Saint Winwallus

Biography

Saint Winwallus, also known as Bennoc, Guengalaenus, Guengaloeus, Guénolé, Guingaloëus, Guingalois, Gunnolo, Gwenndo, Gweno, Gwinocus, Gwnawg, Gwnnog, Gwynauc, Gwynawc, Gwyngawr, Gwynno, Gwynnoc, Gwynnocus, Gwynog, Ouignoualey, Valois, Vennole, Vinguavally, Vinvaleo, Waloway, Wingaloeus, Winnol, Winocus, Winwalde, Winwalloc, Winwalloe, Winwaloe, Winwaloëus, Wonnow, Wynnog, Wynolatus, and Wynwallow, was born around 462 in Plou-Fragan, Brittany, France. His father, Fragan, was a Welsh noble who had migrated to Brittany to escape a Saxon invasion. At a young age, Winwallus became the ward and spiritual student of Saint Budoc on Lauren Island. Through his mentorship, Winwallus grew deeply rooted in his Christian faith and developed a strong desire for a life of solitude and spiritual devotion. At the age of 20, he embarked on a pilgrimage to visit key Saint Patrick-related sites in Ireland. Upon his return from the pilgrimage, Winwallus felt called to establish a monastic community. With the support of eleven fellow monks, he founded Landevennec monastery in Brest, France. However, due to poor soil and harsh weather conditions, the initial monastery site had to be abandoned. Undeterred by the challenges, Winwallus and his companions relocated to a more suitable location and dedicated themselves to a life of prayer, asceticism, and service to God. Legend has it that Winwallus embraced a life of extreme austerity. He subsisted on rye bread, ashes, and water, denying himself worldly comforts and committing himself entirely to his spiritual practices. He often slept on sand or heaps of tree bark, subjecting himself to physical discomfort as a form of penance. Winwallus's unwavering devotion and privations led to the attribution of many miracles to him during his lifetime. His reputation as a holy and righteous individual spread across the region, inspiring devotion and reverence among the faithful. Numerous churches, including Anglican parishes in Cornwall, were dedicated to him, suggesting that his relics may have been transferred to Cornwall following the Viking invasions in 914. Throughout his life, Winwallus served as the abbot of Landevennec monastery, providing spiritual guidance and leadership to his fellow monks. He exemplified humility, selflessness, and deep faith in his daily interactions with others. Saint Winwallus passed away on 3 March 530 in Tibidi, Brittany, France, having lived a life dedicated to God and the service of others. He died of natural causes, leaving behind a legacy of steadfast devotion and miraculous acts. Saint Winwallus was canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church, though the exact date of his canonization is uncertain as it occurred before the practice of formal canonization was established (pre-congregation). His feast days are celebrated on 3 March and 28 February, which marks the translation of his relics. He is revered as the patron saint of Y Vaenor in Brecknockshire, Wales, where his intercession is sought for various needs and spiritual guidance. Saint Winwallus is often depicted in religious art carrying a church on his shoulders or in his hands, symbolizing his commitment to the Church and his integral role in the establishment of Landevennec monastery. He is also portrayed ringing a bell, a reminder of his spiritual calling and the importance of spreading the message of faith. The life and example of Saint Winwallus continue to inspire countless individuals to dedicate themselves to a life of prayer, asceticism, and service to God. His legacy as a holy monk and miracle-worker continues to be celebrated and honored in the Catholic Church.