The
Hiberno-Scottish mission was a
mission initiated by Gaelic
monks from Ireland and the western coast of modern-day Scotland, which spread
Christianity and established
monasteries in Great Britain and
continental Europe during the
Middle Ages. The mission originated in 563 with the foundation of
Iona by the Irish monk Saint
Columba, and was initially concerned with ministering to the
Gaels of
Dál Riada and converting the northern
Pictish kingdoms. Over the next centuries the mission grew in power and influence and spread through
Anglo-Saxon England and the
Frankish Empire. The early mission is often associated with the Christian practice known as
Celtic Christianity, which was distinguished by its organizations around monasteries rather than dioceses and certain idiosyncratic traditions, but the desire to maintain a relationship with the
Holy See saw their missions take on a more Roman character.