Also known as Columban, Columbanus was an extraordinary man even by the standards of his own time (6-7th century). From Ireland to Italy he blazed a trail, setting up monastic communities, most notably Luxeuil and Bobbio. Columban said he was seeking the salvation of many, and a solitary spot of my own; others said of him, he hurled the fire of Christ where ever he could, no matter what a blaze it caused.