And after some time, Berach went forth and built a monastery in a remote spot, Clon-cairpthe, in the desert of Kinel-dobhtha; but a certain wealthy man interfered to pull it down, and to disturb him in many ways. So Berach appealed for protection to the king; and when he came to the court his adversary arrived also, and was admitted by the porter, for he was well-dressed; but the door was shut against the abbot in his tattered clothing. Now it was winter, and the ground was white with snow, and rude boys, seeing the poor man, scantily clothed, shivering outside the gate, began to pelt him with snow-balls, but suddenly they were struck as by an icy blast, that they could not stir. And Berach saw that the snow had been scraped from the palace-door into a great heap. So he approached it, and blew upon it, and a flame crackled in the snow heap, and leaped up, and he stood and warmed himself at the flaming snow. Then, when the king heard what had taken place, he was full of wonder, and went forth, and besought the man of God; so he restored the boys to their usual activity, and quenched the blazing snow-heap.
[On this day Benedictine Kalendar; but Wyon, Menardus, and Ferrarius, on April 17th. The life of this saint was written by his friend and companion in monastic life, Andrew, who was third abbot of the monastery. Walfrid was founder and first abbot; he was succeeded by his son, Gimfrid, and then by Andrew.]
Walfrid, a native of Pisa, was married to a virtuous wife, by whom he had five sons. Both he and his wife then resolved to retire from the world. He founded and governed the abbey of Monte Virido, in Tuscany, near Volterra. There is nothing of remarkable interest in his life.
[Anciently venerated in Sweden; named in the Cologne and other German Kalendars. Authority:--Joannes Magnus, Archb. of Upsal, Hist. Goth. lib. xvii., c. 18, 19, 20.]