Colman

Family: Irish · Role: bishop · First appears: Book III · Chap. XXV · part 1

c. 653, after the death of Finan, Colman came from Scotland to become bishop. At Oswy’s command, he declared the custom he observed and its origin. In his dispute with Wilfrid, they stood as rivals and enemies: Wilfrid challenged Colman’s observance, his appeal to Columba as a mentor, and his refusal to follow the decrees of the Apostolic see and the universal Church.

In 664, when Colman’s doctrine was rejected and his party despised, he left Lindisfarne for Scotland with those who would not accept the Catholic Easter and the crown-shaped tonsure. Oswy greatly loved him for his innate discretion, and Colman is said to have requested and obtained something from the king upon his departure; Eata was then appointed abbot over those who remained. Colman also carried part of the bones of Aidan with him, leaving the rest where Aidan had presided, while Agilbert returned home after the disputation.

By c. 668, Colman had left Britain with the Scots gathered at Lindisfarne and about thirty English monastics. At Inisboufinde he built a monastery for both groups, then acquired land at Mageo and founded another, placing the English monks there while leaving the Scots on the island.