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St. William is credited with the miracle of restoring sight to a blind
man. Thus he must have let himself be a true instrument of God's presence,
being concerned about the way in which people see. After this cure
occurred, he did not seek fame as a wonder worker, but left the neighborhood to
go live with St. John of Matera.
Attacked by robbers while on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, he took this as a sign from God that God had a different type
of work for him to do. He once again went to a mountainside and lived as a
hermit. Soon priests and lay people came to
him and wanted to learn from him and pray with him.
As the people multiplied, he began a religious community and built a church
named after Mary. The mountain has received its present name - Monte
Vergine - from this community and church. He laid down a rule which
encouraged fasting. Perhaps he saw that fasting invites us to clear out
the clutter in our lives and make space for God. He then found a prior to
lead that community and left to start other communities in various areas.
King Roger II of Naples saw the Spirit's presence in St. William and drew him
to Salerno where he sought his counsel and help. Thus St. William's life
of solitude, prayer, fasting and sharing faith had made a light to shine forth
from him -- it was the light of Christ.
St. William died at Guglietto on June 25, 1142. He left no written
constitutions, but a code of regulations bringing the order into conformity with
Benedictine rule. The only monastery of William's foundation which exists
at the present day is that of Monte Vergine. It now belongs to the
Benedictine congregation of Subiaco, and has a much venerated picture of our
Lady of Constantinople, to which pilgrimages are frequently made.
Other St. Williams and their feast days:
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St. William Pharmacies (April 24) |
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St. William of Bourges (January 10) |
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St. William of Eskilsoe (April 6) |
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St. William of Gellone (May 28) |
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St. William of Maleval (February 10) |
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St. William of Norwich (March 24) |
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St. William of Rochester (May 23) |
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St. William of Roskilde (September 2) |
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St. William of Saint Benignus (January 1) |
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St. William of Saint-Brieuc (July 29) |
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St. William of Toulouse, martyr (May 29) |
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St. William of Vercelli (or Monte Vergine)
(June 25) |
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St. William of York (or of Thwayt) (June 8)
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