Very little is known about her except that she lived in the 6th or 7th century near Treffynon (Holywell) in Clwyd in Wales. Various miraculous stories are told about her, and her cult has been widespread since the Middle Ages. Its main centres were Shrewsbury, where her remains were enshrined in 1138, and the well at Holywell that sprang up where, according to one version of her life, she was beheaded and then restored to life by her uncle, St Beuno. The well has remained a place of healing and pilgrimage through the Reformation to the present day indeed The Latin Mass Society holds an annual pilgrimage to her shrine every July.
As the 3rd November this year falls on a Sunday so the IV Sunday remaining after the Epiphany ranks higher and next year All Souls is transferred to the 3rd November but that doesn't preclude us from asking Blessed Winefride to PRAY FOR US!
Emblosom'd in the dales,
St. Winefride in beauty bloom' d,
The rose of ancient Wales.
With every loveliest grace adorn' d,
The Lamb's unsullied bride,
Apart from all the world she dwelt
Upon this mountain side.
Caradoc then, with impious love,
Her fleeing steps pursued,
And in her sacred maiden blood
His cruel hands imbrued.
He straight the debt of vengeance paid,
lngulf d in yawning flame;
But God a deed of wonder work'd
To her immortal fame.
For where the grassy sward received
The martyr's severed head,
This holy fountain upward gush' d,
Of crystal vein' d with red.
Here miracles of might are wrought;
Here all diseases fly;
Here see the blind, and speak the dumb,
Who but in faith draw nigh.
Assist us, glorious Winefride,
Dear virgin, ever blest!
The passions of our hearts appease,
And lull each storm to rest.
15th Century