St David, of course, is a Catholic saint, not a Celtic saint as some like to proclaim and today, March 1st is his feastday.
I am uncertain as to any hymns to St David but this very beautiful Welsh Carol will stand in his honour.
It was brought to world prominence by the film, Empire of the Son, starring Christian Bale who, incidentally, was born in Pembrokeshire.
In this clip the young Bale out sings the Japanese Kamikaze pilots who are about to set out on their mission.
So, today is the day to eat Welshcakes, Bara Brith and Cawl* and to have a sip or two of Reverend James - (not for me, it's Lent!)
* Bara Brith is a highly addictive fruit loaf while Cawl is a broth made with Lamb and vegetables, often eaten with a chunk of cheese.
ST DAVID, PATRON OF WALES - ORA PRO NOBIS!
I am uncertain as to any hymns to St David but this very beautiful Welsh Carol will stand in his honour.
It was brought to world prominence by the film, Empire of the Son, starring Christian Bale who, incidentally, was born in Pembrokeshire.
In this clip the young Bale out sings the Japanese Kamikaze pilots who are about to set out on their mission.
So, today is the day to eat Welshcakes, Bara Brith and Cawl* and to have a sip or two of Reverend James - (not for me, it's Lent!)
* Bara Brith is a highly addictive fruit loaf while Cawl is a broth made with Lamb and vegetables, often eaten with a chunk of cheese.
| Huna blentyn ar fy mynwes Clyd a chynnes ydyw hon;
| Sleep my baby, at my breast,
|
Hymn to St David (from the Divine Office):
ReplyDeleteO great St. David, still we hear thee call us
Unto a life that knows no fear of death;
Yea, down the ages will thy words enthral us,
Strong, happy words; “Be joyful, keep the faith.”
On Cambria’s land stretch out thy hands in blessing:
For all Welsh folk, thy help we now implore,
Lead us to God, with humble hearts confessing
Jesus, Lord and king for evermore.
Christ was the centre rock of all thy teaching,
God’s holy will — the splendour of its theme.
His grace informed, his love inflamed thy preaching;
Christ’s sway on earth, the substance of thy dream.
In early childhood, choosing Jesus only,
Thy fervour showed his yoke was light and sweet.
And thus for thee, life’s journey was not lonely —
The path made plain by prints of wounded feet.
O glorious saint, we wander in the dark;
With thee we seek our trusted guide in Rome.
Help him to steer on earth Saint Peter’s barque,
That we may safely reach our heavenly home.
Thanks Mark. I was sure there would be one, trouble is, I've never found a congregation that has sung it! A Happy Feast to you!
ReplyDeleteI am fairly reliably informed that, owing to this being a solemnity in Wales, the Lenten discipline may be relaxed- in Wales.
ReplyDeleteRichard,
ReplyDeleteA Happy St. Davids Day to You and ALL your readers! You have-A Jarrow Dispensation to have a pint of The Rev James but i rather you had a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale!
Cheers,
Michael.
And nary a daffodil in my garden. They are very late this year. A happy St. David's Day to you notwithstanding!
ReplyDeleteHappy St David's Day, Richard!!!
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Sonia
Thank you Michael, a bottle of NB would go down a treat.
ReplyDeletePatricius - I agree with your estimation, I'll have a small drink in honour of this great saint.
Genty - you must live in the Arctic! All in bloom here, God bless.
Sonia - Good to hear from you and a Happy Feastday to you and your daughter.