GERALD MORGAN

In Pursuit of Saint David

Patron Saint of Wales

A Digest of Rhygyfarch's

LIFE OF ST DAVID

59 - 65) On 22 February an angel told David that on 1 March Jesus and his angels would come for him. David was joyful, but the monks were terrified. He told them. 'Be steadfast. Bear to the end the yoke that you have unanimously accepted; and whatever you have seen and heard with me,keep it and fulfil it.' The news spread through Britain and Ireland, and crowds came from all sides. David preached to them on the next Sunday and celebrated mass. He said to them all: 'My brothers, persevere in those things that you have learned from me, and have seen with me; on Tuesday, 1 March, I shall enter the way of the fathers; farewell in the Lord, for I shall go away. We shall not see each other anymore in this world.' The people all lamented, but David was taken up by Jesus. And while all mourned, the holy brethren buried his body in the monastery.

66-7) These few works of Holy David have been collected out of the most ancient writings of our country, especially from his own monastery, although much damaged. I, Rhygyfarch, have done what I can so that the readers may pray for me, so tha I may find a place in heaven. Amen.

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