Saint Winefride was born in Tegeingl in Wales sometime in the 7th century, the daughter of a wealthy Welsh chieftain and the niece of Saint Beuno. When a suitor named Caradog asked for Winefride’s hand in marriage, Winefride refused his advances, preferring to pursue the religious life. Caradog flew into a rage and beheaded Winefride, whereupon a healing spring sprung up in the spot where her head fell. Her head was miraculously restored by Saint Beuno, and Winefride later became Abbess at Gwytherin and died there. Saint Winefride’s Well, or Holywell, soon became a great shrine and pilgrimage center. It is said that those who bathe in the waters and prayerfully ask for grace three times will be granted their petition, and many miraculous cures have been attributed to the waters over the centuries. Holywell has the distinction of being the only Medieval shrine in England to survive the Reformation.
For a more detailed account, visit Saint Winefride’s entry in the Catholic Encyclopedia.
COLLECT FOR SAINT WINEFRIDE’S DAY
Almighty everlasting God, who didst bestow on blessed Winefride the rewards of virginity: make us, we beseech thee, by her intercession, to lay aside the enticements of this world, and with her to win a throne of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
– Divine Worship: Daily Office
Saint Winefride's Society 