Columba Cary-Elwes facts for kids

Dom Columba Cary-Elwes, born Charles Evelyn George Cary-Elwes (6 November 1903 – 22 January 1994), was an English Benedictine monk. He took his vows at Ampleforth Abbey in York, England. As a missionary, he traveled to countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. He also wrote books about Christianity. He was the first leader, or prior, of the Priory of Saints Louis and Mary, which later became Saint Louis Abbey in Saint Louis, Missouri.

Biography

Early Life and Becoming a Monk

Charles Evelyn George Cary-Elwes was born in London in 1903. He was one of eight children. His father and grandfather worked in the champagne business. The family spoke fluent French.

He went to school in Brussels, Belgium, from 1913 to 1914. After that, he attended Ampleforth College, a well-known Catholic school in England. He worked in his family's wine business for a short time.

In 1923, he joined the Benedictine order at Ampleforth. His abbot gave him the new name, Columba. He made his first vows in 1925 and his final vows in 1926.

Education and Early Roles

In 1927, Columba went to the University of Oxford. He studied modern languages like French and Spanish. After graduating in 1930, he studied theology in London until 1933. That year, he became a priest.

He then returned to Ampleforth. There, he worked as the monastery's librarian. He also taught languages at the school. From 1937 to 1951, he was a housemaster for one of the student houses. He also led church services in a nearby chapel for several years.

Founding a New Monastery

In 1951, Dom Columba became the Prior of Ampleforth. Four years later, in 1955, he was chosen for a very important job. He was to be the first prior of a brand new monastery in Saint Louis, Missouri, in the United States. This new place was called the Priory of Saints Louis and Mary. It later became known as Saint Louis Abbey. He served there until June 1967.

Missionary Work in Africa

After his time in Saint Louis, Dom Columba traveled to East Africa in 1968. He visited countries like Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. His goal was to lead spiritual retreats and see if new monasteries could be started there.

In 1969, he taught at a large seminary in Nairobi. In 1970, he worked as a French interpreter during the Pope's visit to Uganda. After this, he returned to Ampleforth.

Later Years and Travels

In 1972, Dom Columba went to Ireland to help another group of Benedictines. They were trying to start a monastery in Eke, Nigeria. He served as the Prior there starting in 1975.

Dom Columba was good friends with a famous historian named Arnold J. Toynbee. Their letters to each other were even published in a book in 1986. During this time, he also helped to start a Catholic seminary in Cameroon.

In his later years, he returned to Ampleforth. However, he continued to travel for spiritual visits. He visited Catholic communities in places like the Philippines, Australia, India, and Chile. In 1992, when he was almost 90 years old, he received a special honorary title: Titular Abbot of Westminster.

Death

Dom Columba Cary-Elwes passed away on 22 January 1994. He was 90 years old. He died at York Hospital and was buried at Ampleforth.

Family

Dom Columba Cary-Elwes was related to several well-known artists and actors. These include painters Dominick Elwes and Simon Elwes. He was also related to the singer and diplomat Gervase Cary Elwes. These family members are the father, grandfather, and great-grandfather of actor Cary Elwes, painter Damian Elwes, and film producer Cassian Elwes.