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Also known as
William of Monte Vergine
Memorial
25 June; (formerly 25 April)
Profile
Nobility. Orphaned as an infant, and raised by relatives. Pilgrim to
Santiago de Compostela, Spain at age 14. There he decided on a life
devoted to God. Hermit for two years at Monte Solicoli where he healed a
blind man. Friend of Saint John of Pulsano. Started a pilgrimage to the
Holy Lands, but discerned that he would be of more use in Italy. Hermit at
Monte Vergiliano (Monte Vergine). There his reputation for holiness
attracted many disciples. In 1119 he formed them into the Hermits of Monte
Vergine (Williamites) with a Rule based on the Benedictines; five other
houses were formed by its members during William's life, but only the
original survives today. When some of the hermits began to grumble that
William's austerities were too hard to match, he, Saint John, and a small
handful of brothers left in order not to be a cause of dissension. When
their hermitage burned, they moved to Monte Cognato, and into the area of
Naples. Advisor to King Roger I of Naples who built him a hermitage at
Salerno. Founded monasteries in the Naples region.
Legend says that William began mining the stone and digging the
foundations for the church on Monte Vergine when his only companion and
helper was a single donkey. One evening, a wolf charge from the forest,
killed and ate the donkey. William ordered the wolf to take the donkey's
place. The wolf, understanding that he had interrupted God's work, bowed
his head, and began hauling the loads of stone. Tradition says that the
same wolf still prowls the mountain, ready to help those who are in danger
and call upon the name of the Virgin Mary.
Born
1085 at Vercelli, Italy
Died
25 June 1142 at Guglietto, Italy of natural causes
Representation
a pilgrim, usually near Santiago de Compostella; abbot near a wolf wearing
a saddle; receiving an appearance by Christ; saddling a wolf that killed
his ass
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