Tradition has it that Caolán was so impressed with Colman's potential as a Christian apostle and with his charism for performing miracles that he sent him to visit various other monasteries so that he might learn from the religious practices and forms of community life he would encounter there and enjoy the opportunity of more extensive learning, especially in Holy Scripture. To perfect his knowledge of the Scriptures St. Colman went to the great school of Emly, c. 470 or 475, and remained there some years.
The passage describes how Caolán, impressed by Colman's potential and abilities, sent him on a journey to different monasteries to learn from their practices and community life. This was done to broaden Colman's knowledge of Scripture.  St. Colman then went to the renowned school of Emly around 470 or 475 for several years to deepen his understanding of the Scriptures.