Deep Peace

St Winefride's Well, a holy well located in Holywell in North Wales, is not far from St. Deiniol's Library. According to legend, Winefride was the daughter of a Welsh nobleman, Tyfid ap Eiludd. Her suitor, Caradog, was enraged when she decided to become a nun. When he attempted to rape her, she resisted and he cut off her head with a sword. Where her head fell, a healing spring appeared. Her uncle, Saint Beuno, rejoined her head to her body and she lived another fifteen years. Caradog, cursed by Beuno, melted into the ground.

YIKES! And I thought the story of Perpetua was bad (she and Felicitas, her maid, were martyred in the third century by scourging, being set upon by wild animals, and finally being killed by the sword. Perpetua's young inexperienced soldier was assisted by her in guiding the sword to her throat, so that he would not suffer for failing in his duty).

The healing waters of Winefride's well have been said to cause miraculous cures. Known as "the Lourdes of Wales," it has been a pilgrimage site since the 7th century. People come to bathe in its pool or gather some of its water. Each day, the veneration of St. Winefride's relic (a finger bone) is held beside her statue. Another macabre custom, one might think, but in that setting, with the bubbling well water, the waxy smell of the candles, the steps worn by thousands of pilgrims, and the statue of Winefride looking down on it all, it seemed right. Right to remember a holy person whose life brought others to God. Right to remember all those who experienced healing as a result of a visit, or the water or a prayer. Right to pray for those who need healing or to light a candle for them in this most holy place.

At the very least, it was a place of peace.

Peace to you

Cathy