Saint David of Wales

Saint David of Wales

March 1st

Born to the Welshroyalty, the son of KingSandde, Princeof Powys, and of SaintNon, the daughter of a chieftain of Menevia (western Wales). Grandson of Ceredig, Princeof Cardigan. Uncle of KingArthur. Priest. Studiedunder SaintPaul Aurelian. Worked with SaintColumbanus, SaintGildas the Wise, and SaintFinnigan. Missionaryand founder of monasteries.

Following his contribution to the synod of Brevi in Cardiganshire, he was chosen primateof the Cambrian Church. Archbishopof Caerleonon Usk, he moved the see to Menevia. Presided at the Synod of Brefi which condemned the Pelagianheresy. Encouraged and founded monasteries. First to build a chancelto SaintJoseph of Arimathea‘s wattle church at Glastonbury.

After a vision in his monasteryin the Rhos Valley, he set out next day with two monksto Jerusalemto aid the Patriarch. While there his preachingconvertedanti–Christians. Legend says that once while he was preaching, a dovedescended to his shoulder to show he had the blessings of the Spirit, and that the earth rose to lift him high above the people so that he could be heard by them all. Another time when was preachingto a crowd at Llandewi Brefi, people on the outer edges could not hear, so he spread a handkerchief on the ground, stood on it, and the ground beneath rose up in a pillar so all could hear.

Born

• c.542at Menevia(now Saint David’s), Wales

Died

• c.601at Mynyw, Walesof natural causes
• interred in SaintDavid’s Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Canonized

• 1120by PopeCallistus II

Name Meaning

• beloved one

Patronage

• doves
• Wales

Representation

• preachingon a hill
• dove
• Celtic bishopwith long hair, a beard, and a doveperched on his shoulder
• holding his cathedral
• leek
• man standing on a mound with a doveon his shoulder