Saint William of Vercelli

Biography

Saint William of Vercelli, also known as William of Monte Vergine, was born in 1085 to the Italian nobility in Vercelli, Italy. Sadly, he was orphaned as an infant and was raised by relatives. At the age of 14, William embarked on a significant pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. It was during this journey that he experienced a profound encounter with God, and he made the decision to dedicate his life entirely to the service of the Lord. After returning from his pilgrimage, William became a hermit at Monte Solicoli for two years. During his time there, he performed a miraculous healing of a blind man, demonstrating the power of his faith. He also developed a close friendship with Saint John of Pulsano. Eager to deepen his spiritual journey, Saint William then set out on a pilgrimage to the Holy Lands. However, he eventually discerned that his true calling was to serve God in Italy, and he returned to his homeland. He took up residence as a hermit at Monte Vergiliano (also known as Monte Vergine). News of his holiness and devotion spread, attracting many disciples who sought to learn from him. In 1119, Saint William founded the Hermits of Monte Vergine, also known as the Williamites. These hermits embraced a Rule based on the Benedictine tradition. During his lifetime, Saint William established five other houses, but today only the original hermitage at Monte Vergine remains. However, when some of the hermits began to criticize the austerity of William's lifestyle, he, along with Saint John and a select few brothers, left to prevent any further dissension. Tragedy struck when their hermitage was destroyed by a fire. In response, the Williamites relocated to Monte Cognato near Naples, Italy. It was during this time that Saint William became an advisor to King Roger I of Naples, who provided him with a hermitage in Salerno, Italy. Saint William also founded several monasteries in the Naples region, further spreading the influence of his spiritual teachings. Legend has it that while constructing the church on Montevergine, Saint William had only a donkey as his companion and helper. One evening, a wolf emerged from the forest and attacked, killed, and devoured the donkey. In a truly remarkable moment, Saint William commanded the wolf to take the place of the donkey. Astonishingly, the wolf understood its interruption of God's work, humbled itself, and began aiding Saint William in carrying the heavy loads of stone. According to tradition, the same wolf continues to roam the mountain, ready to assist those in danger who call upon the name of the Virgin Mary. Saint William of Vercelli is often depicted as a pilgrim, often near Santiago de Compostela, Spain. He may also be portrayed as an abbot near a wolf wearing a saddle, receiving an appearance by Christ, or saddling a wolf that had killed his donkey. His representation highlights the miraculous event with the wolf and the donkey. Saint William of Vercelli passed away on June 25, 1142, at Guglietto, Italy, succumbing to natural causes. He is recognized as the patron saint of Irpinia, Italy. Saint William's feast day is celebrated on June 25, although it was formerly commemorated on April 25. Through his exceptional devotion and profound spiritual teachings, Saint William left a lasting impact on the church. His founding of the Williamites and the establishment of monasteries contributed to the spread of holiness throughout Italy. His ability to connect with nature, as exemplified by the story of the wolf, serves as a powerful reminder of God's presence in all creation. Saint William's unwavering faith and commitment to a life devoted to God continue to inspire believers to this day.