Saint Gladys (Gwladys) – 6th-Century Welsh Queen and Hermit

ST. GLADYS

Saint Gladys, also known as Gwladys, was a 6th-century Welsh queen and Christian saint. She was the daughter of King Brychan of Brycheiniog in Wales. Her life is intertwined with legend; notably, she was abducted by King Gwynllyw of Gwynllwg, leading to a legendary battle involving King Arthur and his knights. Later, Gwynllyw embraced Christianity and became a hermit, influenced by Gladys and their son, Saint Cadoc. Gladys herself lived a life of piety, founding a hermitage at Pencarn in Bassaleg, South Wales. She is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion, with her feast day celebrated on March 29.

Saint Gladys, or Gwladys, was the eldest daughter of King Brychan of Brycheiniog, a 5th-century Welsh ruler known for his numerous children, many of whom are venerated as saints. Raised in the Christian court at Talgarth, Gladys grew into a woman of beauty and virtue. Her life took a dramatic turn when King Gwynllyw of Gwynllwg, a neighboring kingdom, sought her hand in marriage. Initially, her father refused the proposal, deeming Gwynllyw unsuitable. Undeterred, Gwynllyw abducted Gladys, leading to a pursuit by her father and a legendary encounter involving King Arthur. Eventually, the situation was resolved, and Gladys married Gwynllyw.Together, they had several children, including Saint Cadoc, who would become a renowned Christian missionary. Over time, Gwynllyw underwent a profound spiritual transformation, influenced by Gladys's faith and their son's example. He abandoned his violent ways and embraced a monastic life, founding a hermitage in Newport, Wales. Gladys supported his decision and, after his death, chose a life of solitude and penance.She established a hermitage at Pencarn in Bassaleg, dedicating herself to prayer and ascetic practices. Later, she moved to Capel Wladus in Gelligaer, where she spent her final years. Upon her death, she was buried there, and a Celtic cross slab found at the site is believed to mark her grave. Her life exemplifies the transformative power of faith and repentance, and she is honored as a saint in both the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. Her feast day is celebrated on March 29

Feast Day

29-3-

Birth Date

--

Died Date

--Between 500 and 523

Canonised Date

--Pre-congregation

Capel Wladus in Gelligaer, Wales

Prayer Information Not Available
ST. GLADYS

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ST. GLADYS

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Credits & Acknowledgments

Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
by Msgr. Thomas Moothedan, M.A., D.D.
Saint Companions for Each Day
by A. J. M. Mausolfe & J. K. Mausolfe
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