The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
David, Saint
d.588?, patron saint of Wales, first abbot of Menevia (present-day Saint David’s). He apparently established a strict rule and was a zealous missionary, founding 12 monasteries. His cult, which was popular in Wales from very early days, made the pilgrimage to his shrine important in the Middle Ages. On his feast, Mar. 1, the national Welsh festival is still celebrated. The ancient Welsh form of his name is Dewi.
