Blessed Guglielmo Of Noto

Biography

Blessed Guglielmo of Noto, also known as Guglielmo Buccheri, Guglielmo Cuffitelli, Guglielmo of Sicily, Guglielmo of Sicili, and William, was born circa 1309 in Noto, Syracuse, Italy. He came from a noble background and spent his early years serving as a page in the court of King Frederick II.

One fateful day in 1337, while the court was hunting on the slopes of Mount Etna, King Frederick was suddenly attacked by a wild boar. It was then that young Guglielmo displayed great courage and leaped onto the charging animal, ultimately killing it. However, in the process, he suffered serious injuries caused by the boar's bites. By divine intervention and the intercession of Saint Agatha, Guglielmo was miraculously healed from his wounds.

This life-altering incident led Guglielmo to reassess his priorities and subsequently dedicate himself to a life of solitude and service to the poor. He embarked on a journey as a hermit, seeking God in the seclusion of cave dwelling. Guglielmo's devotion to his spiritual path was exemplified through his actions, as he would leave packages of food at the doors of the destitute. Knocking for them to be alerted, he would quickly retreat into the night, ensuring his anonymity.

During his solitary life, Guglielmo became friends and a brother hermit to the esteemed Saint Conrad of Piacenza. He continued his austere lifestyle for an impressive 57 years, leading a remarkably selfless existence filled with prayer, contemplation, and acts of kindness.

Blessed Guglielmo of Noto is often depicted as a Franciscan holding a crucifix and leaning on a cane. The cane signifies the limp he acquired from the boar attack, a visible reminder of his heroic act.

Guglielmo's feast day is celebrated on April 4, both as a memorial to his life and on the second Saturday after Easter if April 4 happens to fall during Holy Week.

His earthly journey came to a serene end on Good Friday, April 4, 1404, in Scicli, Ragusa, Italy, where he passed away from natural causes. Legend has it that at the moment of his death, even though ringing church bells was prohibited on Good Friday, the bells in Scicli began to ring on their own. This extraordinary occurrence further attested to the sanctity and holy presence that Guglielmo represented.

Blessed Guglielmo of Noto's relics are enshrined in a silver bust, which can be found in the church located in Scicli. The faithful continue to venerate him and seek his intercession.

Recognizing his exemplary life and devotion, Blessed Guglielmo of Noto was beatified on April 9, 1537, by Pope Paul III. His beatification solidified his status as a blessed servant of God, serving as an inspiration to countless believers seeking spiritual fulfillment and inspiration in their lives.