Beuno

Saint Beuno was born at Berriew in Powys, Wales, and tradition remembers him as the grandson of a local prince. After receiving his education and priestly formation at the monastery of Bangor in northern Wales, he devoted himself to the Church as an abbot and missionary, preaching with the support of Cadfan, king of Gwynedd. When Cadfan’s successor, Cadwallon, dealt unjustly with him over a matter of land, Beuno sought what was right without bitterness, and Providence opened a new way: Cadwallon’s cousin Gwyddaint granted him land at Clynnog Fawr on the Llŷn peninsula “to God and Beuno forever.” There Beuno founded a monastery and shepherded souls in prayer, teaching, and holiness. Many miracles were attributed to him, including the raising of seven people from the dead—most famously his niece, the virgin Saint Winefride—signs of God’s mercy working through a faithful servant. He died peacefully at Clynnog Fawr, after a wondrous vision, around the year 640. Saint Beuno is invoked as patron of sick children. His feast day is April 21.