Saint Clydog

Biography

Saint Clydog, also known as Clodock or Clitaucus, was a sixth-century king and part of the Brychan family who ruled Ewyas, which corresponds to modern-day Hereford and Monmouth, England. Born into nobility, his life would forever be intertwined with a tragic love story and a tale of miracles. According to historical accounts, Clydog became the object of affection for a nobleman's daughter. The love between them blossomed, much to the dismay of a jealous friend who also desired the young woman. Consumed by envy, the friend resorted to murder, taking Clydog's life near the River Monnow in the Black Mountains. After Clydog's untimely death, his body was placed on an ox-cart with the intention of being transported home for a proper burial. However, a peculiar event occurred during the journey. The ox pulling the cart suddenly stopped, and the yoke broke, refusing to move any further. This was interpreted as a divine intervention, a sign that Clydog deserved a sacred resting place. In response to this miraculous incident, a church was constructed on the spot where the ox had halted. This location, now known as Clodock, became the final resting place for Clydog. The church, initially intended as a shrine or merthir, eventually became misinterpreted as a reference to martyrdom due to a translation error. Over time, numerous miracles were reported at Clydog's tomb, cementing his reputation as an intercessor and source of divine intervention. These miracles contributed to the veneration of Clydog as a saint by the faithful. In art and iconography, Saint Clydog is often depicted as a king bearing a sword and a lily – symbols of his earthly power and his purity of heart. His feast day is celebrated on November 3rd. Clydog's canonization occurred in the Pre-Congregation era, a time before the formal process of canonization was established. As a result, his sainthood was recognized and his feast day was included in the liturgical calendar prior to the formation of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Though Saint Clydog's patronage is not widely recognized or specifically assigned, his life and the miracles attributed to him continue to inspire and provide solace to those who seek his intercession. In conclusion, Saint Clydog, the sixth-century king of Ewyas, possessed a life marked by tragedy, love, and divine intervention. His murder, followed by miraculous circumstances surrounding his burial, led to the construction of a church that served as a site of veneration and holy miracles. While initially believed to be a martyr due to a translation error, Clydog's true status as a saint remains a testament to his virtuous life and his role as an intercessor.