This place is commonly known as Coychurch, but its Welsh name of Llangrallo gives a clearer sign of its foundation. St Crallo was the reputed son of St Sadwrn and St Canna who has her own Lann just over two miles away (although Canna’s primary Llan was founded by her in West Wales where there is also a holy well).
It’s thought that Canna may have been the sister in law of Illtud, making Crallo his nephew. Sadwrn and Canna were two of the companions of St Cadfan who travelled here from Brittany to Wales.
The present day 13th century church was built as part of St Crallo’s College, and renovated in the 19th century. It retains a Celtic Cross and also, inside the Church, the eighth century Ebissar stone. It’s possibly a monument to a convert, maybe a famous person at the time for the name is also mentioned twice on the St Samson stone in Llantwit Major.
Hwyl
Breton Blood runs thick,
here, in Llangrallo.
Crallo.
Son of Sadwrn.
Son of Canna.
The lost details of his life
are hidden in time,
buried here,
but his heritage stands strong
among the stones.
Here,
we hold onto his name,
to the church
which claims him
as its own.
Crallo becomes part of the
landmarks and features
which feature faith,
unburied,
still known,
stirring lives,
building bridges,
a burning fire.
An hour's walk from here,
the Lann of Canna lies,
a memory to his own mother's name.
Yes, blood runs thick,
here, in the Llan of Crallo.
Bible Reading
From Psalm 127 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved. Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Prayer
Lord God,
as we stand in this place
created by Crallo,
whose family connections
run deep,
I think of my own family,
and my friends.
All those with whom I share
my faith in Christ,
and all who have helped me
along the way.
I give thanks for them,
and commend them to your care.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Stay Awhile
Stay awhile, be still, and be at peace, here in this ancient place, amongst the old stones and hidden memories, where a name only gives rise to a stubborn saint. Stay awhile, rooted to this spot, be still, and be at peace.
Pray for
Pray for the people of the local communities,
for the church community here.
for its life together,
and its outreach to all who live
and visit here.
Pray for family life,
for those who struggle,
for all godparents,
and for the safety of all children,
and those who have care of them.
For elderly parents and grandparents,
all who have cared for us,
and now need our care.
Hwyl Fawr
May God bless us
and fill our hearts with love
for all that he has made.
May he guard us and guide us
along the way. Amen.
St Crallo, pray for us.
St Canna, pray for us.
St Sadwrn, pray for us.
All the Saints of God, pray for us.
LINKS & INFO
Website: St Grallo’s is part of the Ministry Area of Penybont ar Ogwr
Where next?
Plan your journey to the next part of the Llanscape of Wales using our Google Maps Trail:
South Cardiff Ministry Area 