Who is Saint David?

Saint David (Dewi Sant) is the patron saint of Wales. Although little is known with certainty about his life, he is believed to have lived during the sixth century. The main source of information about him is a biography written by Rhygyfarch in the late eleventh century, more than 400 years after David's death. While some details cannot be verified, his life and ministry have inspired Christians for centuries.

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Tradition says that David was born around AD 500 near what is now St Davids in Pembrokeshire. His mother, Non, is said to have given birth to him during a storm on a cliff-top overlooking the sea. The site is marked today by St Non's Chapel.

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David was educated under Saint Paulinus and became a respected teacher, preacher, and church leader. He founded monasteries and churches throughout Wales and is also associated with Cornwall and Brittany. His communities were known for their simplicity, prayer, hard work, and care for others.

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One of the most famous stories about David comes from a gathering of church leaders at Llanddewi Brefi. As he preached, the ground beneath him is said to have risen to form a hill so that everyone could hear him clearly, while a white dove settled on his shoulder as a sign of God's blessing.

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Saint David's final recorded words were: "Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do." The phrase "Do the little things" remains closely associated with him and continues to inspire Christians today.

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David is believed to have died on 1 March, around AD 589. St David's Day is celebrated each year on 1 March throughout Wales and beyond.

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Why St David?

When this church was founded, Bishop Michael Parker suggested that it be dedicated to a Celtic saint. Saint David was chosen because of his enduring example of faith, humility, service, and commitment to sharing the Gospel. His encouragement to "do the little things" continues to reflect the values and mission of St David's Church today.