Dewi Sant

, known in english as Saint David (circa 520-c. 589)

Abbot-bishop and patron saint of Wales.

The principal source of information about him is the biography written (circa 1090) by the Welsh scholar Rhygyfarch. According to that account, David was born near Saint Bride's Bay (modern Pembrokeshire), the son of noble parents. After his ordination to the priesthood, he began missionary journeys that eventually took him to the Holy Land, where he was consecrated bishop.
Upon his return to Wales, he took a prominent part in two synods:

both sought to suppress Pelagianism, a Christian heresy that denied original sin. David is also thought to have founded many churches throughout South Wales, and his shrine at Saint David's, formerly Mynyw (Menevia), became a special place of pilgrimage.
His feast day is March 1.

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