The Monastery of Llanelwy
The monastery of Llanelwy was founded around 545 by Saint Kentigern during his exile from his Scottish see of Strathclyde. It stood at the confluence of the rivers Clwyd and Elwy in north-east Wales, and its buildings were described as made of smoothed wood, after the fashion of the Britons.
By tradition the community numbered 965 disciples, organized into three groups: three hundred worked the outlying lands, three hundred served in the monastic offices, and three hundred and sixty-five attended the divine services in rotating choirs so that worship continued without interruption.
Succession to Kentigern
When Riderch Hael, King of Strathclyde, invited Kentigern to return to Scotland, Kentigern appointed Asaph bishop of Llanelwy in his place. Asaph thus became the first Welsh bishop of the see, which afterward took his name.
The diocese was established in the mid-sixth century through Kentigern's foundation; Kentigern is reckoned its first bishop and Asaph its second, though the see itself became known by Asaph's name. Originally the diocese coincided with the Welsh principality of Powys, but it later lost territory through Mercian encroachment and the building of Offa's Dyke around 798.
Relics & Shrines
Asaph's major shrine was St Asaph Cathedral in Flintshire, dedicated jointly to Saints Asaph and Cyndeyrn (Cyndeyrn being another name for Kentigern).
A church was first built on or near the cathedral site by Kentigern in the sixth century (some accounts credit Saint Elwy in 560). The earliest parts of the present building date from the thirteenth century, a new structure begun after the original stone cathedral was burnt by the soldiers of King Edward I during the Second Welsh War in 1282.
Numerous Welsh place names carry the 'asa' prefix associated with his name — including Llanasa, which he is said to have founded, as well as Ffynnon Asa, Onnen Asa, and Pantasa. Their clustering near Holywell has suggested to some that he may have kept a hermitage there.
Miracles & Traditions
Historically Documented: The Roman Martyrology describes Asaph as 'bishop and abbot of Elvae (Elwy) in Wales, after whom the see is named.' His feast is kept on 1 May, with commemorations also recorded on 5 May and 11 May.
Traditional Accounts: A pivotal miracle is related of his youth. As Kentigern stood praying in the icy river, he sent the young Asaph to fetch burning wood for warmth; instead the boy carried live coals to him in his apron, which did not burn him. The wonder was taken to reveal Asaph's sanctity to Kentigern.
Traditional Accounts: A story of a ring recovered from a fish's belly, associated with King Riderch Hael and Queen Languoreth, is said to resemble almost exactly a legend concerning King Maelgwn of Gwynedd and Saint Asaph, and the two accounts may have become confused.
