St. Columba of Spain

St. Columba of Spain, also known as Columba of Córdoba, was a Christian virgin and martyr who lived during the 9th century in Al-Andalus (modern-day Spain). She is commemorated on September 17, with her feast day observed in the Roman Catholic Church.

Born in Córdoba, Columba was the youngest of three children. Her siblings, Elizabeth and Martinus, founded a double monastery at Tábanos, a mountainous region north of Córdoba. Inspired by their example, Columba aspired to become a nun. Initially, her mother, a widow, opposed this decision, desiring her daughter to marry. After her mother's death, Columba entered the monastery at Tábanos, where she faced intense spiritual struggles, including feelings of inadequacy and temptation.

In 852, during a period of Christian persecution in Al-Andalus, Columba and her monastic community were forced to leave Tábanos and took refuge in a house near the church of St. Cyprian in Córdoba. Despite a ruling advising Christians not to provoke persecution, Columba publicly denounced Muhammad and his law before the Muslim magistrate. As a result, she was condemned to death and beheaded on September 17, 853, becoming one of the Martyrs of Córdoba—a group of 48 Christians executed for their faith during this time.

After her execution, Columba's body was thrown into the Guadalquivir River but was later recovered by Christians. Her relics were venerated in Old Castile, with portions kept at the priory of St. Columba and the royal Abbey of Our Lady at Nájera. Historian Allyson M. Poska suggests that Columba's cult may have been a combination of two virgin martyrs: St. Columba of Sens, a 3rd-century French martyr, and Columba of Spain. This conflation likely occurred as settlers repopulated Galicia after the Muslim conquest.

Columba's story reflects the resilience and devotion of early Christian women who faced persecution for their faith. Her legacy continues to inspire devotion among the faithful, particularly in regions of Spain where her memory is honored.

Feast Day

17-9-

Birth Date

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Died Date

17-9-853

Canonised Date

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Initially thrown into the Guadalquivir River; later recovered and buried at the basilica of St. Eulalia at Fragellas

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ST. COLUMBA OF SPAIN

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ST. COLUMBA OF SPAIN

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