Isfael


Isfael or Ismael, often anglicized as Ishmael, was a 6th-century medieval Welsh bishop of Rhos and saint. He was allegedly also a Breton prince of Armorica.
Although his anglicized name invites association with the Biblical Ishmael, Isfael is actually a native Welsh name meaning 'under prince'.
Isfael was said to have been the son of Budig ap Cybydan, a native of Cornouaille and eventual king of Armorica, and the brother of the martyr Tyfei and Bishop Euddogwy of Llandaff. His mother may have been Arianwedd or Anowed, the sister of Saint Teilo. In Rhygyfarch's hagiography, Isfael was said to have been one of the three principal disciples of Dewi Sant; in the Book of Llandaff, he is also included among the students of Dubricius and Teilo and said to have succeeded David as the bishop of Menevia. His eventual see was in Rhos at present-day St Ishmaels.
The parish churches of St Ishmael's in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire and their surrounding communities are named in his honour. He was also the patron of the churches at Camrose, Rosemarket, Uzmaston, and Haroldston St Issells. A valley or inlet in Carmarthen Bay was previously known as "St. Ismael's Scar".

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File: St Ishmael's Church - geograph.org.uk - 876247.jpg|St Ishmael's church, Pembrokeshire
File:St. Ismael's Church, Uzmaston - geograph.org.uk - 219260.jpg|St. Ismael's Church, Uzmaston.
File:St Ismael's Church, Camrose - geograph.org.uk - 992620.jpg|St Ishmael's parish church, Camrose