Colours of Martyrdom

Welsh Celtic Christian Saints were renowned for their deep spiritual practices that flourished in Wales in the 4th - 6th Centuries. Inspired by the Desert Fathers of Egypt, these holy men and women embraced solitude, often seeking out remote locations like rugged mountains or tranquil valleys to commune with God. In these ‘desert’ places, through prayer, meditation and fasting they endeavoured to purify their souls and deepen their connection with the divine.

The saints would spend long hours engaged in contemplation, seeking divine inspiration and guidance. Many of them practiced asceticism, embracing simplicity and renouncing worldly comforts to identify with the suffering of others. This included martyrdom - red, white and blue or green. Their devotion was often accompanied by a profound reverence for nature, seeing God in all and through all with no separation between spiritual and physical realms.

These saints nurtured a deep sense of community, establishing monastic settlements where they would live in close proximity to fellow believers. They shared knowledge and wisdom, fostering a vibrant spiritual culture that would shape Wales for generations to come.

The spiritual practices of Welsh Celtic saints continue to inspire seekers today, offering timeless example of devotion, solitude, simplicity and communal living in pursuit of a deeper relationship with God.

Diserth Tudful Sant - St Tydfil's Desert

Red martyrdom - where monks and nuns were killed because of their faith. St Tydfil founded a community in a valley in south Wales. She was martyred by a Picts raiding party in the 5th Century. From her settlement in the valley the town of Merthyr Tydfil grew.

Gwylnos Dewi Sant - St Davids Night Vigil

Blue (or Green) martyrdom - through fasting, hard work, prayer and self-denial they brought their desires under control. St David was known for his all night vigils, standing in water reciting psalms and praying.

St Brendan leaves home

White martyrdom - leaving all they love - home, family, land - to wander wherever the Holy Spirit took them. St Brendan and his disciples are famous for voyages in a coracle setting out from Dingle Bay, Co Kerry and letting the wind and waves direct them.