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)