Cumméne Find facts for kids

Cumméne Find, also known as Cummeneus Albus (which means "Cumméne the White" in Latin), was an important leader in the early Christian church. He served as the seventh abbot of Iona, a famous monastery on an island off the coast of Scotland. He was in charge from 657 until his death in 669.

Who Was Cumméne Find?

Cumméne Find was a very important person in the history of the Iona monastery. He was the seventh leader, or abbot, of this famous religious community. An abbot is like the head of a monastery, guiding the monks and managing the monastery's activities. Cumméne was related to previous abbots of Iona, showing a strong family connection to this important place. His uncle, Ségéne, and his great-uncle, Lasrén, had also been abbots there before him.

Important Events During His Time

Cumméne Find's time as abbot (from 657 to 669) was a period of big changes for the church in Britain. One of the most significant events was the Synod of Whitby in 664. A synod is a special meeting of church leaders. At this meeting, leaders from different parts of Britain discussed an important question: how to calculate the date of Easter.

The Easter Debate at Whitby

For a long time, the churches in Ireland and Scotland (which followed the traditions of Iona) used a different way to figure out Easter's date compared to the churches in England and Rome. At the Synod of Whitby, the leaders from Northumberland (a powerful kingdom in England at the time) decided to follow the Roman way of dating Easter. This decision had a major impact on Iona.

Changes for Lindisfarne

Because of the decision at Whitby, the church at Lindisfarne (which was a daughter monastery of Iona in England) had to change its traditions. Colmán, who was the last abbot and bishop of Lindisfarne to follow the Gaelic traditions, decided to leave his post. He returned to Iona in 664. This meant that Iona lost some of its direct control and influence over churches in England.

The Book of Durrow

It was also during Cumméne Find's time as abbot that a very famous and beautiful book was created: the Book of Durrow. This book is an ancient handwritten copy of the Gospels (parts of the Christian Bible). It is known for its amazing artwork and detailed designs. While Cumméne was abbot of Iona, the book was likely made at the monastery of Durrow in Ireland, which was connected to Iona.

A Trip to Ireland

Cumméne Find himself is known to have visited Ireland in 663. He might have been checking on other monasteries that were connected to Iona, like Durrow. These visits helped keep the different religious communities in touch and working together.

His Writings

Cumméne Find was not just a leader; he was also a writer. He wrote a special kind of book called a Vita (which means "Life" in Latin). His Vita was about Columba, the founder of the Iona monastery. This type of book, a hagiography, tells the story of a saint's life and their good deeds. Cumméne's book was called "De uirtutibus sancti Columbae" (which means "On the Virtues of Saint Columba").

Later Use of His Work

Later, parts of Cumméne's writing were added into another important book about Saint Columba. This was done for political reasons, perhaps to support certain ideas or claims about the church's history.

His Passing

Cumméne Find passed away on February 24, 669. His time as abbot was a period of both challenges and important cultural achievements for the Iona community.