Buy The Saint David's Day Song Here!

If you, your school, choir, church or dinner wants to sing the Saint David’s Day song which has already been performed in Ontario, Patagonia, Vancouver, Disneyland Paris, the Houses of Parliament, Llandaff and Saint David’s Cathedral, by choirs and schools throughout Wales then you can buy a manuscript copy online from: http://www.ylolfa.com SATB, Male Voice, Female Voice and Piano and Voice versions are available.

More info about the St David's Day Song and Pembrokeshire Banner here.

Cenwch y Clychau i Dewi - Piano a llais by Gwenno Dafydd a Heulwen Thomas

www.ylolfa.com Chwilio'r catalog | Search the catalogue,Y Lolfa - Welsh Books. Buy online: books in Welsh and English for adults, children, Welsh learners & visitors to Wales from Wales' leading printers and publishers.

Pope Benedict XVI wishes every success to the Mass in honour of Saint John Roberts in Cymer Abbey

This summer the hallowed ruins of Cymer Abbey near Dolgellau will host one of the largest open-air events to be held in Wales during 2010. Three choirs, the massed voices of up to one thousand people and distinguished guests will gather on Sunday, the 6th of June at 2:30pm in a Mass to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the martyrdom of one of Wales’ greatest religious figures - St John Roberts. ‘This promises to be a very moving and emotional tribute’, says Archbishop Peter Smith, the Archbishop of Cardiff. ‘It’s a sad but undeniable truism that a genuine prophet is hardly ever honoured in his own country but I’m hoping that this magnificent Mass will help make St John Roberts as famous in his native Wales as he is in countries like France and Spain’. St John Roberts was born at Rhiw Goch farm near Trawsfynydd and it is believed that he received his early education from a monk at Cymer Abbey before moving to Oxford to study Law. On the completion of his studies he travelled to France and it was here that he converted to Catholicism. He moved to Valladolid in Spain where he trained as a Priest, and returned to London to care for the poor but was exiled many times by the anti-catholic authorities before eventually being sentenced to death in Tyburn on December 10th, 1610. He was canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1970. 'Cymer Abbey is such a perfect location to commemorate the martyrdom of St John Roberts’, said Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, Presiding Officer of the Welsh Assembly. ‘This was one of the many institutions of the Order of the Cistercians which received so much support during the days of the Welsh princes from Llywelyn the 1st and 2nd. They helped develop fishing and sheep farming in Meirionydd and their eventual downfall was a major blow, both in spiritual and social terms. It was St John Robert’s conversion to Catholicism which led to his being created the first prior of the Benedictine college St Gregory and the order’s first martyr in Britain four centuries ago’. Three choirs – St Joseph’s Schola from Pwllheli, the Wrexham Diocesan Choir and the Newcastle Emlyn Choir - will be present under the musical supervision of Gillian Williams FRCO and, in addition, the Mass will attract a distinguished ecclesiastical presence including Monsignor Brian Udaigwe - First Consellor to the Apostolic Nuncio, who will be making a special journey from the Vatican to represent His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. On behalf of His Holiness Pope Benedict, Monsignor Brian Udaigwe, First Counsellor to the Apostolic Nuncio, wishes every success to the Mass in honour of St John Roberts in Cymer Abbey on 6th June, 2010. Monsignor Brian will be representing the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Faustino Sainz Munoz at the Mass. ‘We are delighted that the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain will be represented at the celebration by Monsignor Brian Udaigwe, First Consellor to the Papal Nuncio’, says Archbishop Peter Smith, ‘this will be a very special ecumenical occasion in which we will be able to celebrate the life and sacrifice of a very remarkable man’. ‘For us in Dolgellau’ says the town’s Member for Parliament Elfyn Llwyd, ‘St John Roberts is more than a local hero- he was a national and, indeed- as the tremendous interest this event has inspired tends to suggest- an international hero too. I am looking forward to attending the Mass and honouring his memory.’ In recognition of St John Roberts’ period of study in Spain the Mass will welcome inhabitants of the city of Valladolid together with representatives of the Abbeys of Belmont and Downside of the Benedictine Congregation (St John Roberts founded Downside Abbey in 1605). Non-ecclesiastical dignitaries will include the Mayor of Dolgellau, the Chairperson of Gwynedd Council and numerous local dignitaries. It is also hoped that a 100 year old replica of the Cymer Abbey Chalice and Patten from the National Museum of Wales will be on display on the altar during the Mass. Following the open-air Mass St John Roberts will be further honoured between the 15th and 18th of July with a pilgrimage from Wales to London where- on the 10th of December 1610 - St John Roberts was martyred at Tyburn. The highlight of this pilgrimage will be a multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 17th July attended by the heads of all the Churches including The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams and The Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nicholls. Both Archbishops will be addressing the event (Archbishop Rowan in Welsh and Archbishop Vincent in English) and all the Archbishops and Bishops of Wales, Catholic and Anglican, will be present. During the service, Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas will unveil a newly-commissioned mosaic of St David and the Most Reverend Peter Smith will host a reception after the service. ‘By recognizing and celebrating our religious heritage’, says Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, ‘we recognize also the unfortunate divisions and prejudices that lie within religions both in the past and in the present age. I am hopeful that we can come together in prayer and hope for greater understanding between communities and religious convictions- understanding which can benefit us all both today and well into the future’. Find more photos like this on Americymru Images of Cymer Abbey by Jeffrey L. Thomas

