Saint David of Wales

Life story

David, called Dewi Sant in Welsh, lived in the sixth century. His birth year is uncertain and is usually estimated at around 500. Most of what is known of his life comes from a biography written by Rhygyfarch in the late eleventh century, more than five hundred years later, so many details are traditional rather than historical. According to it, he came from a noble family in south-west Wales and was trained by monastic teachers.

He founded a number of monastic communities and churches in Wales, and tradition speaks of other places in south-west Britain and Brittany. His most important centre was Mynyw, now St Davids in Pembrokeshire. His monks lived very strictly, working with their hands, eating bread, salt and herbs and drinking water, with no personal possessions. According to the biography, he was present at the Synod of Brefi around 550, where Pelagianism was opposed, and later at the synod of Caerleon.

By tradition David died on 1 March 589, although some sources give 601. His resting place at St Davids became a major pilgrimage site throughout the Middle Ages. Pope Callixtus II formally recognised his veneration around 1120. He is often shown with a dove, and the leek is associated with him and with Wales. He is the patron saint of Wales, and the Church keeps his feast on 1 March. Early records such as the Welsh Annals mention him only briefly, which is why historians treat Rhygyfarch's work cautiously. Many churches in south Wales are dedicated to him, and 1 March is kept as St David's Day.

Works and witness

• Founded monastic communities in Wales, centred on Mynyw
• Led monks in a life of manual labour and plain food
• According to his biography, present at the Synod of Brefi around 550
• By tradition died on 1 March 589
• Recognised as a saint around 1120

Patron of

Wales

Saints from the same country

Saint Thomas Becket, Saint Thomas More, Saint Carlo Acutis, Saint Bede the Venerable

References

• Rhygyfarch, Vita sancti David
• Martyrologium Romanum
• Dicastery for the Causes of Saints – biographical profile

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.