Who Was St. David?

In the dark days of the fifth century when the very existence of Christianity in the British Isles was threatened by conquering pagan tribes from the north, God raised up a young Welsh nobleman, David, to keep the Gospel alive in that land. This intrepid monk and a few others like him are credited with teaching, preaching, founding Christian communities, and reaching out to those in need when it was not a popular thing to do. He is remembered as the Bishop of Menevia and the patron saint of Wales. His feast day is March 1. In our sanctuary we have a stone rosette sent to us as a gift from the Cathedral of Saint David in Wales. 

St. David is depicted in the stained glass window to the left of our altar. As God's Light shone through David so many years ago may that same Light shine through us in our time.

The Dove (as seen to your left)

The descending dove represents an event in St. David's ministry that was recorded in an ancient biography by Rhygyfarch in 1090 A.D.

During a troubled period in Britain's history, heresy ran rampant and a synod was called to address the problem. A spokesman who could communicate in all the languages represented by the bishops and leaders present was desperately needed, but none could be found.

The leaders urged David to come to the synod and use his gifts of tongues to address the group. Although he modestly refused several times, he finally agreed to appear. As he preached, a dove came down from heaven and sat on his shoulder. The ground beneath him rose and his ensuing words dispelled every doubt.