Ségéne

Ségéne (also spelled Séghene) was an Irish abbot and scholar, born in the late 6th century and dying in 661 AD. He is best known for his role as the fifth Abbot of Iona, succeeding Failbe mac Pipáin around 623 AD.

Ségéne's abbacy at Iona occurred during a period of significant activity in the early Irish Church. His time saw continuing missionary efforts in Scotland and a growing debate concerning the proper dating of Easter, a controversy that would eventually lead to the Synod of Whitby in 664 AD, although Ségéne died before that event.

While direct written works by Ségéne are scarce, his correspondence and influence are documented through other historical sources, particularly the writings of the Venerable Bede. Bede mentions Ségéne in his Ecclesiastical History of the English People, referencing a letter Ségéne purportedly wrote to Augustine of Canterbury regarding baptismal practices. However, some historians debate the authenticity of this letter, considering it may have been a later forgery.

Ségéne is regarded as a significant figure in the history of Iona and early Christianity in Scotland and Ireland. His leadership helped to solidify the position of Iona as a central hub for missionary work and scholarship during his era.