St David.
5th-6th C. ~ The exact date of David’s birth is not known. He is thought to have been born sometime between 454-520 in Pembrokeshire, South Wales to King Sant and his wife, Non. The information on David’s life is taken mostly from an 11th century biography written by Rhygyfarch, a Welsh scholar. It is understood that David was educated by St Paulinus of York on an island off the Welsh coast. After finishing his studies, David trained for the priesthood and when ordained he worked for several years for the missions mainly based in the Holy Land. David had a gifted voice for preaching and his sermons attracted large crowds.
While on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem he was consecrated a bishop and on his return home, he was appointed the Primate for Wales. As bishop, he attended and presided over many church councils and synods. His seat of office was situated in Pembrokeshire (now called St David’s). Over his lifetime, David was responsible for establishing twelve monasteries in Wales and he was adopted as the country’s patron saint. He was also known to have had a great influence in religion and the founding of monasteries in Ireland. David died around the year 560-601 in his monastery at Mynyw. His grave in St David’s in Wales is a pilgrim site. He is known as “St Dewi” in his native language.