W for St. Winifred of Wales

I almost chose St. Wenceslaus for letter W, but saw Winifred on the list, and couldn't resist.  My husband's great aunt is a Winifred (we call her Aunt Winnie), and she is a ball of fun energy.

picture found at saintsbridge.wordpress.com

Legend says that St. Winifred was the sister of St. Beuno, and was beheaded when she refused to submit to the advances of Caradog.  Beuno prayed and miraculously restored her to life.  She lived the rest of her life as a nun. Stories say that a spring welled up at the spot where Winifred's head fell, called The Holy Well or St. Winifred's Well.  Other accounts say it was her tears that gave rise to the well. It has been a site of pilgrimage and miraculous healings over the years.  Her feast day is November 3. She is the patron saint of virgins.

My daughter made Winifred's house and the well is that orange oval with water on the right hand side of the picture.  Pretty cute.  

St. Winifred, pray for us!