A sixth-century Welsh monk and bishop, he founded several monasteries and taught a demanding life of work and prayer. As bishop at Menevia he strengthened the faith and is honored as patron saint of Wales.
Life
Saint David of Wales was a sixth-century Welsh bishop and abbot and is the patron saint of Wales. He founded a monastery at Mynyw in southwest Wales, the place now called St Davids. His life comes to us mainly through a biography written in the late eleventh century, so little can be known for certain.
According to tradition, his monastery was very strict: the monks did hard manual labor and lived simply on water, bread and vegetables. He founded churches and monasteries in many places, and one story tells that as he preached the ground rose up so that all could hear him. The Welsh honor him with celebrations on March 1.
Spirituality
The David of tradition is a man of simple, disciplined living and faithful work. Rather than splendor, he taught a way to God through prayer, labor and plain living. The counsel recorded in his life, to do the little things, reminds us of the value of faithfulness in daily life.
Reflection
Saint David's life urges us to do the little things. Rather than being discouraged that you cannot do great things, why not do one small task before you today with care and love?