Cadoc
Saint Cadoc was a 5th-6th-century Welsh abbot of Llancarfan, a renowned center of learning in the era of the Celtic church. He is credited with establishing numerous churches across Cornwall, Brittany, Dyfed, and Scotland. Known as Cattwg Ddoeth, "the Wise," a significant collection of his moral sayings was preserved, and he is listed in the Roman Martyrology.
- Feast Day
- 21 September
- Century
- 6th century
- Country Or Region
- Wales
Key Facts
- ›Cadoc was born around 497 in Monmouthshire.
- ›He was the abbot of Llancarfan monastery, a center of learning.
- ›He is credited with founding many churches in Cornwall, Brittany, Dyfed, and Scotland.
- ›He is known as Cattwg Ddoeth, "the Wise."
- ›His "Life" is important for the historicity of Arthur.
- ›He is listed in the 2004 edition of the Roman Martyrology under 21 September.
Cadog, Cadocus, Catawg, Catwg, Cattwg Ddoeth, Cathmail
About Cadoc
Saint Cadoc
Saint Cadoc, also known by the Welsh names Cadog, Catawg, and Catwg, was a prominent Welsh abbot and scholar of the 5th and 6th centuries. He is primarily remembered as the founder and abbot of Llancarfan monastery in Glamorgan, Wales, which flourished as a significant center of learning during the period of the Celtic church. His reputation for wisdom earned him the epithet "Cattwg Ddoeth," meaning "the Wise," and a collection of his moral sayings was later published in the "Myvyrian Archaiology."
Life and Historical Context
Born around 497 AD into royal families, Cadoc's early life was influenced by his father, Gwynllyw the Bearded. After an education at the monastery of St. Tathyw, Cadoc embraced a religious life, refusing his father's army to "fight for Christ." He established his first monastery at Llancarfan, which he developed into a major religious institution. He also undertook studies in Ireland and travelled to Brittany, where he founded a monastery on the island now known as L'Ile de Cado, and to Scotland, where he established a monastery likely at Kilmadock.
Major Contributions and Legacy
Cadoc is credited with the establishment of numerous churches across Cornwall, Brittany, Dyfed, and Scotland. The monastery at Llancarfan, under his leadership, became a seminary for many learned men, including Illtud, who spent his early religious life there. The "Vita Cadoci," a hagiography written shortly before 1086, details his life and miracles. This "Life" is of historical interest as one of the few early texts that mentions King Arthur independently of Geoffrey of Monmouth's "Historia Regum Britanniae."
Liturgical Celebration
Saint Cadoc is listed in the 2004 edition of the Roman Martyrology for 21 September. While this is his recognized feast day in some traditions, other commemorations exist, with 24 January also cited as a traditional feast day. In Cardiff, St Cadoc's Day has been observed on 25 September, and on the Île de Saint-Cado in France, a major celebration occurs on the third Sunday in September.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Saint Cadoc born?
Saint Cadoc was born around the year 497, or possibly before, in Monmouthshire.
What is Saint Cadoc most famous for?
He is most famous for being the abbot of Llancarfan, a renowned center of learning, and for founding many churches in Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and Scotland. He is also known as "the Wise" (Cattwg Ddoeth).
What is the significance of Cadoc's "Life"?
His Norman-era "Life" (Vita Cadoci) is considered important for arguments concerning the historicity of King Arthur, as it is one of the few early texts that mention Arthur independently of Geoffrey of Monmouth's work.
Where is Saint Cadoc commemorated?
Saint Cadoc is listed in the 2004 edition of the Roman Martyrology under 21 September. His traditional feast day is also cited as 24 January, and in Cardiff, St Cadoc's Day has traditionally been kept on 25 September.
What was the monastery at Llancarfan like?
Llancarfan was a famous monastery and college from the era of the Celtic church, serving as a center of learning. It was established by Cadoc, who with his monks, transformed an almost inaccessible marsh into an attractive religious home with a monastery, college, and hospital.
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