Saint Davids -Tyddewi

By Anonymous -
In Wales the prefix Llan means 'church of..' and there are many Llanfair's (St Mary's) and Llandewi's (St Davids) but only one Tyddewi which means David's house and it was here in what is now Britain and possibly Europe's smallest city, that St David was born and built his house. It was called Menevia and his monastery following the Celtic monastic tradition was a community of small huts in the valley of the Alan.Today it is a very popular spot for holidays and walking tours of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path,  http://www.stdavids.co.uk/


We have just got back from a short camping break there, here are some photos of the great cathedral built in the valley to hide it from the viking raiders, in the days of catholic Britain 3 pilgrimages to St Davids equalled 1 to Rome. Like most of the ancient Welsh Bishoprics St Davids is older than Canterbury.
Dewi Sant is Britain's only native principal Patron. Patrick was Welsh too and left to convert Ireland from Whitesands Bay near St Davids. St Andrew was Jewish and St George a Palestinian or a Turk.



The coast at St Nons.
Saint Non is Davids Mother and there is a lovely chapel dedicated to her at the rocky cove that bears her name near the ancient ruins that mark St Davids birth place. It is part of St Nons Retreat.
http://www.stnonsretreat.org.uk/index.htm.


We usually visit the holy well and this time I also paused in the chapel which is open all day for private prayer. I prayed a decade of the Rosary and lit a candle. A pair of Housemartins have built a nest in the roof timbers, and seeing these small birds sheltered in the Holy spot were The Blessed Sacrament was reserved was truly a Blessing.If you get the chance do visit this special place at the end of Wales. It is a place of great peace and tranquility even when the west wind sweeps in from the Atlantic one feels close to God and calmed and renewed by a visit to this spot.



Almighty God,
by whose grace Non, kindled with the fire of your love,
became a burning and a shining light in the Church:
inflame us with the same spirit of discipline and love,
that we may ever walk before you as children of light;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Saint David ,Pray for Wales and all who call on your intercession.
Saint Non, Pray for Wales and all who call on your intercession.

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