The Saints: St. David of Wales c. 520 - 589 / Feast - March 1
Known in Welsh as Dewi, this abbot-bishop is the patron of
Wales. According to legend, he was born to a Cardigan chieftan
and St. Non, and founded 12 monasteries. Community life was
austere, with monks doing manual labor, speaking only when
necessary, eating bread and vegetables and drinking water.
David’s nickname was “man of water.” He participated in two
Welsh councils, was recognized as primate of Wales and moved the
see to Mynyw. His story comes entirely from a single biography
written in 1090.