Blessing Europe: The Legacy of the Celtic Saints

The fascinating history of Celtic Christianity's spread through Ireland and the British Isles—and into Western Europe from the 6th through 8th centuries—is told in this documentary by author and filmmaker Rainer Wälde. With the story of Irish monk and missionary St. Columbanus as a narrative anchor, Wälde follows the paths and legacies of several Irish saints, showing how they brought their own brand of faith into European areas where there was often disunity among Christians (and resistance by non-Christian religions). Those spotlighted include Aidan, who established a monastery on the island of Lindisfarne; Pirmin, born in Spain but heavily influenced by the Irish in his work in the upper Rhine and Danube regions; Magnus, who set off for Bavaria; and Gallus, one of 12 missionaries who left with Columbanus for Europe but eventually broke with him. Columbanus' story begins with his leaving Bangor, Northern Ireland, in 583, determined to spend the rest of his life creating monasteries and Celtic Christian communities far and wide—which is precisely what he did in France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, leaving behind a lasting legacy. Wälde effectively combines dramatic re-creations with comments from interviewees who explore Columbanus' impact on European history. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)