St David

Gazing upon St David, did you ever wonder about its namesake? St David, the patron saint of Wales, lends his name to this London church. He was a fascinating figure shrouded in both history and legend. St David, born amidst a raging storm on a Pembrokeshire clifftop around the 6th century, was said to be of royal lineage. His mother, St Non, was a nun, and his father, Sant, was the Prince of Powys. His grandfather, King Ceredig, founded Ceredigion. While St David is celebrated on March 1st, the exact date of his birth remains a mystery. Some believe an angel foretold his birth to St Patrick 30 years prior, placing it somewhere between 462 and 515 AD. He was baptized David, but his mother called him Dewidd, or Dewi. St David, a renowned preacher, embarked on missions throughout Wales, Brittany, and southwest England, spreading Christianity and establishing monastic communities. He even visited Glastonbury Abbey, rededicating it and gifting a traveling altar containing a magnificent sapphire, which sadly, was stolen centuries later. St David’s lifestyle was remarkably austere. He and his monks lived on a simple diet of leeks and water, rejecting any luxuries. They even plowed their fields by hand, refusing the assistance of oxen. His devotion and piety are evident in the many miracles attributed to him. From restoring his tutor’s sight with the sign of the cross to raising a dead boy back to life with his tears, St David’s life was full of extraordinary events. Perhaps the most famous miracle occurred when he addressed a large crowd in Llanddewi Brefi. The ground beneath him is said to have risen, forming a hill so everyone could see and hear him. As he spoke, a white dove, believed to be sent by God, landed on his shoulder. This dove became a symbol associated with the saint. Today, St David remains an important figure, a symbol of Welsh culture and identity. His last words, “Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do,” still resonate, reminding us of the power of simple acts of faith and kindness. The phrase “Gwnewch y pethau bychain,” meaning “Do the little things,” continues to inspire in Wales, echoing St David’s enduring legacy.