The Church of Ss Dyfan and Teilo sits secluded and hidden away in a dip of the landscape of Barry. For many, it’s a secret waiting to be discovered.
Dyfan is one of many saints of old who remains just a name with no real details of his life. His name simply clings to Merthyr Dyfan. The word ‘Merthyr’ means ‘Martyr’ but it can also mean ‘burial place’ so we can’t assume that Dyfan was martyred but perhaps this is his resting place. He has been misidentified with Deruvian, a supposed fictional saint who visited these shores with St Fagan to meet King Lucius. If it was true it would date Dyfan’s life to the end of the second century.
This Norman church though has a double dedication, shared with St Teilo. Dyfan’s name takes precedence here, which could confirm a connection of a real St Dyfan to this place who perhaps was alive before Teilo was born. We simply do not know. But Dyfan’s name remains, stuck to this place, stubborn and determined.
Hwyl
Dyfan's ground is undecided, yet determined. There are no stories, no tales to tell. There is a silence to his life, a mystery, untold, hidden away, like the church which carries his name. His life is so deep and buried in the past, there is a void filled only with the stones that remain, still singing. They echo the sound of those who raise their voice in praise of the One who calls us and knows us by name.
Bible Reading
From Ecclesiasticus 44:1-10
Let us now sing the praises of famous men, our ancestors in their generations. The Lord apportioned to them great glory, his majesty from the beginning. There were those who ruled in their kingdoms, and made a name for themselves by their valour; those who gave counsel because they were intelligent; those who spoke in prophetic oracles; those who led the people by their counsels and by their knowledge of the people’s lore; they were wise in their words of instruction; those who composed musical tunes, or put verses in writing; rich men endowed with resources, living peacefully in their homes—all these were honoured in their generations, and were the pride of their times. Some of them have left behind a name, so that others declare their praise. But of others there is no memory; they have perished as though they had never existed; they have become as though they had never been born, they and their children after them. But these also were godly men, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten.
Prayer
Lord God, beneath the town, hidden and out of sight, I stand or sit in your presence, in this place of prayer, in this house of faith. Help us to know we are known and loved by you, and to make your love known to others. 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.
Here, in this place
which has changed
and seen so much change,
we stand with Dyfan,
a name which stands alone
in this lonely Llan.
Stay awhile,
rooted to this spot,
be still, and be at peace.
Pray for
Pray for the people of the local communities,
for the churches in this place.
for their mission and outreach.
Pray for those whose work of love
goes unknown,
those who work quietly, gently,
and out of the public eye,
not wanting recognition,
only that their service
can make a difference.
Hwyl Fawr
May the breath of God's Spirit fill our hearts with love. May his light shine upon us and brighten the path before us. And may we walk with gentleness upon his earth. Amen. St Dyfan, pray for us. St Teilo, pray for us. All the Saints of God, pray for us.
LINKS & INFO
Website: Barry Ministry Area which each year on September 27th organises a service at the chapel ruins
Where next?
Plan your journey to the next part of the Llanscape of Wales using our Google Maps Trail:
South Cardiff Ministry Area 