Ségéne mac Fiachnaí facts for kids

Ségéne mac Fiachnaí (also known as Ségéne of Iona) was an important leader at Iona Abbey in Scotland. He served as the fifth abbot, which is like being the head of a monastery, from 623 until his death in 652.

Who Was Ségéne?

Ségéne belonged to a family group called the Cenél Conaill. This was the same family as Columba, who founded Iona Abbey. Ségéne was also the nephew of Lasrén, who was an abbot before him.

The Easter Date Discussion

During Ségéne's time as abbot, a big discussion started about how to figure out the correct date for Easter. This was a very important topic for the church back then.

Ségéne received a letter about this around the year 632 or 633. He strongly supported the way the Gaelic people (from Ireland and Scotland) calculated Easter. He even signed a letter sent by Gaelic church leaders to Pope Severinus in 638, explaining their view.

Spreading Christianity

Ségéne also played a key role in sending the first Gaelic missionaries to the English people. He first sent a person named Corman, and then Áedan.

Áedan, with help from King Oswald of Northumbria, set up a new religious center at Lindisfarne. King Oswald had actually spent time at Iona Abbey when he was in exile. This new center at Lindisfarne became like a "daughter house" of Iona, helping to spread Christianity in England.

Remembering Saint Columba

It's not known if Ségéne ever met Saint Columba, who had died before Ségéne became abbot. However, Ségéne was very important for collecting and sharing stories about the saint. This helped keep Columba's memory and teachings alive.

His Death

Ségéne died on August 12, 652.