Sometimes I find my mind wandering over various eclectic topics and occasionally I am inspired to write some of them down. Today I was thinking about patron saints. Specifically those of the United Kingdom. Given that today is St David's Day this seemed particularly apposite.
On looking into these figures, 1 thing stood out - St David appears to be unique in being the only patron saint who was actually born in the country he is patron saint of!
Let's look at the stats:
England
- George
- Born in Turkey (to Greek parents)
- Died 23rd April 303AD
- Famous for: Slaying a dragon that was
terrorising a city and saving the life of a princess (this part of his story was added in the 11th century)
- Actual achievements: Being a Roman soldier who was
martyred for being Christian with his execution convincing the Empress to
become Christian (she was also executed)
Scotland
- Lived 5-60/70 AD
- Famous for: Being crucified on an X-shaped cross (hence the shape on the Scottish flag); a sign of which inspired the victory of Oengus II in 832
- Actual achievements: Being a disciple of Jesus (originally a disciple of John the Baptist) and attending several important occasions mentioned in the Bible
Wales
- Lived 500 – 1st March 589 AD
- Famous for: Creating a small hill to form where he stood in Brefi (the village of Llanddewi Brefi now stands on this spot) and having a white dove settle on his shoulder
- Actual achievements: Being a renowned preacher and teacher who founded monastic settlements in Wales and presided over the Synod of Caerleon (or Synod of Victory)
Ireland
- Lived 5th century
- Famous for: Banishing snakes from Ireland, fasting for 40 days on a mountain and using the shamrock to demonstrate the Holy Trinity of father, son and holy spirit
- Actual achievements: Being kidnapped by pirates aged 16, escaping back to England before returning to Ireland to promote Christianity and eventually become a bishop
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