Beuno
Saint Beuno was a 7th-century Welsh abbot, confessor, and missionary. He is remembered for establishing a monastery at Clynnog Fawr and for his credited miracles, including raising seven people from the dead. His traditional feastday is April 21st.
- Feast Day
- 21 April
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- Wales
Key Facts
- ›He died on April 21, 640.
- ›His name is reconstructed as *Bou[g]nou in Old Welsh.
- ›He was born at Berriew in Powys and educated at Bangor.
- ›He established a monastery at Clynnog Fawr on the LLŷn peninsula.
- ›Miracles attributed to him include raising seven people from the dead, including Saint Winefride.
- ›Eleven churches bear his name, with his grave chapel surviving at Clynnog Fawr.
Bonus (Latin), Bono (anglicized)
About Beuno
Saint Beuno
Saint Beuno, whose Latin name was Bonus and sometimes anglicized as Bono, was a significant Welsh abbot, confessor, and missionary of the 7th century. His traditional feast day is April 21st, though he is commemorated on April 20th in the current Roman Catholic liturgical calendar for Wales.
Life and Historical Context
Beuno is said to have been born at Berriew in Powys. His lineage is traced back to Vortigern, king of Britain, as he was the grandson of a prince of the local dynasty. After receiving his education and ordination at the monastery in Bangor in northern Wales, Beuno embarked on an active missionary career. He initially had the support of Cadfan, king of Gwynedd. However, Cadfan's son and successor, Cadwallon, proved unsympathetic when Beuno sought justice regarding a land dispute. It was Gwyddaint, Cadwallon's cousin, who subsequently granted his land at Clynnog Fawr on the Llŷn peninsula to God and Beuno in perpetuity. It was at this site that Beuno established his own monastery and where he died peacefully on the seventh day of Easter.
Miracles and Legacy
Beuno is credited with a number of miracles, most notably raising seven people from the dead. Among those he is said to have resurrected were his niece, the virgin Winefride (Gwenffrewi), and his disciple and cousin, Aelhaiarn. Prior to his death, he reportedly experienced a "wondrous vision."
The legacy of Saint Beuno is evident in the numerous churches that bear his name; eleven are noted, including one at his monastery in Clynnog Fawr and another in Culbone on the Somerset coast. Although his monastic establishment at Clynnog has been destroyed, his grave chapel remains. In Tremeirchion, near St Asaph, St Beuno's, a former theological college, now serves as a Jesuit spirituality retreat centre.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Saint Beuno live?
Saint Beuno was a 7th-century Welsh abbot. He died in 640, with his traditional feastday being April 21st.
What is Saint Beuno known for?
He is known as a Welsh abbot, confessor, and missionary. He established a monastery at Clynnog Fawr and is credited with numerous miracles, including raising seven people from the dead.
Where was Saint Beuno born and educated?
Beuno was said to have been born at Berriew in Powys. He received his education and ordination in the monastery at Bangor in northern Wales.
What miracles are attributed to Saint Beuno?
Saint Beuno was credited with raising seven people from the dead. Notable among these were his niece, the virgin Winefride, and his disciple and cousin, Aelhaiarn.
What is the legacy of Saint Beuno?
Eleven churches are named after Saint Beuno, including one at his monastery site in Clynnog Fawr. His grave chapel at Clynnog Fawr still exists.
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