Morwenna facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Morwenna |
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A stained glass window at the Church of St Morwenna (with her depicted in the bottom-left)
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| Died | 6th century |
| Honored in | Anglican Church, Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Canonized | Pre-Congregation |
| Feast | 8 July |
| Patronage | Morwenstow, Cornwall, England |
Morwenna is the namesake patron saint of Morwenstow. This is a village in north Cornwall, UK. Her name might come from the Welsh word morwyn, meaning "maiden." The name is also used in Brittany, France. There, it is thought to mean "White sea."
Contents
The Life of Saint Morwenna
Morwenna's story first appears in a 12th-century saint's biography. This book tells us she was a daughter of the Welsh king Brychan. She had many sisters, including Endelient and Mabyn.
Morwenna's Journey to Cornwall
Morwenna trained in Ireland before traveling to Cornwall. She made her home in a small hermitage at Hennacliff. This place was later called Morwenstow. "Morwenstow" means "Morwenna's holy-place."
Her home was on a high cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The sea there is often stormy. On clear days, you can sometimes see the coast of Wales.
Building the Church
Morwenna built a church for the local people with her own hands. It is said she carried the heavy stones on her head. She brought them from below the cliff. One day, she stopped to rest, and a spring of water appeared. This spring gushed forth to the west of the church.
Her Final Days
In the early 6th century, Morwenna was dying. Her brother, Saint Nectan, came to visit her. She asked him to help her sit up. She wanted to look at her home shore one last time. She was buried at the church in Morwenstow.
Morwenna's Image
Later, a painting was found on the north wall of the Morwenstow church. Many people believe this painting shows Saint Morwenna. She is also shown in a stained glass window at the local church. This church is called St Morwenna and St John the Baptist's. Saint John was added to the church's name around 1275.
Morwenna's Well
There is a well in the Morwenstow area that people connect with Saint Morwenna. It is located to the west of the church. This well is now dry. However, the Holy Well of St. Morwenna is an important historical site. It is listed as an English Heritage building.
See also
- Christianity in Cornwall
