St. David was a Welsh bishop who was the founding figure of the Christian Church in Wales.

David was born in the late fifth or early sixth century. His legend—the story of his life—was written down in the eleventh century by a Welsh monk. According to this biography, David was born in Wales, the grandson of a king. He is credited with founding monasteries and churches throughout Wales and Southern Britain. St. David’s Cathedral stands today on the site of one of these monasteries. He defended Christian orthodoxy against the Pelagian heresy.

Once, when David was preaching, a dove landed on his shoulder. The people interpreted this as a sign of God’s favor for him and the truth of his words. They popularly elected him archbishop over the whole region.

David lived a strict, ascetic lifestyle. His monastic rule demanded that the monks not only work in the fields but also pull the plow themselves, rather than oxen or horses. He and his monks refrained from meat or beer, eating only water and bread with salt and herbs.

Traditionally, the day of St. David’s death, March 1, is known as St. David’s Day. A phrase from his last sermon has become a common Welsh proverb—”do ye the little things in life.” The Cathedral, named after David, where he was buried somewhere between 589 and 601, was raided by Vikings in the Middle Ages and plundered significantly. In 1275, a new Cathedral was built, and some of David’s relics were restored. In 1120, St. David was officially recognized as a saint by the Roman Church. He is the patron saint of Wales and a patron saint of vegetarians.

St. David, bishop of Wales and faithful monk—pray for us!

Image credit: via Wikimedia Commons, by Hchc2009 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0