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Ireland and the Making
of Britain
not unknown in the sixth century. The size of the monas-
tery and school was limited by the demand, and grew
with it. The cell of Columcille at Clonard became the
portal to the later church ; his royal birth may have housed
him in a chamber larger and more ornate than the retreat
of the other students. lona was a small community com-
pared with the more renowned establishments in Ireland,
but the references to guest chambers, kitchen, refectory,
church, sacristy, and other chambers, and out-buildings
give the impression of an extensive household.
2. RITUAL AND CEREMONIAL
The reception of guests and the deportment of the
brethren towards one another were distinguished by a
ritual and ceremonial as precise as the motions at a royal
court. When a stranger arrived he was sometimes intro-
duced at once to the abbot by whom he was kissed, and
sometimes the interview was deferred. When an expected
guest arrived Columcille and the brethren went to meet
and welcome him. He was then conducted to the oratory
and thanks returned for his safety. From this he was
led to a lodging, hospitium, and water,was prepared to
wash his feet. If a visitor happened to arrive on an
ordinary fast day of the week, the fast was relaxed in
his favor, and a consolatio cibi was allowed. If the guests
numbered more than one, as in the case of the arrival
of Comgall, Cainnech, Brendan and Cormac, all "holy
sacred and
founders," on one occasion, the celebrations,
profane, were in accord with their rank. On this occa-
sion the four illustrious guests agreed that Columcille
should consecrate the mysteries of the Eucharist. Almsgiving
was practised and valuable presents, under the
name of "Xenia," were sent on one occasion to a man in