Beuno

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Saint Beuno
Abbot
Born late 6th century, Powys, possibly Berriew
Died 21 April 640, Clynnog Fawr, Gwynedd
Venerated in Roman Catholic Church; Anglican Communion
Major shrine Clynnog Fawr, Gwynedd (destroyed, grave chapel survives)
Feast 21 April
Attributes Abbot
Patronage sick children; against diseased cattle
Saints Portal

Saint Beuno (died 640) was a 7th century Welsh holy man and Abbot of Clynnog Fawr in Caernarfonshire.

Beuno was born in Powys, supposedly at Berriew, the grandson of a prince of that realm. After education and ordination in the monastery of Bangor-on-Dee in North Wales, he became an active missionary, Cadfan, King of Gwynedd, being his generous benefactor. Cadwallon, Cadfan's son and successor, deceived Beuno about some land and, when the saint demanding justice, proved unsympathetic. Thereupon, Cadwallon's cousin Gwyddaint, in reparation, "gave to God and Beuno forever his township" of Clynnog Fawr, where the saint founded the famous abbey.

Beuno became the guardian and restorer to life of his niece, the virgin Saint Winefride. He was relentless with hardened sinners, but full of compassion to those in distress. Before his death "on the seventh day of Easter," he had a wondrous vision. Eleven churches bearing Saint Beuno's name witness to his far-reaching missionary zeal. His feastday is 21 April.

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This article incorporates text from the public-domain Catholic Encyclopedia of 1913.