Programme content:
Welcome and introduction: Ben introduces the theme of the ‘patron’ saints of the United Kingdom and Ireland and gives some clues about which one we’ll be finding out about today.
Voxpops: Children say what they think a ‘saint’ is.
Song: ‘Celebration rap’ (Come and Praise: Beginning, no 7). Encourage the children to join in with as much as they can.
Story: Saint David and PaulinusAn adaptation by Sue Reid of a legend concerning Saint David.This story is told from the point of view of a monk visiting St David’s Cathedral in Wales - a pilgrimage to this special place associated with St David. The monk recalls one of the best known stories about the life of St David: how David restored the sight of his blind teacher, Paulinus… When Paulinus goes blind he asks each of his novices to touch his eyes in turn, in the hope that God will move through one of them and restore his sight. Nothing happens until it is David’s turn…and then the miraculous happens.
Reflection: On the lives of the patron saints, their courage and the remarkable things that they did. Ensure everyone is listening carefully.
Prayer: Children can turn their thoughts into their own prayer of thanks.
After the programme:
- Talk about the story
- How do you think it would it feel to be completely blind, like Paulinus?
- How did Paulinus know when David touched him? Why do you think David’s touch restored Paulinus’ sight?
- What made him different from the others?
- How did Paulinus know David was special? What qualities do you think Dewi Sant (St David) had that enabled him to become asaint? The event within this story is called a ‘miracle’. What other stories about miracles do children know?
Follow-up activities:
- Look at photos of St David’s Cathedral, in St David’s, Pembrokeshire. Use the website to find out more about it as a place. There is information and photos on the ‘Education’ tab.
- St David taught his followers to ‘be joyful, to keep the faith and to do the little things’. What do you think he meant? On shapes cut out like yellow daffodil heads, write some ‘little things’ that would bring happiness to others. Display in the classroom as a reminder of St David’s legacy.
- Find out about how St David’s Day is celebrated across Wales.
- Find out about the other patron saints of the UK and Ireland. On which days are they remembered? Find out stories associated with each and read during story times during the week ahead.
- Make and share Welsh cakes - a traditional Welsh teatime treat! Or you could try ‘cawl’, a hearty lamb soup.
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KS1. Saint Patrick's Day. audio
Ben considers the life of St Patrick, who overcame adversity to become a Christian leader.
KS1. The first day of Spring. audio
Ben introduces the theme of Spring and new life.
KS1. Mothering Sunday. audio
We hear from some school children about why they think their mums are special and how they are going to celebrate Mothering Sunday!
