Saint Non facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintNon |
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St Non portrayed in stained glass in St Non's Chapel
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| Born | 5th century AD probably Pembrokeshire |
| Died | 6th century AD Brittany or Cornwall |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church Anglican Communion |
| Major shrine | Dirinon, Finistère |
| Feast | 2, 3 or 5 March, or second Sunday after Midsummer's Day |
| Patronage | ... women Pelynt |
Non (also called Nonna or Nonnita) was, in Christian stories, the mother of Saint David. Saint David is the patron saint of Wales.
Contents
The Story of Saint Non
The main story about Saint Non comes from a book called Life of St David. It was written around the year 1095 by a person named Rhigyfarch. This book tells us about the lives of both Saint David and his mother, Non. Rhigyfarch said that Non was a nun at a place called Ty Gwyn, which means "the white house". This place was near Whitesands Bay (Pembrokeshire). Some people think she might have become a nun later in her life.
David's Birth and Early Life
The story says that Non lived only on bread and water while she was expecting her child. A preacher found he could not speak when Non's unborn child was near. This was seen as a sign that her child would become a great preacher.
A local ruler heard about Non's pregnancy. He was worried about the power of the child that would be born. He planned to kill the baby as soon as it arrived. However, on the day Non gave birth, a huge storm made it impossible for anyone to travel outside. Only the spot where Non was giving birth was filled with light.
The pain of childbirth was said to be so strong that Non's fingers left marks on a rock she grasped. The stone itself even split open in sympathy with her. A church was later built where David was born. This special stone is now hidden in the foundations of the church's altar.
Different Versions of Non's Story
There are a few different ideas about Saint Non's life:
- Some stories say Non was the daughter of a nobleman named Cynyr of Caer Goch. This place is in Pembrokeshire.
- The father of David might have been named Xantus, Sandde, or Sant. These names mean 'Holy'.
- Non might have been married to Sant either before or after David was born.
- She raised David near Aberaeron at a place called Henfeynyw. She also started a convent nearby. This place is now called Llanon, named after her.
- Later in her life, Non may have traveled to Cornwall. She might have ended her days in a Breton convent.
- In some old writings, Non is remembered as a male friend of David.
Honoring Saint Non
The place where Non gave birth to Saint David is now called Capel Non. It is marked by the Chapel of St Non. Close to the old ruins of this chapel, there is a holy well. Nearby, you can also find a modern retreat house. There is also a chapel built in 1934, dedicated to Our Lady and Saint Non. You can easily reach these ruins from the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. Other churches in Devon, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire are also named after her.
Saint Non's holy items, called relics, were first honored in Altarnun in Cornwall. Sadly, these were destroyed during the English Reformation. Some old glass pieces above the altar might show Non. There is also a holy well nearby. People used to bring those with mental illness to this well. They would immerse them in the water, hoping for a cure. Non is also the patron saint of Pelynt in Cornwall. There is a St Nonna's Holy Well there too.
Non died in Dirinon, Brittany, which is about ten miles east of Brest. She is buried there. Her special shrine can still be seen in Dirinon's parish church. Another story says she was killed by druids in Bradstone in Devon. The church there is dedicated to her.
Saint Non's feast day is celebrated on different dates. Some say March 2nd, others March 3rd or March 5th. In the Parish of Pelynt, her feast is celebrated on the second Sunday after Midsummer's Day.
See also
- Chapel of St Non
- St Non church of Llanerch Aeron parish, near Aberaeron
- St Nonna's Church, Altarnun
- St Nonna's Church, Bradstone, Devon
- fr:Église Sainte-Nonne de Dirinon
