Clarity on the Teaching of Original Sin

One might wonder why a patron of another country would be important to us today.  Read the life of today's saint to understand the connection to the Church is universal.

St. David of Wales

Feast day: March 1
Born:  500
Death:  589
Patron of Wales

Some histories show that David was the son of the king of South Wales.  However, little is known of his childhood.

David became renowned as a teacher and preacher, founding monastic settlements and churches throughout Wales.  Around 550, he attended the Synod of Brefi, where his eloquence in opposing Pelagianism (Pelagianism is the belief that original sin did not taint human nature and that mortal will is still capable of choosing good or evil without special Divine aid.) caused his fellow monks to elect him primate of the region. The Monastic Rule of David prescribed that monks had to pull the plow themselves without drought animals, must drink only water and eat only bread with salt and herbs, and spend the evenings in prayer, reading and writing. No personal possessions were allowed: even to say "my book" was considered an offence. He lived a simple life and practiced asceticism, teaching his followers to refrain from eating meat and drinking beer.

His best-known miracle is said to have taken place when he was preaching in the middle of a large crowd at the Synod of Brefi: the village of Llanddewi Brefi stands on the spot where the ground on which he stood is reputed to have risen up to form a small hill. A white dove, which became his emblem, was seen settling on his shoulder. David is said to have denounced Pelagianism during this incident and he was declared archbishop by popular acclaim.

As the bishop of the region, David presided over the synod of Caerleon (the "Synod of Victory") around 569.  This synod is known for the further response to Pelagianism.  David's direction at this synod led to an important and decisive teaching on this subject for the Church.

He continued in his last see many years; and having founded several monasteries, and been the spiritual father of many saints, both British and Irish, died about the year 589, in a very advanced age.