Saint David, or Dewi Sant, as he is known in the Welsh language, is the patron saint of Wales. He was a Celtic monk, abbot and bishop, who lived in the sixth century. During his life, he was the archbishop of Wales, and he was one of many early saints who helped to spread Christianity among the pagan Celtic tribes of western Britain.
St. David's Day is celebrated on March 1st in Wales, and on our church calendar. Leeks and daffodils are associated with St. David's Day. On spring days you can enjoy the daffodils along Monroe St. on the west side of our church yard (no, we haven't planted any leeks in the garden yet!).
The red lion on the banner at the front our of church sanctuary is a symbol of Wales. The crest of St. David is on a banner at the back of the sanctuary. His crest bears three green hills representing the three hills that join at Dyfed, where David was baptized. Above the three hills, the dove of the holy Spirit descends.
From "Holy Companions: Spiritual Practices from the Celtic Saints"
By Mary C. Earle and Sylvia Maddox
The story of Saint David begins with his auspicious birth in the early sixth century. He was born to Saint Non in the midst of a strong thunderstorm, on the rocky cliffs above the bay. Though rain, lightning, and thunder filled the air, the sacred place of David’s birth was filled with light and serenity.
As a young boy, David, also known as Dewi in Welsh, was sent to the family of a bishop to be fostered. In the custom of the Celtic peoples, children from prominent families in a region were often raised by foster families in neighboring regions. This custom formed networks and created interdependent social ties that strengthened the community and gave the child the advantage of having a large extended family. From an early age, David was dedicated to the church. Consequently his education prepared him for a life of Christian service. He studied in tutorial fashion learning the Scriptures, history, and tradition.
Some twelve monasteries were said to have been founded by David. He established his last monastic settlement at the site of the present-day town of Saint David’s in southwest Wales on the Pembrokeshire coast. In time David became both abbot and bishop; his leadership was recognized and welcomed. He is also said to have been a worker of miracles— his first miracle was to restore the sight of his teacher Paulinus.
David is said to have been around six feet tall and very strong. He never shirked physical labor. Though he lived mainly on water, vegetables and herbs, he was capable of pulling a plough like an ox. He chose to live a simple life, dedicated to Christ. Despite his personal austerity, David was noted for treating others with respect and kindness. His words and his way of life encouraged many to join his community, and it is his emphasis on community, rather than his asceticism, that continues to influence Christianity in Wales. In the monasteries that David founded, all was owned in common. The word "my" was not used. Each monk entered the monastery literally naked, a gesture symbolic of human dependence on God’s mercy and providence.
By all accounts David was a man of true kindness, dedicated to a life of service in the name of his Lord. Humane interaction characterized his dealings with all people—old and young, rich and poor, stranger and friend. At his death his community gathered in sorrow. As David lay dying, he reminded the people gathered that they were to follow his example, to care for one another in “the little things,” and those dying words have had a lasting impact on the Christians of Wales. As scholar Patrick Thomas points out in a discussion of David’s influence, “In any community apparently insignificant acts of habitual kindness and self-forgetfulness which display a fundamental respect and love for others can generate stability, unity and wholeness.”
From "Every Earthly Blessing"
by Esther deWaal
Celtic Saints are approachable, close at hand, woven quite naturally into life just as would be any other member of an extended family. The Celtic sense of the communion of saints comes across very strongly in a poem by Gwenallt in which he says that the barriers go down between this world and the next, and St. David comes among us in Wales today, traveling around the country like a gypsy, going into schools and colleges, mines and factories, and finally coming into our own homes.
Links to other sites about St. David:
(These will open in a separate window)
BBC article on St. David (page 1 of 4)
Saint David and Saint David's Day
St. David, Archbishop, Patron of Wales -- on Catholic Information Network (CIN)
James Kiefer's Christian Biographies
(Click on March 1st for info on St. David)
Catholic Online Saints: St. David
