Saint David

St. David was born in England and given an education. He later became a monk in the Cluniac order, which was a medieval organization of Benedictines whose center was at the Abby of Cluny. He was noted for his excellent life and austere practices. He had heard of the martyrdom of the nephews of St. Sigfrid, in what is now known as Sweden.

He also had a great desire to give his life for Christ as a martyr and proceeded to offer himself to the English mission in Sweden (around the year 1029). It is not believed that he died a martyr. He may have established a Benedictine monastery. He traveled from district to district preaching and baptizing with great zeal. It is said that while engaged in prayer he appeared to become changed into a globe of fire.

Miracles are said to have occurred at his tomb, and there is even a story that when his eyesight grew dim he mistook a sunbeam for something to hang his gloves on and theyhung there miraculously suspended. He became the first Bishop of Vasteras, and along with Saints Sigfrid and Eskil and their companions, they were the principal agents in bringing Christianity to Sweden. St. David’s feast day is July 15th.