SAINTS GWYNLLYW AND GWLADYS | KAIROS GLOBAL | OCTOBER 2020

Author: Joseph Santhosh & Bijie Santhosh

Gwladys was the daughter of King Brychan of Brecknock, a Christian. Gwynllyw Farfog (the bearded) a neighbouring chieftain, took her for his wife, some say by force. After the two were wed, Gwynllyw continued to settle his scores with the sword and carry out frequent raids. When Cadog, their first son was old enough, they send him to be educated by the monk (and later saint), Tathyw. Under Tathyw, Cadog drank deeply of the Church’s tradition and decided to follow Jesus. He decided to follow his master as a monastic missionary. Perhaps his most important mission was that to his own home. By prayers, sacrifice and sound arguments, he was able to convince his father to put aside his rough pagan ways. Gwynllyw and Gwladys gave up their fine quarters for simple hermit dwellings on what is now Stow Hill at Newport in the United Kingdom. 

Later, at their son’s suggestion, they followed monastic life. Gwladys went to Pencarn in Bassaleg, where the site of present-day St. Basil’s was originally dedicated to her. The Anglican catherdral at Newport is named after Gwynllyw, in the English name Woolos (St Woolos Cathedral).

Here we see a mother, St. Gwladys and her son St. Cadog through their life converting that of the husband and father, St. Gwynllyw. We also learn about their denouncement of all that is earthly to live in simple hermit dwellings. Our Lord is giving all of us an opportunity to move towards simple living during this Covid-19 pandemic and the grace to become saints. Like many families, the seven of us are living more simple than before, spending time to study the Bible with our children, continually preparing for a missionary life till eternity.

We saw the crises in St. Gwladys life which she turned to form a sainly married life, with her husband and son becoming saints. St. Josemaria Escriva says, “A secret, an open secret: these world crises are crises of saints. God wants a handful of men of his own in every human activity.” Let us grab these crises opportunities to become saints.