Non
March 3·6th century·Wales
Non was a Welsh saint, traditionally known as the mother of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales. She is chiefly remembered for her association with the birth of David, a significant event in Welsh Christian tradition, and for her own veneration as a holy woman and founder of a convent.
Key Facts
- ›Non is traditionally recognized as the mother of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales.
- ›According to legend, she was a nun at Ty Gwyn, though she may have become a nun later in life as a widow.
- ›Tradition states she was the victim of rape, and David was the product of this assault.
- ›She is credited with founding a convent at what is now Llanon.
- ›Her relics were venerated at Altarnun in Cornwall before being destroyed during the Reformation.
- ›Her feast day is celebrated on March 3rd in some traditions, although she is not officially commemorated in the current Roman Catholic liturgy.
Nonna, Nonnita
Saint David's Mother, Founders of Convents
Stone Split By Birth-Pangs, Holy Well
About Non
Non of Wales
Non, also known as Nonna or Nonnita, is a figure in Christian tradition recognized as the mother of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales. Her life and significance are primarily derived from hagiographical accounts, most notably the Life of St David written around 1095 by Rhigyfarch. These texts depict her as a holy woman whose life was marked by both suffering and spiritual importance.
Legend and Life
According to tradition, Non was a nun at Ty Gwyn, located near Whitesands Bay in Pembrokeshire, although some accounts suggest she may have become a nun later in life as a widow. Rhigyfarch's narrative recounts a tradition that Non was the victim of violence by a prince of the region, Sanctus, King of Ceredigion, and that Saint David was the result of this assault. Despite this traumatic event, Non remained celibate before and after David's conception and lived ascetically on bread and water. The legend also describes a miraculous storm on the day of David's birth, which illuminated only the place of her labor, and the stone upon which she leaned during childbirth split asunder.
Variations in her story suggest Non may have been the daughter of a nobleman named Cynyr of Caer Goch. The chieftain responsible for David's conception is variously named as Xantus, Sandde, or Sant. It is also suggested that she may have been married to Sant before or after David's birth. After raising David at Henfeynyw, Non is said to have founded a convent nearby at what is now called Llanon. Later traditions indicate she may have traveled to Cornwall and ultimately ended her days in a convent in Brittany.
Veneration
The site where Non gave birth to Saint David is now known as Capel Non, marked by the Chapel of St Non, a holy well, and a retreat house. Churches bearing her name are found in Devon, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire. Non's relics were historically venerated at Altarnun in Cornwall, though these were destroyed during the Reformation. At Pelynt in Cornwall, St Nonna's Holy Well is associated with her, and legends speak of its healing properties. Non died at Dirinon, Brittany, where her shrine is still present in the parish church. An alternative legend proposes she was martyred by druids at Bradstone in Devon.
St Non's feast day is commonly given as March 3rd, although other dates have been recorded, and the celebration at Pelynt follows the second Sunday after Midsummer's Day. It is important to note that Non is not officially commemorated in the current liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church, as she does not appear in the Roman Martyrology or the Roman Catholic calendar for Wales.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Non?
Non was a Welsh saint, traditionally known as the mother of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales. She is considered a holy woman and a founder of a convent.
What is Non most remembered for?
Non is chiefly remembered for being the mother of Saint David and for the legendary circumstances surrounding his birth, which are detailed in the Life of St David.
Where is Non venerated?
Non is venerated in Wales, particularly in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, and also has veneration in Cornwall and Brittany, where she died and is buried.
What is Non's feast day?
Non's feast day is traditionally celebrated on March 3rd in some calendars, though she is not officially listed in the current Roman Catholic liturgy.
Did Non found any religious institutions?
Yes, tradition states that Non founded a convent near Aberaeron, now known as Llanon, which is named after her.
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David of Wales was a Welsh bishop and the patron saint of Wales, who lived in the 6th century. He is remembered for his preaching against Pelagianism, founding monastic settlements, and living an ascetic life. His legacy includes inspiring devotion, place names, and artistic works, with his feast day celebrated on March 1st.
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