Asaph, Saint

ASAF, saint. - Bishop of Glasgow, who lived in the sixth century. No literary text has survived concerning the history of this saint, but only local traditions and very brief references in the life of St. Kentingern written by Jocelino of Furness. St. Kentingern, bishop of Glasgow, driven from his see during a period of disturbances (c. 545), founded in North Wales the Celtic monastery of Llan Elwy in the valley of the Clwyd, which was soon populated by 965 monks, among whom was A. When Kentingern was able to return to his episcopal see, A., his disciple, was entrusted with the monastery and about 573 was consecrated bishop to succeed his master also on the episcopal throne. The feast of his deposition is celebrated on 1 May; the year of his death, however, is unknown, though it seems to date from the early years of the seventh century.