St. William

St. William

The Icon of Our Church

The founder of the Hermits of Monte Vergine, or Williamites, born 1085; died 25

June 1142. He was the son of noble parents, both of whom died when he was still a

child, and his education was entrusted to one of his kinsmen.

At the age of fifteen, he made up his mind to renounce the world and lead a life of penance. With this end in view, he went on a pilgrimage to St. James of Compostella, and, not content with the ordinary hardships of such a pilgrimage, he encircled his body with iron bands

to increase his suffering.

After this journey he started on a pilgrimage the Holy Land, but it was revealed to him that he would be of greater service to God if he remained in Italy. He built himself a hut on Monte Vergine, wishing to become a hermit and live in solitude, but it was not long before many people flocked to him to put themselves under his guidance, being attracted by the sanctity of his life and the many miracles which he performed.

Soon a monastery was built, and by 1119 the Congregation of Monte Vergine was founded. St. William lived at Monte Vergine until the brethren began to murmur against him, saying that the life was too austere, that he gave too much in alms, and so on. He therefore decided to leave Monte Vergine and thus take away from the monks the cause of their grievances.

Roger I of Naples took him under his patronage, and the saint founded many

monasteries, both of men and of women, in that kingdom. So edified was the king

with the saint's sanctity of life and the wisdom of his counsels that, in order to have

him always near him, he built a monastery opposite his palace at Salerno.

Knowing by special revelation that his end was at hand, William retired to his monastery of

Gugieto, where he died, and was buried in the church. We celebrate his memorial

on June 25.

St. Andrei Rublev Icons gives St. William Catholic Church of Naples, FL, the use of the icon, “St. William of Monte Vergine” for use in your church logo as you requested, which can appear on your letterhead, church bulletins and website. The icon of “St. William of Monte Vergine” is used with permission,© William H. McNichols, www.fatherbill.org