A history of St David
(by Sarah Joseph - St David's Junior Church)
St. David (Dewi Sant) has been the patron saint of Wales
since the 12th century. Although St. David was the patron saint, few historical
facts are known about him. He was the son of Sandde,Prince of Powys, and Non,
daughter of a local chieftain. Both his parents were descended from Welsh
royalty, it has been suggested that St. David was the nephew of King
Arthur.
The Life of St David
St. David was born in 542, in the town of Menevia,
presently known as St. David’s, in Pembrokeshire. He was born on a cliff
to near CapelNon (Non’s Chapel) during a fierce storm. This chapel marks
the site of David’s birth and was dedicated to his mother, Non, and its
ruins can still be seen near St. David’s Cathedral.
St. David was baptised at Porth Clais by St. Elvis of
Munster.
David's early education was received from St.Illtyd at
Caerworgorn in Glamorganshire. The young David grew up to be a priest, and he
was later educated at the monastery of Hen Fynyw under the tutorage of St.
Paulinus, a blind monk. Monastery life was very strict, the brothers having to
work very hard, cultivating the land and pulling the plough. Many crafts were
followed- beekeeping, in particular, was very important. The monks had to keep
themselves fed as well as provide food and lodging for travellers. They also
looked after the poor. David stayed there for ten years. He became an Abbot
before going forth with a party of followers on his missionary travels.
St.David travelled far on his missionary travels through
Wales and Britain, where he established many churches; he even made a
pilgrimage to Jerusalem. During his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, David was
consecrated Bishop of Menevia and on his return to Wales he was named
Archbishop of Wales at the Synod of Brevi (Llandewi Brefi), Cardiganshire in
550.
Many miracles were attributed to St. David, even at his
baptism he was linked to miracles, when a blind man was cured by the baptismal
water. Whilst David was preaching at the Synod of Llandewi Brefi, he made the
ground rise underneath him so he could be seen and heard by all. It is also
said that, at his succession, a white dove was seen to settle upon his
shoulders as if it were a blessing. This is why he is usually represented
standing on a hill with a dove on his shoulder. Also, David preformed a miracle
of restoring his early tutor's sight (St.Paulinus).
Wherever St. David went, he comforted and helped people.
Sometimes he did this by singing to them, for he had a wonderful voice.
