Since its foundation, St Teilo's has also been a living symbol of God's presence in the midst of people. Week by week, it sustains the great rhythm of Praise and Thanksgiving as the worshipping community gathers to celebrate the Eucharist and to offer prayers of intercession for the needs of all.

The Church is the communion of God with all who are redeemed in Christ through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit: from Abel until the consummation of time. St Teilo's is an essential element of this communion for this mystery finds its ultimate expression when the faithful assemble at the Lord's Table. In this moment we are one with the Light of the World who sends us forth to be light at the heart of the wider community among whom we live and work.

Sent forth in the power of the Spirit, who sustains and equips us with the means necessary, we continue the mission and ministry of Jesus in our world. By sharing in the gifts of the Holy Spirit and being active in mission and ministry, we build up the Body of Christ.

Feast of St Teilo - 9th February

St. Teilo, the son of Prince Ensich ap Hydwn - a grandson of King Ceredig of Ceredigion - was probably born at Penalun (Penally) around AD 500. His original name was apparently Eliud and, from a young, age, he studied under St. Paulinus of Wales at Wincdi-Lantquendi (supposedly Whitland). Here, he met St David and the two became close companions. Along with Aeddan and Ysfael, the four travelled to Mynyw (St. Davids) where Dewi founded his famous abbey.

The church is a modern building, designed by the famous Architect George Pace, and was opened in 1962 to serve the new estates that were been developed at that time. It has a very open-plan and spacious interior which provides a wonderful ambience for liturgical worship and social gatherings.

An old tale is often told of how, while Teilo and Aeddan were reading in the cloister at Mynyw (St. Davids), they were called upon to replenish the monastery's fuel stores. Annoyed at having been drawn away from their studies, the two monks took their axes off to the woods; but found their task much easier than expected when two tame stags aided them in carrying the wood home.

Teilo is said to have made a pilgrimage to Rome, with Dewi and Padern, where all three were consecrated bishops. Teilo succeeded St Dyfrig as Bishop of Glywysing & Gwent and probably moved the Bishop's Seat to his foundation at Llandeilo Fawr (in Ystrad Tywi). He accompanied the famed St. David ofWales to Jerusalem and was a friend and assistant to St. Samson in Brittany, France, for seven years. Returning to Wales in 554, he was quite successful as a preacher and founded and served as abbot-bishop of Llandaff monastery in Dyfed, Wales.

After the death of St. Dewi, Teilo became known as one of the most holy men in Wales. He was joined at Llandeilo by many disciples: Inabwy, Gwrfaeth, Cynfwr, Teulyddog, Llywel, Fidelis and his third nephew, Euddogwy. He supposedly consecrated another nephew, Ysfael, as St. Dewi's successor as Archbishop of Wales. Teilo died at the Abbey of Llandeilo Fawr on 9th February, though the year is unknown. His tomb is in Llandaff Cathedral.

Like many of the early Celtic saints, we know very little for certain about Teilo. The churches dedicated to him are spread around South Wales, and occur also in Brittany. This distribution of his cult makes it seem likely that he travelled over this area. Two Lives of St.Teilo were written in the twelfth century, and purport to give a lot of detail about the saint, but are an inextricable mixture of local legends (with a probable core of historical fact) and pure invention.