Last night's unique mass at Dolgellau launches a year-long celebration for Wales Saint

Last night, Thursday 10th December 2009, a unique bilingual Mass was held in a small Church in Dolgellau, launching a year of celebrations for Saint John Roberts, of Trawsfynydd, who was executed 400 years ago at Tybyrn . The year of celebrations will run from the 10th of December 2009 until the 10th of December 2010. The sequence of events taking place throughout the year will lead up to a landmark event to be held in Westminster Cathedral, London on 17th July 2010 where, for the first time ever, the Head of the Catholic Church, Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols, and Head of the Anglican Church, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, will unite with Wales’ religious leaders to celebrate the life of one of Wales’ Saints. Last night, the 10th of December, at the Catholic Church of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows in Dolgellau, Bishop Edwin Regan celebrated a bilingual Mass where people from all denominations, and of no denomination, gathered. A number of priests from Wales and beyond concelebrated the Mass alongside Father Joshy, the Parish Priest who originates from India, and who is learning Welsh. Father Joshy also took part in the opening service at this year’s National Eisteddfod in Bala. Sue Roberts, Vice-Chairman of the Catholic Circle (Cylch Catholig), who is organising the year-long celebrations alongside the Saint John Roberts working group said: “The Mass is a very special one, with Dolgellau’s Nuns of the Carmelite Order receiving special permission to leave the Convent to join us. This is a very rare event. Only once before have the Nuns been in the parish church, despite the Convent being only a few hundred yards from the church”. Amongst those attending the launch last night was Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, the Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales, who said “The remembrance of the martyrdom St John Roberts is an opportunity to reflect on the devastating effect of mixing religions and political prejudice and the lack of tolerance among people of different beliefs. Being present at this special Mass in Dolgellau is a chance to remember the importance of our Catholic tradition in Wales and our vital relationship with the rest of Europe”. Also attending were Delwyn Evans - the Mayor of Dolgellau, and a number of County Councilors from the town and Meirionydd. Canon Andrew Jones - the Rural Dean of Llyn and Eifionydd - represented the Bishop of Bangor - the Right Reverend Andrew John, and Brother Dewi Jones attended from Ireland, a fluent Welsh speaker (full name: Alun Idris Jones). In addition to this, His Honour Huw Morgan Daniel, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Gwynedd, a representative of the Royal Family was also present at the launch. The music on the evening was in the capable hands of Paul Booth, former Director of Music at Liverpool Cathedral, who had put the words on Saint John Roberts written by Father David Jones to music. They were performed by Tim Hughes for the first time during the service. A banner commissioned by Mrs Sue Booth made specifically for the year of celebrations, was carried for the first time during the church’s procession at the beginning of the Mass. The banner will appear at each event throughout the year. Also present in the congregation was Marian Rees of Tal-y-Llyn whose relations built the Church. The remarkable stonework of the church matches some of the town’s ancient buildings. Following the Mass, a reception was held for all attendees where Keith O’Brien (an expert on the history of Saint John Roberts) gave a presentation on the life of the Saint. Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols sends greetings to honour Wales’ Saint “Dear friends in Christ, It gives me great pleasure to send greetings from Westminster on this feast day of St John Roberts at the beginning of the year long celebration in honour of the 400th anniversary of his martyrdom. St John Roberts was a man who showed his great love for Jesus Christ in the courageous way he spent himself tending to the spiritual and physical needs of the people in that turbulent time. It is good to know that he is praying for us as we follow Christ in our challenging world. As I send these greetings I look forward with great expectation to the celebrations in Westminster Cathedral on 17 July next year. May God bless you all”. Bishop Edwin Regan said “Although the name St John Roberts isn’t as well known today, he is a major figure in our religious history”. “In fact, he is better known across the continent in France and Spain (and also in North Wales). He founded an important monastery in Douai in France before returning to Britain. He was the first Monk to return to Britain following the Protestant Reformation”… “The hostility between the Catholics and Protestants was at it’s height at this stage” he continued. “A Catholic priest could only expect to live for approximately 2 years in Britain during that period”....”It's so positive to see so many Christians from varying churches unite to honour This Holy Man". Sue Roberts continued: “John Roberts was one of our boys”….. “He was only 33 years old when he was executed. His courage and dedication is still a beacon for everyone here in Wales, and it is important that we remember him. He is a Saint for the whole of Wales”. The highlight of the year-long celebrations will be the pilgrimage from Wales to Tyburn in July 2010, which will culminate in a magnificent service in Westminster Cathedral on Saturday the 17th of July. A number of prominent and important people from Wales will be taking part in the service, with every Archbishop and Bishop of Wales in attendance, both Catholic and Anglican. In addition to this, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, will be giving an address in Welsh This will be the first time the Welsh language has been officially used in Westminster Cathedral. Lord Dafydd Ellis-Thomas will be unveiling a mosaic for Saint David and the Cathedral Choir, The London Welsh Chorale, Huw Edwards, Dafydd Iwan, Rhys Meirion, Guto Harri, Mali Fflur, Alwena Roberts and others will also be taking part in the celebrations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A message from the Archbishop of Wales for the launch of the 400th year anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint John Roberts: My brothers and sisters within Christ, It is encouraging to know that the memory of St John Roberts has brought together Anglicans, Nonconformists and Catholics together during the past year, as co-pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela (Spain). It was also suitable preparation for the year of celebrations which we officially launch here tonight. It is a privilege for us as Anglicans across Wales to share these celebrations and pray for our Catholic brothers and sisters. I’m sending my best wishes and regards and I look forward to being with you at Westminster Cathedral in July. In the name of Christ Barry Cambrensis (The Most Reverand Dr Barry Morgan) Archbishop of Wales ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A message from the Bishop of Bangor for the launch of the 400th year anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint John Roberts: My fellow Christians here in this part of Wales, During the past year - my first year as Bishop of Bangor - it has been a privilege to learn about St John Roberts and in particular his life as one of the first generations of Anglicans in Trawsfynydd and as a Catholic man in Europe. One of the notable benefits of his lasting presence is the way his memory here in North Wales brings Christians together - especially Catholics and Anglicans. My heart warms knowing that Welsh Christians from many denominations began the celebrations last year in Spain and tonight I pray that the launch of the year of celebration of his martyrdom is one of blessing and encouragement. I offer my best wishes and my blessing. In the name of The Risen Christ The Right Reverend Andrew John Bishop of Bangor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ More Images From the Mass Find more photos like this on Americymru

