For almost 80 years the good Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy have resided at Llantarnam Abbey. From there they graced our town and parish communities. They welcomed us into their home on many occasions, rejoiced with us in our happy times and grieved with us in the sad times. Now they are leaving the Abbey for pastures new.
Last Welsh Martyr, St David Lewis, was a relative of the Morgan family who owned the property in the 1600s. He lived there for a time and frequently
celebrated Mass there. He was arrested at Llantarnam, opposite the Abbey, in November 1678 and martyred at Usk on 27 August 1679. In 1970 David Lewis S J, was canonised by Pope Paul VI.
The Sisters have guarded the Martyr's legacy well and honoured him with a large portrait which was prominently displayed. They also had the very great priviledge of owning a precious relic of the saint. The late, well loved Sr Celsus of Llantarnam Abbey had a special devotion to St David Lewis. In 2008 Sister set up the Group, Friends of St David Lewis, in Our Lady's Parish where the friends met monthly. Sadly, Sister Celsus has gone to her heavenly reward but she will always be in the hearts of those who had the good fortune of knowing her.
As the Sisters prepare to leave Llantarnam Abbey, they have bestowed upon the Parish of Our Lady and St David the honour of being custodian of the portrait and holy relic of our local saint and martyr, St David Lewis.
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| Sr Susan SSJA presenting the portrait to Fr Daniel Stanton |
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| Portrait and relic of St David Lewis |
Thank you Sisters. May St David Lewis bring blessings on the parish and on you, dear Sisters, wherever you may be.
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