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.
- Feast Day
- February 9
- Century
- 6th century
- Country Or Region
- Wales
Key Facts
- ›He was born at Penalun (Penally) near Tenby in Pembrokeshire around the year 500.
- ›Teilo was bishop of Llandaff and founder of the first church at Llandaff Cathedral.
- ›He also founded Llandeilo Fawr and Penally Abbey.
- ›During the yellow plague in the 540s, he moved to Dol in Brittany for over seven years.
- ›His tomb is at Llandaff Cathedral, and relics are venerated in Wales, Brittany, and Cornwall.
- ›He is patron saint of the city of Cardiff.
Eliud, Teliarus, Teliavus, Teliau, Telo, Théleau, Eliau, Eilliau
Cardiff
About Teilo
Saint Teilo
Saint Teilo, known in Latin as Teliarus or Teliavus and in Breton as Teliau or Telo, was a significant British Christian figure of the 6th century. Born around the year 500 at Penalun (Penally) near Tenby in Pembrokeshire, south Wales, he was a monk, bishop, and a prolific founder of monasteries and churches. He is often identified as a cousin, friend, and disciple of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales.
Life and Ministry
Teilo's early education took place under prominent Church leaders, including Dubricius and Paulinus of Wales. It was at Paulinus's school that he met and formed a close companionship with Saint David. Teilo is noted to have participated in expelling an Irish pirate named Bwya from Mynyw (St. Davids). He eventually succeeded Dubricius as the Bishop of Llandaff, establishing the first church at what is now Llandaff Cathedral. His episcopal responsibilities extended over the regions of Glywysing & Gwent, where he also led a monastic school.
In the 540s, during a period of plague in Britain, Teilo relocated to Brittany with a small group of monks. He resided there for approximately seven years and seven months, traveling through Dumnonia and connecting with Samson of Dol. Legends associate him with planting fruit groves with Samson and taming a winged dragon at the request of a Breton ruler.
Death and Veneration
Teilo returned to Llandeilo Fawr, where he is documented to have died on February 9th, likely around 560. His death was marked by a tradition that his body miraculously divided into three identical forms, as his relics were claimed by three distinct churches: Llandaff Cathedral, Llandeilo Fawr, and Penally Abbey. His tomb is located to the right of the altar at Llandaff Cathedral, and his skull is preserved in a reliquary there. Many miracles were attributed to him both during his life and at his tomb.
Legacy
Saint Teilo is widely venerated, particularly in Wales and Brittany. The Roman Martyrology lists him under February 9th, recognizing his extraordinary labors for the church in Wales and Cornwall. His legacy is evident in the dedication of at least 25 churches and schools across Wales, Brittany, and Cornwall and Devon. Three villages in Brittany bear his name. He is recognized as the Patron Saint of the city of Cardiff. His feast is observed on February 9th in Wales and at Saint Télo, with differing dates in other locations in Brittany.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Teilo?
Saint Teilo was a British Christian monk, bishop, and founder of monasteries and churches in the 6th century. He is known for his close association with Saint David and his significant religious contributions in Wales and Brittany.
Where did Saint Teilo live and minister?
Teilo was born in Penalun (Penally) near Tenby in Pembrokeshire, south Wales. He served as bishop of Llandaff and founded churches and monasteries in areas including Llandaff, Llandeilo Fawr, and Penally Abbey. He also spent significant time ministering in Brittany.
Why did Saint Teilo flee to Brittany?
In the 540s, during a period of plague (likely the Justinian plague), Teilo, with a small group of monks, moved to Brittany. He stayed there for over seven years before returning to Wales.
What is Saint Teilo remembered for?
He is remembered as a bishop and founder of important religious sites, including the first church at Llandaff Cathedral and Llandeilo Fawr. He is also recognized for his missionary efforts and for taming a dragon according to legend.
When is Saint Teilo's feast day?
Saint Teilo's feast day is observed on February 9th in Wales and at Saint Télo. However, the observance varies in other locations, with celebrations on November 29th in Dol, Brittany, and November 25th in other Breton churches.
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