SUNDAY, St Dwynwen's Day 2009

Reproduced from David Western's Portland Eisteddfod Lovespoon Blog

January 25th is Dydd Santes Dwynwen, the Day of Saint Dwynwen, the day of the Welsh patron saint of lovers and the broken hearted, the Welsh equivalent of Saint Valentine's Day.

There are several versions of Dwynwen's story, the least violent version is that Dwynwen was a 5th century Welsh princess who fell in love with a prince called Maelon Dafodrill, but unfortunately her father had already arranged that she should marry someone else (in other versions she can't marry Maelon because she's going to be a nun). Dwynwen was so upset that she could not marry Maelon that she begged God to make her forget him. After falling asleep, Dwynwen was visited by an angel, who appeared carrying a sweet potion designed to erase all memory of Maelon and turn him into a block of ice. God then gave three wishes to Dwynwen. Her first wish was that Maelon be thawed; her second that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers; and third, that she should never marry. All three were fulfilled, and as a mark of her thanks, Dwynwen devoted herself to religious service for the rest of her life.

Dwynwen founded a convent on Ynys Llanddwyn, which means "island of Dwynwen's church", off the west coast of North Wales, where a well named after her became a place of pilgrimage after her death in 465AD. Visitors to the well believed that the sacred fish that lived in the well could foretell whether or not their relationship would be happy and whether love and happiness would be theirs. Today, Dwywen's island is part of a British national reserve, with miles of walking trails, sandy beaches and the remains of a 16th century Tudor church stand on what is believed to be the site of the original church on the island.

