tells a story about a trip to Tiree. Columba warned a monk not to sail directly from Iona. He said a large whale would scare him. But the monk did not listen. A huge whale appeared and almost sank his boat. The monk was terrified.

The next day, Baithéne was going to Tiree. Columba told him about the whale. Baithéne bravely said that both he and the whale were in God's power. Columba replied, "Go in peace, your faith will protect you." So Baithéne took the direct route. The whale appeared again, scaring everyone but Baithéne. He blessed the sea and the whale. The whale then went back into the water.

In another story, Baithéne and another monk, Colmán Elo, asked Columba for help. They needed good wind for their journeys. Columba said the wind would be good for Tiree in the morning. Then, in the afternoon, it would change for Ireland. It happened just as Columba predicted.

Adomnán also wrote about a time when demons attacked Iona. Columba fought them with the help of angels. The demons then fled to Tiree. They attacked the monks there, causing sickness. Many monks in other monasteries became ill. But in Baithéne's monastery, only one monk died. The others were safe because they prayed and fasted.

Baithéne also spent time as the leader of a monastery on the island of Hinba.

One story from Adomnán tells of Columba relaxing the rules on Hinba. This was for a short time. But a monk named Neman refused to follow the relaxed rules. Columba warned him that he would one day eat stolen meat with thieves. This monk later left the monastery. He ended up doing exactly as Columba had foretold.