9 June

Born in 1849 – Michael Ancher, Danish painter.

Above: Three fishermen in a boat, 1894

It is also the feast day of St. Columba, patron saint of Scotland and is also revered as the patron of the city of Derry, Northern Ireland; poets; and bookbinders and is invoked against floods.

A prayer of St. Columba:

Let me bless Almighty God whose power extends over sea and land, whose angels watch over all.

Let me study sacred books to calm my soul: I pray for peace, kneeling at heaven’s gates.

Let me do my daily work, gathering seaweed, catching fish, giving food to the poor.

Let me say my daily prayers, sometimes chanting, sometimes quiet, always thanking God.

Delightful it is to live on a peaceful isle, in a quiet cell, serving the King of kings.

In Iona of my heart, Iona of my love, instead of monks’ voices shall be the lowing of cows; but ere the world shall come to an end, Iona shall be as it was.