Dubricius
Dubricius was a 6th-century British ecclesiastic who evangelized large parts of south-east Wales and Ergyng. He founded monasteries, became a bishop, and served as a teacher to many notable Welsh saints. He is remembered for his scholarly intellect, his role in the early church in Wales, and his legendary association with the coronation of King Arthur.
- Feast Day
- 14 November
- Century
- 6th century
- Country Or Region
- Wales
Key Facts
- ›Dubricius was the illegitimate son of Efrddyl, daughter of King Peibio Clafrog of Ergyng.
- ›He founded monasteries at Hentland and Moccas and was a teacher to Saints Teilo and Samson.
- ›He became Bishop of Ergyng, potentially holding sway over what became the diocese of Llandaff.
- ›Dubricius attended the Synod of Llanddewi Brefi in 545, where he is said to have resigned his see in favor of Saint David.
- ›He retired to Bardsey Island and was eventually buried there before his body was transferred to Llandaff Cathedral in 1120.
- ›Legend attributes to him the coronation of King Arthur and his appointment as Archbishop of Llandaff by Saint Germanus of Auxerre.
Dyfrig, Devereux
Two Crosiers
About Dubricius
Dubricius, also known by his Welsh name Dyfrig and Norman-French name Devereux, was a significant 6th-century British ecclesiastic. He is venerated as a saint and is primarily recognized as the evangelist of Ergyng (later Archenfield, Herefordshire) and a large portion of south-east Wales. His life and ministry played a crucial role in the early Christianization of the region.
Biography and Ministry
Born around 465 AD, Dubricius was the illegitimate son of Efrddyl, daughter of King Peibio Clafrog of Ergyng. According to tradition, his grandfather attempted to drown his mother, but she survived. Dubricius's birth was followed by a reconciliation with his grandfather when the infant Dubricius cured him of leprosy. Noted from a young age for his intellect, he became a renowned scholar throughout Britain.
Dubricius established monastic communities, founding a monastery at Hentland and later another at Moccas. He served as a teacher to many prominent Welsh saints, including Teilo and Samson, and was known for his healing abilities through the laying on of hands. Dedications in Somerset suggest he may have also traveled in that area. He rose to become Bishop of Ergyng, potentially with his seat at Weston under Penyard, and is believed to have exercised authority over Glamorgan and Gwent, an area that later formed the diocese of Llandaff.
He was a contemporary and friend of Saints Illtud and Samson. In 545, Dubricius attended the Synod of Llanddewi Brefi, where tradition states he relinquished his episcopal see in favor of Saint David. Following this, he retired to Bardsey Island, where he is believed to have died around 550 AD. His remains were later transferred to Llandaff Cathedral in 1120.
Legends and Iconography
Legend attributes significant roles to Dubricius, including being made Archbishop of Llandaff by Saint Germanus of Auxerre and, notably, crowning King Arthur. He features as a character in historical literary works such as Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae and Wace's Roman de Brut. Later, Alfred, Lord Tennyson included the saint in his epic poem Idylls of the King.
Iconographically, Dubricius is typically depicted holding two crosiers, symbolizing his jurisdiction over the sees of Caerleon and Llandaff.
Liturgical Cult
Churches dedicated to Saint Dubricius are found throughout Herefordshire, Somerset, and Wales. In the Roman Martyrology, he is listed under November 14th with the Latin name Dubricius, noted as a bishop and abbot who died on Bardsey Island. His commemoration on November 14th continues in the current Roman Catholic liturgical calendar for Wales.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dubricius?
Dubricius was a 6th-century British ecclesiastic, often venerated as a saint. He is known as the evangelist of Ergyng (later Archenfield) and much of south-east Wales.
What is Dubricius remembered for?
He is remembered for his scholarly intellect, founding monasteries at Hentland and Moccas, and evangelizing large areas of Wales. Legend also associates him with the coronation of King Arthur.
What was Dubricius's role in the church?
Dubricius served as the Bishop of Ergyng and likely held authority over what became the diocese of Llandaff. He was also a teacher to many well-known Welsh saints.
Where did Dubricius retire and die?
After attending the Synod of Llanddewi Brefi, Dubricius is said to have retired to Bardsey Island, where he eventually died. His body was later transferred to Llandaff Cathedral.
What churches are dedicated to Saint Dubricius?
Several churches are dedicated to Saint Dubricius, including those in Ballingham, Whitchurch, Hentland, and Hamnish in Herefordshire, Porlock in Somerset, and churches in Gwenddwr and Llanvaches. The Catholic Church at Treforest is also dedicated to him.
Related Saints
Afan
Afan of Builth was an early 6th-century Welsh bishop, martyr, and saint known for his role as a founder of churches and his eventual martyrdom. He is remembered for his lineage, which connected him to prominent Welsh figures, and for the miracles attributed to him.
Teilo
Saint Teilo was a British Christian monk, bishop, and founder of monasteries and churches in early medieval Wales. Reputed as a disciple of Saint David, he served as bishop of Llandaff and established significant religious sites, including the first church at Llandaff Cathedral and Llandeilo Fawr. He is remembered for his missionary work, his flight to Brittany during a plague, and his veneration as a significant Welsh saint.
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.