Here, along the Medieval pilgrimage route between Penrhys and St David’s is the Llan of Tyfodwg in the Ogmore valley. His name is associated with the ancient parish of the Rhondda, Ystradyodwg, although there is no evidence of any church in his name there. He is one of the three founding saints of Llantrisant alongside Illtud and Gwynno.
Within St Tyfodwg’s Church is a stone monument with the image of a pilgrim whom some think may have hailed from Penrhys, although some have even proposed it may represent the saint himself. Whoever he is, he seems to be a well travelled pilgrim. He is shown with the emblems of pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Rome and Santiago Compestella. (His Feast Day is June 25)
Tyfodwg is possibly one of the many saints who travelled from Brittany with St Cadfan who founded a monastery in Towyn, Merionydd, and became the first abbot of Bardsey (Ynys Enlli).
Here, along such an ancient pilgrimage route, is a good place to pause and pray.
Hwyl
Across the ancient tracks and trails
marked out by pilgrims of the past,
each footstep forms an easier path
for those who follow.
They beat back brambles,
flatten the ground,
form a way through the trees.
Here,
in Tyfodwg's trackside Llan
along the pilgrim way
on ground marked out by him
we find a place of refreshment.
Here,
a pilgrim takes his final rest,
his memory marked out in stone,
sets out an image of our own pilgrimage
through the many ways of life,
our eyes set on Heaven's shore.
Bible Reading
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
Prayer
Lord God,
upon this pilgrim route,
I consider the journey I have made,
today.
What has brought me here?
Why am I here,
in this place?
And what of my journey through life?
Where has it brought me
and where am I heading,
if it isn't closer to you?
May I always
feel your hand guiding me,
leading me
to pastures green.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Stay Awhile
Stay awhile, be still, and be at peace,
here in this place.
Listen to the sounds
which surround you.
Consider all those who ever
passed this way
on pilgrimage,
travelling together,
crossing ways,
and all those who pass by today.
Stay awhile,
be still, and be at peace.
Pray for
Pray for the people of this community,
for the church congregation
which worships here.
Pray for those who provide hospitality,
and all who go out of their way
to welcome others,
and for all who seek safety.
Hwyl Fawr
May God guide
us along the pilgrim path
of the life he has given.
May he bring us home rejoicing. Amen.
St Tyfodwg, pray for us.
St Cadfan, pray for us.
St David, pray for us.
Our Lady of a Penrhys, pray for us.
All the Saints of God, pray for us.
LINKS & INFO
Website: Llandyfodwg Church is in the Ministry Area of Pedair Afon
Where next?
Plan your journey to the next part of the Llanscape of Wales using our Google Maps Trail:
South Cardiff Ministry Area 