Dewi Sant: St David Patron of Wales / J. B. Midgley

 

MARCH 1ST is St David's Day, the national day of Wales and has been celebrated as such since the twelfth century. So who was St David (or Dewi Sant in Welsh)? Much of what we know about St David comes from a biography written around 1090 by Rhygyfarch, a clerk of St David's. Born on a cliff top near Capel Non (Non's chapel) on the South-West Wales coast during a fierce storm, both his parents were descended from Welsh royalty. An ascetic who ate only bread, herbs and vegetables and who drank only water, David became known as Aquaticus or Dewi Ddyfrwr (the water drinker) in Welsh.

 

As a missionary David travelled throughout Wales and Britain and even made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where he was consecrated bishop. He founded many monasteries, including one at St David's, which he made his episcopal seat. He was named Archbishop of Wales at the Synod of Brevi (Llandewi Brefi) in 550. St David died in Menevia on 1 March 589 AD, believed to be over 100 years old. This new book traces the background and heritage of this Apostle of Wales, still relevant for the new evangelisation today.