Saint David – Patron Saint of Wales
A child named David was born into what should have been a simple life in a small town in southwestern Wales. Though his parents were related to royalty, that world was not the one experienced by young David. His father was the son of a prince; his mother was the daughter of the local leader and a nun, taken by force. These bloodlines meant little to their son, as he believed he was called in a different direction by the God he loved with all his might. While very little is recorded in history about this simple young boy who became such an awe inspiring man, his dedication to his faith cannot be questioned.
As he grew and became more strongly pulled to serve the Lord, he was led to the Henfynyw monastery where he was given an education and instructed in the ways of the monks, whose leader was a blind man. Having learned all he could from his teacher, he left the world he knew to travel into the unknown and spread the word of God to the people. His journey took him many places, both near and far from his homeland, before he returned to the area he was born to and where he eventually built his own monastery.
While little is known about the history of this man, the legend of David has lived on throughout the centuries. Miracles he performed, amazing events he was a part of, and the generous and kindhearted nature he possessed all combined to lead the church to honor him with sainthood in the year 1120 and to dedicate March 1st as a day of celebration on his behalf. Though his actual years of birth and death are not recorded, his passing was a sad one that, according to legend, was accompanied by the angels of heaven leading him home to the God he had so loyally served. His earthly body was buried in the consecrated ground of his monastery, which later became the site of St. David’s Cathedral.
Saint David's Cathedral
In addition to the exquisite cathedral built in his name, pilgrims visiting St. David’s in Wales can also view the Chapel of St. Non, dedicated to St. David’s mother. Close to this chapel is found a well, which is thought to bring luck and healing to those who journey there.
For centuries, the pilgrimage to St. David’s has been considered one of the highest-ranking journeys any religious person could undertake, be they Christian or otherwise. Two treks to this blessed area were considered equal to one voyage to Rome. Not only is the traveler visiting the location of many of this Saint’s good works, his life, and his death, but they are also paying homage to the actual resting place of his bones (although some believe they were moved during the 10th century to another location). The people who live in the small town of St. David’s have, since the time of his death, endeavored to carry on with the work St. David began during his life.
August 24 2010 07:41 am | Uncategorized