Saint William of Vercelli 

William was born at Vercelli, Italy, in 1085.  After the death of his parents, he was cared for by relatives, but at the age of 14 he set out as a poor pilgrim for Spain.  Not satisfied with the hardships such a journey entailed, he had two iron bands fastened around his body.  Upon returning to Italy in 1106, he began leading a penitential life as a hermit.  To this period belongs William’s first miracle, the restoration of sight to a blind man.  The cure made him famous and to avoid being acclaimed as a wonder-worker, he left the area to stay with St. John of Matera.  They were kindred spirits and became close friends.

After a while, William went to the mountains where he attempted to live as a hermit, but was soon joined by disciples.  He formed them into a community and from the church, which he built in 1124, under the name Our Lady, the mountain has derived its present name of Monte Vergine.

King Roger II of Naples, benefited greatly from William’s counsel and help.  William’s influence on the Kind was resented by some of the court who tried to discredit him.  They tried to lure him into sin and caused him to suffer a trial by fire.  William persevered and was unharmed.  King Roger continued to patronize William’s foundations.

St. William died June 25, 1142, at Nussio, Italy.  His feast day is celebrated on June 25.

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