Dydd Gwy I Dewi Sant Hapus

Today is the Feast of Saint David (a Solemnity in Wales!). Our school was dedicated to St David. We remember with gratitude all the benefactors, teachers and pupils who have shared in the life of this beautiful school. This year we have decided to celebrate with a party for local elderly people and we are delighted to also welcome the Mayor of Spellthorne.

During the Papal visit to the United Kingdom, Pope Benedict XVI blessed a new mosaic of St David at Westminster Cathedral (shown below). The mosaic had been commissioned by the Bishops of Wales, and was designed by Ifor Davies. After blessing the mosaic, Pope Benedict XVI spoke about St David whilst addressing the people of Wales. This is what the Holy Father said about Wales’s patron: 

Saint David was one of the greatest saints of the 6th century, that golden age of saints and missionaries in these isles, and he was thus a founder of the Christian culture which lies at the root of modern Europe. David’s preaching was simple yet profound: his dying words to his monks were, ‘Be joyful, keep the faith and do the little things’. It is the little things that reveal out love for the one who loved us first (cf. 1 Jn 4:19) and that bind people into a community of faith, love and service. May Saint David’s message, in all its simplicity and richness, continue to resound in Wales today, drawing the hearts of its people to renewed love for Christ and his Church.

The Pope ended his greeting with the words: Bendith Duw ar bobol Cymru! God bless the people of Wales!

Traditions and festivities associated with St David’s Day

In Wales, as well as other places where the Welsh find themselves, St David’s Day is a major event in the annual calendar. In many places an eisteddfod is held – where participants rejoice in music, song, the recitation of poetry, and dancing. An eisteddfod chair can be seen in our own Board Room! Many families also sit down to enjoy a special broth or stew, called cawl.