Saint Dwywen's prayer is "Saint Dwynwen, We beseech thee, Comfort lovers whose vision is unclear. Send mending to those with love lost. Protect our companions. In your name, we seek to do the same. In your name, we choose love first. With the love of you, of Mary, and of Jesus Christ. Amen."

People in Wales and people of Welsh descent around the world celebrate Saint Dwynwen's Day by gifting cards, candy and flowers, special dinners, parties and all the same trappings of celebrations for Valentines Day.

"Dunkin Like David" Promo Video

For more info see St Davids Day Blogspot

Winifred's Well by John A. Shaffer

This meticulously researched book will be a source of delight to antiquarians and lovers of Wales everywhere. There are many accounts of the circumstances leading to St Winifred's canonisation but few people will be aware of the struggle at the beginning of the last century to save the well that bears her name from industruial despoilation. Likewise only a very select few can claim to have visited the enormous underground lake from which the spring originally flowed.

Mr Shaffer's quest began after the chance discovery of a statue of St Winifred in the most unlikely of places.... a public park in Hudson N.Y! His determination to investigate all aspects of her story subsequently led him to embark on a trip to Wales where he was invited by local cavers to visit the underground lake. But this is not an adventure story nor is it primarily a work of historical exposition. Indeed the work takes on the aspect of a pilgrimage as theauthor considers the spiritual significance of St Winifreds Well and other sites like it.

It deserves to be mentioned that the volume is graced with a fine collection of photographs from the authors personal collection. These serve to illuminate and enliven the text throughout.

Purchase Here

Mr Shaffer generously consented to answer a number of questions about the book for Americymru. His responses are reproduced below.

Q. What would you say was your main motivation in researching and following up this story as thoroughly and relentlessly as you did?

"I’ve always shaped my travel into something more like pilgrimage than tourism. I’ve visited St. Columba’s Iona, Nicholas Ferrar’s Little Gidding, and touched the healing soil at El Santuario de Chimayo. Places are powerful for many different reasons; this one attracted me in a very personal way and wouldn’t let go. I had a compelling sense that things of importance remained to be told."


Q. Some people take the view that the Welsh have a special relationship with their past. There is the famous R.S. Thomas line: "It is not possible to live in the present, at least not in Wales." During your stay in Wales did you experience any sense of this?

"That’s an interesting question. My book moves freely between the Wales of today, a century ago, and the remote past. That structure seemed very natural, and not a day went by without a surprising and visceral sense of the interconnections. So maybe Thomas was right. He was quite aware of the timelessness of sacred places."


Q. Nov 3rd is St. Winifrede's Day. There are many other Saints Days in the Welsh calendar ( St Dwynwen, St Teilo, St Illtud to name but a few). Do you feel that they are unduly neglected in the present day? If so what relevance do you feel these traditions have for a modern audience?

"Wales may have more long-ago saints than any comparable acreage in the world. Either the Welsh were exceptionally holy, or their descendants had unusually generous memories! My sense is that we are finally outgrowing the unyielding rationalism that stripped so many modern lives of wonder. We can hear about St. Dwynwen resuscitating her frozen lover and notice the divine compassion in her story instead of the improbable details. We are enriched."

A Note on St Winifred

St Winifred's feast day is November 3rd. Born in the 7th century, she was the daughter of a Welsh nobleman ( Tyfid ap Eiludd ). Her religious devotion was profound and it was her ambition to becomea nun. A suitor named Caradog became enraged at her continued indifference to his advances and decapitated her. Her head, according to legend, rolled down a hill and at the spot where it came to rest a healing spring appeared. Later her uncle Bueno ( also a saint ) restored her to life and she later became Abbess of Gwytherin and ventured on a pilgrimage to Rome. Caradog meanwhile did not fare well at the hands of Bueno who cursed him causing him to "melt into the ground".

Upon her death she was initially buried at Gwytherin but her remains were subsequently removed to Shrewsbury in 1138. Here they were interred in a shrine which attracted pilgrims throughout theMiddle Ages, Although this shrine was destroyed by Henry VIII during the reformation the structures surrounding the well at Holywell were not. The well at Holywell had acquired a reputation as the Welsh 'Lourdes' and since the attraction was deemed to be more medical than spiritual , wholesale destruction did not occur. St Winifred's Well can claim to be sole British shrine to attract pilgrims consistently since the early Middle Ages This unbroken tradition is unique in the British Isles.

St Winefred has been adopted as the patron saint of virgins and, somewhat bizarrely, of payroll clerks. Literary references include:-

Gerard Manley Hopkins, Poems and Prose (Penguin Classics)

Ellis Peters, A Morbid Taste for Bones