Читать книгу 366 Celt: A Year and A Day of Celtic Wisdom and Lore - Carl McColman - Страница 79

March I is the feast day of the patron saint of Wales, Dewi (or David), who died on that day in 588. Known for his austerity and simplicity, Dewi founded a monastery where no wine was drunk nor meat consumed, and work was largely done in silence. As a bishop, Dewi worked hard to preserve the autonomy of the Celtic church in Wales from the encroaching power of the more Roman-style Christians of Saxon England; he is also credited with refuting the Pelagian heresy during his ministry (Pelagius was a Celtic theologian whose ideas were eventually denounced as heresy, particularly by Saint Augustine). It is said that he founded twelve monasteries, and that he traveled to Jerusalem where he was consecrated an archbishop. But these stories may well be little more than legend. Despite his reputation as a strict and austere monk, David’s dying words may be the best insight into his character, and clearly reveal how the saint embodied the delightful charm of the Celtic spirit: “Brothers and sisters, be joyful and keep the faith.”