St Pedrog’s Church, Llanbedrog

The Caernarfonshire village of Llanbedrog means "Pedrog's Church". It derives from Saint Petroc, which may be the Welsh form of Saint Patrick, or, more likely, another British saint in his own right. Petroc was born around 468, the son of a Welsh chieftain, who ministered in Cornwall and Devon. Our island’s early Christian leaders are obscured by improbable myths and large gaps in our knowledge, but we know that the Lord has ensured that there has always been a Christian witness on this earth even in time of darkness and ignorance. That Petroc’s name survives in the name of a village as well as its church demonstrates the impact he was able to make on his own generation. Although we know little about him now, it would seem that the Lord used him in his own day and culture.

Few of us will found churches or have settlements bearing our name, but may we all be found serviceable and employable by the Lord of the Harvest. Despite the sign and online assurances to the contrary, St Pedrog’s Church was locked and closed, his witness compromised by modern schedules and personal availability. May our own service to God outlive us, our deeds outlasting our memories.

He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. Psalm 111:6

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