GERALD MORGAN

In pursuit of Saint David

(Patron Saint of Wales)

A Digest of Rhygyfarch's

Life of St David

23632) After the da's work, they studied in silence until the bell called them to the church, where they sang Psalms. They lived in moderation, according to health and age. The sick and aged would be better fed. Having given thanks, they would go back to the church, before sleeping until cockcrow. David was their confessor, and they obeyed him in all things. They had no personal property: animal skins were their clothing. A novice had to come as if naked, and would gain admittance after ten days' waiting at the gate. David prayed all the time,taking counsek with the angels, and remaining free from temptations of the flesh. He himself would minister to orphans, widows, the sick, the needy and the pilgrims, in imitationof the monks of Egypt.