Episode 2013: Sts. Gundleus and Gladys

Sts. Gundleus and Gladys, also known as Cyndeyrn Garthwys and Gladys, are figures from Welsh Christian tradition. Their biographies are intertwined with the early history of Christianity in Wales, though much of their lives is shrouded in legend and folklore.

Gundleus, also spelled Cyndeyrn or Kyndeyrn, is said to have been a 5th-century Welsh prince, possibly descended from the legendary King Coel Hen. He is believed to have lived in what is now Monmouthshire, Wales. According to tradition, he renounced his princely status to become a hermit and devote himself fully to a life of piety and solitude. Gundleus is often depicted as a saintly figure, known for his acts of charity and his dedication to prayer and meditation.

Gladys, also known as Gladys or Gwladys, is believed to have been Gundleus's wife. She is revered as a saint in Welsh Christianity for her piety and devotion to the Christian faith. According to tradition, she supported her husband's decision to live as a hermit and is said to have lived a life of holiness and virtue herself.

Together, Gundleus and Gladys are said to have had several children, including St. Cadoc (also known as Cadog or Catwg), who became one of the most revered saints in Welsh Christianity. Their family is said to have played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in Wales during the early medieval period.

Sts. Gundleus and Gladys are commemorated in Welsh hagiography and are venerated as saints in the Christian tradition. Their feast day is celebrated on January 11th in the Roman Catholic Church and on January 6th in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Throughout Wales, churches, chapels, and holy wells are dedicated to their memory, attesting to their enduring significance in Welsh Christian culture. While historical details about their lives may be scarce, their legacy as saints and symbols of Welsh spirituality continues to inspire believers to this day