Saint Baithen of Iona

Biography

Saint Baithen of Iona, also known as Baithen Mor, Baithen the Great, Baithin, Baithéne, Baoithin, Buadán, Comin, and Cominus, was born in 536 into a noble Irish family as the son of Brenaron. He grew up in a spiritually devout household and was inspired by the lives of the saints, particularly Saint Columba. Baithen's inclination towards a life of holiness led him to join a monastic community on Tiree Island, off the coast of Scotland. Baithen quickly distinguished himself as a dedicated and pious monk. He became a spiritual student of Saint Columba, the renowned Irish missionary and founder of the monastery on the island of Iona. Under Columba's guidance, Baithen immersed himself in the study of sacred texts and embraced a life of prayer, fasting, and asceticism. It is believed that Baithen may have been a cousin of Saint Columba, further strengthening their bond. In 563, Baithen was chosen to accompany Saint Columba on his mission to Britain. Together with a group of monks, they traveled to the mainland and established monastic foundations in various places, including at Derry and Kells. Baithen's humility, wisdom, and spiritual insight made him a trusted companion and advisor to Columba and other Irish saints. His presence and contributions played a vital role in the success of the mission. When Saint Columba passed away, Baithen was immediately elected as the abbot of the Iona monastery, chosen to carry on Columba's work and continue the spiritual guidance of the community. As abbot, Baithen demonstrated great leadership and holiness. He tirelessly tended to the needs of his fellow monks and ensured the continued growth and spiritual vitality of the monastery. One of the notable aspects of Baithen's devotion was his particular way of expressing gratitude for the food he received. Before every meal, he recited the prayer "Deus in adjutorium meum intende" ("O God, make speed to save me"). This simple act of mindfulness and prayer reflected his deep reverence for God's provision and his unwavering spiritual connection. Baithen did not limit his devotion to prayer alone. He also engaged in physical labor alongside his fellow monks, working in the fields and participating in manual labor. During these tasks, he displayed a remarkable practice of keeping one hand raised to Heaven, beseeching God's blessings, while using the other to gather crops or perform the necessary work. This symbolic gesture exemplified his constant reliance on divine grace in all aspects of life. Saint Baithen's influence extended beyond the confines of the monastery. Many sought his wise counsel, including other prominent Irish saints who valued his spiritual insight. Among his notable students was Saint Fintan Munni, who would go on to become a renowned abbot himself. Baithen's deep spirituality was evident in his writings as well. He crafted a biography of his spiritual mentor and teacher, Saint Columba. While the original work has unfortunately been lost, it was utilized by Saint Adamnan, who authored another important biography of Saint Columba. After a life dedicated to serving God and the Church, Saint Baithen passed away around 599 of natural causes. His mortal remains were laid to rest in the Saint Orans Chapel Cemetery, located on the sacred Isle of Iona, in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Recognizing his sanctity and the tremendous impact he had on the spiritual landscape of his time, Saint Baithen was canonized as a saint, although the exact details of the canonization process are not available due to his status as a pre-congregation saint. His feast day is celebrated on June 9th, although it was previously observed on October 6th. While Saint Baithen does not have a specific patronage assigned to him, his life and teachings remain an inspiration to all who seek to live a life of holiness, prayer, and dedication to God.