Saint Materiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Materiana |
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Banner of St Materiana in Minster Church
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| Born | c. 440 Gwent, Wales |
| Died | early 6th century (?) Minster, Cornwall |
| Venerated in | Anglican Communion Catholic Church |
| Major shrine | Minster, Cornwall |
| Feast | 9 April |
| Attributes | crown; widow's robe |
| Patronage | Minster, Cornwall Tintagel, Cornwall Trawsfynydd, Wales |
Saint Materiana (also known as Madrun, Madryn, or Merthiana) was a Welsh saint. She is considered the special protector of two churches in Cornwall, England, and one in Wales.
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Who Was Saint Materiana?
Materiana was a princess from the 5th century. She was the oldest of three daughters of a king named Vortimer the Blessed. After her father passed away, she ruled over a kingdom called Gwent in Wales with her husband, Prince Ynyr. Her name was sometimes spelled "Mertheriana" or "Merthiana," which sounds like the Welsh word merthyr, meaning "martyr."
Churches Dedicated to Materiana
People have honored Saint Materiana for a very long time. A special song, the Hymn to St Materiana, is sung at Tintagel. It calls her "holy Mother" and asks her to watch over her people.
Minster Church in Cornwall
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The main church dedicated to Materiana is the parish church in Minster, Cornwall. It is known as "Merteriana." This church was built even before the nearby town of Boscastle was settled. For many years, until the Reformation, Saint Materiana's tomb was kept in this church. People would visit her tomb to show their respect. Her special day, or feast day, is celebrated on April 9.
Tintagel Church in Cornwall
The first church at Tintagel was likely built in the 6th century. It was probably connected to the Minster church. The church you see today, St Materiana's Church, was updated in 1870. Its north doorway is very old, dating back to around 1080. Inside the church, you can find two artworks that show Saint Materiana: a statue and a colorful stained glass window.
Trawsfynydd Church in Wales
In Wales, the church in Trawsfynydd is dedicated to a saint named St Madryn. Many people believe that St Madryn is the same person as Saint Materiana.
Other Places Named After Materiana
- Puerto Madryn—This is a town in Argentina. It was named after Madryn, a place near Nefyn in Wales.
- Carn Fadrun—This is a hill in North Wales. It is also named after the saint.
- Nefyn—A town in North Wales. The Madryn estate, which has a connection to the saint, is located nearby.
