Saint David of Wales
According to tradition, St. David was born in Wales around the year 500A.D., though the exact year is uncertain. As a priest, he became a famous preacher and founded a number of monasteries, which flourished as a result of his leadership and good example. He lived an extremely ascetical life, and extended this asceticism into his monastic rule. Since his rule prohibited the eating of meat, he is also the patron saint of vegetarians. He was reportedly consecrated archbishop by the patriarch of Jerusalem while on a visit to the Holy Land. He died at his monastery in Menevia around the year 589, and his cult was approved in 1120 by Pope Callistus II. His feast day is March 1.
He is often pictured standing on a mound with a dove on his shoulder. The legend is that once while he was preaching, a dove descended to his shoulder and the earth rose to lift him high above the people so that he could be seen and heard.
Prayer:
O God, who graciously bestowed
On your Bishop Saint David of Wales
The virtue of wisdom
And the gift of eloquence,
And made him an example of prayer
And pastoral zeal;
Grant that, through his intercession,
Your Church may ever prosper
And render you joyful praise.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you
In the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.
Amen
King David
According to tradition, St. David was born in Wales around the year 500A.D., though the exact year is uncertain. As a priest, he became a famous preacher and founded a number of monasteries, which flourished as a result of his leadership and good example. He lived an extremely ascetical life, and extended this asceticism into his monastic rule. Since his rule prohibited the eating of meat, he is also the patron saint of vegetarians. He was reportedly consecrated archbishop by the patriarch of Jerusalem while on a visit to the Holy Land. He died at his monastery in Menevia around the year 589, and his cult was approved in 1120 by Pope Callistus II. His feast day is March 1.
He is often pictured standing on a mound with a dove on his shoulder. The legend is that once while he was preaching, a dove descended to his shoulder and the earth rose to lift him high above the people so that he could be seen and heard.
