Winefrid, virgin martyr and abbess of Gwytherin

3 November

Born probably between 610 and 620, Winefride was said to be the child of Tyfid and Gwenlo who were of noble birth.  As a child she resolved to dedicate her life to God by living a life of chastity and prayer.  Winefride was martyred as a teenager one Sunday as St Beuno, Winefride’s priestly uncle and spiritual father, was preparing to serve the Liturgy on the Feast of Saint Alban (June 22nd). A young prince named Caradog, hot and thirsty from hunting called at the cottage for something to drink.  Finding the beautiful Winefride alone there he attempted to seduce her.  Winefride fled down the valley to the chapel of Saint Beuno pursued by Caradog.  He caught her by the chapel door and in his rage at being rejected he beheaded her.  Where her head fell a spring of water gushed forth and thus created the Holy Well that has been a place of pilgrimage ever since.

Read more about the life of the Saint on our webpage

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