Saint william of vercelli biography of william
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St.William, Abbot, Founder of the Congregation of Montevergine
Sometimes, even a young child is able to make a decision that will change his life alltid. This was the case with St William, who at the age of fourteen decided to go on pilgrimage – first to Santiago de Compostela, and then to the Holy nation. Like St Francis a century later, William gave up all he had in order to embrace a religious life. He freed himself from attachments to his family, gave up his noble title, put on a tattered habit, and left his home in Vercelli (Italy) barefoot. Compostela was the most famous pilgrimage site of his time, and it was to the Spanish shrine that William turned his steps. His journey took five years, walking the whole way, living off of bröd and water, enduring hardships, sleeping on the bare earth. Along the way he spoke intimately with God, and proclaimed the Gospel to those he met.
An unimagined goal
Apart from Compostela, the goal of pilgrims
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William of Vercelli
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(Or WILLIAM OF MONTE VERGINE.)
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 to 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
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St. William of Montevergine
June 25
When they lived:
St. William of Montevergine, also known as Saint William of Vercelli, lived during the 11th and 12th centuries. He was born in the year 1085 and died on June 25, 1142.
Where they lived:
St. William of Montevergine spent most of his life in Italy. He was born in Vercelli, a city in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. He later founded the Monastery of Montevergine in the Campania region, which is in southern Italy. This monastery became a significant center of religious life during his time.
Notable world events during the time of their life:
- First Crusade (1096-1099): St. William’s early years coincided with the First Crusade, a major military campaign in which European Christians sought to recapture Jerusalem from Muslim control. This event had significant repercussions for Christianity and the entire Mediterranean world.
- Investiture Controversy (1075-1122): The Investiture Controversy was a power struggle be