• November 14th - St. Dyfrig, Bishop of Ergyng

    From rich@1:396/4 to All on Wed Nov 13 08:18:25 2019
    From: rich <richarra@gmail.com>

    November 14th - St. Dyfrig, Bishop of Ergyng
    =C2 (Latin: Dubricius; English: Devereux)

    St. Dyfrig was the son of the unmarried Princess Efrddyl, daughter of
    King Peibio Clafrog (the Leprous) of Ergyng. The King was furious when
    he discovered his daughter was pregnant, some say because he was the
    father of her child, and he tried to destroy her by casting her into
    the River. He failed and Dyfrig was born at Chilstone (Child's Stone)
    in the parish of Madley (Herefords), traditionally in the mid-6th
    century.

    When the baby Dyfrig kissed his grandfather, he cured him of his
    leprosy and the King Peibio quickly grew to love him. He gave him the
    whole area around Madley called Ynys Efrddyl. Here, Dyfrig, who had
    grown up a Christian, founded a monastery at Hennllann (Hentland)
    where he entered the religious life. After seven years, he founded a
    second establishment at Moccas and, at these two places, he became the
    tutor of many saints: Teilo, Samson, Ufelfyw, Merchwyn, Elwredd,
    Gwnwyn, Cynwal, Arthfoddw, Cynnwr, Arwystl, Inabwy, Cynfran, Gwrfan,
    Elhaern, Iddneu, Gwrddogwy, Gwernabwy, Ieuan, Aeddan and Cynfarch
    amongst them. Dyfrig became Bishop of Ergyng, probably from
    Caer-Ergyng (Weston-under-Penyard) and then Bishop of the whole of
    Glywysing & Gwent. Later, he was supposedly, raised to be Archbishop
    of Wales by St. Germanus, with his base at Caerleon. In this capacity,
    he is said have consecrated St. Deiniol as Bishop of Bangor Fawr and
    to have crowned the High-King Arthur at Caer Fudi (variously thought
    to be Silchester or Woodchester).

    Dyfrig was a great friend of St. Illtud and supported him in the
    foundation of Llanilltud Fawr Abbey (Llantwit Major) which he often
    visited. He would always spend lent on Ynys Byr (Caldy Island) nearby
    and consecrated St. Samson as Bishop of Dol there in AD 521. He also
    liked to call upon St. Cadog at Llancarfan and had a small cell built
    a mile away where the Fynnon Ddyfrig still survives.

    In AD 545, Archbishop Dyfrig attended the Synod of Llandewi Brefi in
    order to condemn the Pelagian Heresy and, with St. Deiniol, persuaded
    St. Dewi to also attend. The latter spoke so eloquently that Dyfrig
    resigned his Archiepiscopate in Dewi's favour. Dewi moved the
    Archiepiscopal See to Mynyw (St. Davids) while Dyfrig retired to the
    Abbey on Ynys Enlli (Bardsey). He was not there long before he died
    (on 14th November) and was buried within the monastic confines. His
    body was later translated to Llandaff Cathedral, in 1120, where his
    shrine can still be seen today.

    Dyfrig is amongst the most important of early Welsh saints, despite
    the fact that the area in which he was active is now part of the
    English county of Herefordshire. Most details of his life appear only
    in the unreliable Book of Llandaff (early 12th century) where a number
    of forged charters bearing his name can also be found; but he was
    certainly an historical character and important religious figure as
    referenced in the 7th century Breton Life of St. Samson. Most
    difficult to tie down is the exact period of his episcopate.
    Traditionally this was in the late 6th century, his death occurring in
    AD 612. However, it is generally agreed that this is much too late and
    a death date of AD 550 or even earlier, perhaps 532, is now
    favoured. Bartrum suggested Dyfrig was born around 465, though this
    would preclude his traditional family relationships.

    Saint Quote:
    When you are alone in your room, take your crucifix, kiss its five
    wounds reverently, tell it to preach you a little sermon, and then
    listen to the words of eternal life that it speaks to your heart;
    listen to the pleading of the thorns, the nails, the precious Blood.
    Oh, what an eloquent sermon!
    --St. Paul of the Cross


    <><><><>
    THIRTY-ONE DAYS OF PRAYER FOR THE HOLY SOULS
    FROM THE PURGATORIAN MANUAL
    =C2 (Imprimatur 1946)

    22nd Day

    ALMS-GIVING AFFORDS GREAT RELIEF TO THE DEPARTED

    =C2 =C2 =C2 Besides prayer and other acts of devotion, there are pr=
    actical
    good works we can perform for the relief of the suffering souls, among
    which alms-giving is one of the most prominent; for this, being a work
    of mercy, is especially efficacious in obtaining mercy for the holy
    souls. Not the

    rich alone are able to give alms; the poor can do so as well; since it
    is not the value of the gift, but the good intention, in which it is
    bestowed, that is acceptable in the sight of God. We also shall, one
    day, be numbered among the suffering souls, and who is in greater need
    and poverty than they? The most miserable beggar in this world can at
    least complain of his wants, and ask others to assist him; but the
    souls in Purgatory cannot do even this, for, the instances in which
    they are permitted to implore aid of the living are exceptional cases,
    and very few are on record. What consolation it will afford us when,
    in our own great time of need, the poor whom we befriended and
    comforted upon earth, in the company of the holy souls, whom we
    delivered by offering this work of mercy for them, shall come to our
    assistance by their prayers and pious supplications! Therefore, says
    Holy Scripture: "Do good to thy friend before thou die; and according
    to thy ability, stretching out thy hand, give to the poor." (Eccl.
    xiv. 13.)

    Prayer: Lord! graciously look down upon the alms we offer for the
    redemption of the captive souls in Purgatory. Bestow upon them the
    full merit thereof, that they may be able to discharge their debt;
    accept, we beseech Thee, this boon of charity, that delivered from
    debt and penalty, Thou mayest lead them into Thy heavenly kingdom.
    Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

    Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who upon earth gave
    alms for the relief of the suffering souls.

    Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine
    upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen.=C2 =C2 =C2 (Three times)

    Practice: Bestow a gift upon a poor person, and offer the merit for
    the souls in Purgatory.

    Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!

    --- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
    * Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)