Saint Baithen of Iona

Also known as

  • Baithen Mor
  • Baithen the Great
  • Baithin
  • Baithéne
  • Baoithin
  • Buadán
  • Comin
  • Cominus

Memorial

Profile

Born to a noble Irish family, the son of Brenaron. Monk. Abbot of Tiree Island, Scotland. Spiritual student of Saint Columba, and part of Columba‘s mission to Britain in 563; may have been Columba‘s cousin. When Columba died, Baithen was immediately chosen abbot to replace him and continue his work. He wrote a biography of Columba, which was used by Saint Adamnan, but the work itself is lost.

When Saint Baithen ate, before each bite he recited the prayer “Deus in adjutorium meum intende“. When he worked the fields with the monks, he held up one hand to Heaven, beseeching God, while with the other hand he gathered the corn. A wise counsellor, his advice was sought by many Irish saints. Spiritual teacher of Saint Fintan Munni.

Born

Died

  • c.599 of natural causes
  • buried at the Saint Orans Chapel Cemetery, Isle of Iona, Argyll and Bute, Scotland

Canonized

Additional Information

MLA Citation

  • “Saint Baithen of Iona“. CatholicSaints.Info. 5 April 2022. Web. 12 May 2024. <>