Mechell

Saint Mechell was, in the 6th century, the founder and first abbot of the monastic house (clas) of Llanfechell on the isle of Anglesey, in north-⁠west Wales. He is said to have been a Breton by birth and to be buried at Llanfechell. His day is 15 November.

From the 14th century he was identified with Saint Machudd, a Welshman and supposed Bishop of Caerwent, who was likewise confused with Saint Malo. Malo and Mechell share the same commemoration, 15 November. A 17th-⁠century manuscript (Llanstephan MS. 125) preserves a Welsh poem, "Cywydd i Fechell Sant", which calls him the son of Echwys ab Gwyn Gohoew and tells of miracles in his life: he is said to have raised a dead giant and made him a Christian, turned thieves to stone, and blinded and then healed their leader. In gratitude, land was given him, to be bounded by the route of a hare set free; the hare, according to the story, marked the boundary under divine guidance, and the land served to found the monastery. The poem is a late tradition, not historical proof. He is honored as a saint of the undivided Church.