SAINT OF THE DAY

APRIL 15: ST. PATERNUS OF WALES

(c 482-568)

Paternus was born in Brittany to devout Christians.

When Paternus was young his father left the family to become a hermit in Ireland. Paternus’ mother then raised the boy in her own making sure he was schooled in his Christian faith. The boy grew to follow in the footsteps of the father, becoming a hermit himself in Wales.

Paternus met the great Welsh saints and humbly learned from them. Instead of leading a solitary life, however, he was called to found a great Monastery. He built a monastery in Cardiganshire that was later known as Llanabarn (Llanbadarn) Fawr, which means, “the church of the great Paternus.” More than 120 monks joined Paternus, and he became bishop of the area.

Paternus was a bold opponent of the pagan kings of the region, never tiring of preaching in the hope of their conversion. King Maelgun accused the saint of stealing royal treasure and Paternus proved his innocence by plunging his hand into boiling water and taking it out completely unharmed. He was known for his preaching, charity, and mortifications.

Adapted by A.J. Valentini from: A., & Posts, V. A. (2020, April 14). Saint of the Day – 15 April – St Paternus of Wales (c 482-c 568). AnaStpaul. https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/15/saint-of-the-day-15-april-st-paternus-of-wales-c-482-c-568/