Saint David
David, (fl. 6th century), (known in Welsh as Dewi Sant) was a Christian church official, later regarded as a saint and as the patron saint of Wales.David contrasts with such other national patron saints as England's Saint George, in that relataively much is known about his life.
He lived principally during the 6th century (probably dying in 601). He is believed to have been of royal blood and became renowned as a teacher and preacher, founding monastic settlements in his native land, in a period when neighbouring tribal regions (that were to be united as 'England' three hundred years later) were still mostly pagan. He rose to a bishopric, and presided over two synods, as well as going on pilgrimages to Jerusalem (where he was anointed as a bishop by the Pope) and Rome. St. David's Cathedral now stands on the site of the monastery he founded in a remote and inhospitable part of Pembrokeshire. He taught his followers to refrain from eating meat or drinking alcohol. His symbol, also the symbol of Wales, is the leek.
The best-known miracle associated with St. David is said to have taken place on an occasion when he was preaching in the middle of a large crowd. When those at the back complained that they could not see or hear him, the ground on which he stood is reputed to have risen up to form a small hill so that everyone had a good view. The village which is said to stand on the spot today is known as Llanddewi Brefi.
The document that contains much of the traditional tales about David is 'Buchedd Dewi', a hagiography written by Rhygyfarch in the 11th/12th century. One of Rhygyfarch's aims was that his document might combat the heresy of Pelagianism, and could establish some independence for the Welsh church, which was risking losing its independence following the Norman invasion of England in 1066. It is significant that David is said to have denounced Pelagianism during the incident before the ground rose beneath him.
His last words, according to 'Buchedd Dewi', were "Be steadfast, brothers, and do the little things".
Unlike many contemporary "saints" recognised by the Welsh, David was actually canonised by Pope Callactus II in 1120.