Monastic Life and Rule
David established an exceptionally austere monastic community. By his Rule the monks pulled the plough themselves without draught animals, ate only bread with salt and herbs, and drank only water, from which they took the name 'watermen.' They kept a vegetarian discipline, consuming no meat or beer.
The brethren held no personal possessions; the tradition records that even to say 'my book' was reckoned an offence. The evenings were given to prayer, reading, and writing. David founded monastic settlements and churches in Wales, in Dumnonia (Cornwall), and in Brittany.
Episcopal Ministry
David rose to a bishopric and, according to the account, presided over two synods as primate of the Welsh church. Tradition relates that he traveled to Jerusalem, where he was consecrated bishop by the patriarch.
His seat was at Menevia (Mynyw), the site of the later St David's Cathedral, which became the principal church of the region.
Last Words and Legacy
By the tradition of his life, David's final counsel to his followers was to be steadfast and to 'do the little things' that they had seen and heard from him. This saying endures as a well-known maxim associated with him.
He is the patron saint of Wales, and the leek is his traditional symbol.
Relics & Shrines
David was buried at St David's Cathedral in Pembrokeshire, which holds a shrine containing his bones. A shrine constructed in 1275 became a major pilgrimage destination throughout the Middle Ages, before it was stripped of its ornament during the Reformation.
Veneration
David's veneration spread widely after his death. His formal canonization in the Western church was recognized by Pope Callixtus II at Rome in 1120, through the efforts of Bernard, Bishop of St David's. As a saint of the undivided Church before the schism, he is honored across Christian traditions.
