Saint David of Wales, Bishop and Founder

The Church in Wales and England celebrates the feast of St. David, bishop and patron of Wales on March 1st.. Very little is known about the life of St. David (Dewi Sant). He belonged to that great monastic movement which became influential in Wales in the sixth century and which had links with monasticism in Gaul and in Ireland. The earliest references to David are in the Irish Annals. Many churches across South Wales claim David as their founder. His chief foundation was at Mynyw near Dyfed. He was canonized by Pope Callistus II in 1123.

Although he was once among the best-known saints of early English Christianity, the factual information which has come down to us concerning St. David of Wales is largely a product of popular piety. Legend has it that he was descended from royalty and was the uncle of King Arthur. Such accounts are nearly impossible to substantiate. What is known is that he was instramental in helping to spread the Christian faith by virtue of his tireless missionary efforts throughout Britain.

St. David attended a synod at Brefi, Cardiganshire, in c. 550 where his eloquence is said to have caused him to be elected primate of the Cambrian Church with the understanding that the episcopal see would be moved from Caerleon to Mynyw, now St. David's. He was supposedly consecrated archbishop by the patriarch of Jerusalem while on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and a council he convened, called the Synod of Victory because it marked the end of Pelagianism. [Source]

He ruled his diocese well into old age. His last words were: “Be joyful, brothers and sisters. Keep your faith, and do the little things that you have seen and heard with me.” In Wales, his feast is celebrated by schools and cultural societies as an occasion of Welch pride. God our Father, you gave the bishop David to the Welsh Church to uphold the faith and to be an example of Christian perfection. In this changing world may he help us to hold to the values which bring eternal life.