Saint Asaph

Saint Asaph

Born: 6^th Century, Wales

Died: c600, Wales

Feast Day: 1^st May (5^th May in Wales)

Patron Saint:  St Asaph

Symbols in Art: Bishop with a book, Monk carrying hot coals

Also Known As: Asa, Asaf

Shrine: St Asaph Cathedral, Flintshire

Saint Asaph was the first Welsh Bishop of Asaph in Wales. Legend states that Asaph was born to King Sawyl Peuchel and Gwenaseth, daughter of Rhufon Rhufoniog. Although no story of his life exists, there are various points of interest in the region near Holywell that bear his name including an ash tree, church, well, and valley. He is believed to have lived in a hermitage in the area.   

From Jocelyn’s book of Furness’s Life of St. Kentigern (Mungo) we do know some facts about Asaph. When young Asaph served Saint Kentigern (Saint Mungo), who was Bishop of Asaph before Asaph, having been exiled from Glasgow and establishing a monastery in Wales.  He was alerted to Asaph’s sanctity when he asked Asaph to bring a piece of wood for the fire, after praying in the freezing river.  Asaph brought live coals on his apron showing no burn marks and this was classed as a miracle.  After Kentigern moved back to Scotland, Asaph was ordained as Bishop on the direction of Kertigern.

In later years Asaph established a monastery in Powys where he died on 1^st May c600.

References:  http://www.stasaphcitycouncil.gov.uk/tourism/about-s-t-asaph/

https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Asaph

https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01766a.htm

https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=1568