Saint of the day, June 25
St. William of Vercelli longed for a quiet life devoted entirely to God. Yet the more he sought solitude, the more others were drawn to his example.
June 25: Saint William of Vercelli
Born: 1085, Vercelli, Italy
Died: June 25, 1142, Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi, Italy
Nationality: Italian
Vocation / State: Hermit, abbot, founder
Attributes: Wolf, crosier
Patronage: Irpinia
Canonization: Pre-Congregation
St. William of Vercelli longed for a quiet life devoted entirely to God. Yet the more he sought solitude, the more others were drawn to his example.
Born into a noble family in northern Italy, William lost his parents at a young age and was raised by relatives. As a teenager, he left behind the comforts of his upbringing and set out on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, spending years in prayer, penance, and service to God.
William later hoped to continue on to Jerusalem, but after being attacked and robbed in southern Italy, he came to believe that God was calling him to remain there instead. He eventually settled on Monte Vergine, where he embraced the life of a hermit.
His reputation for holiness soon spread, attracting followers who sought his guidance. What began as a life of solitude grew into a religious community that became the Congregation of Monte Vergine. Though William desired a hidden life of prayer, he spent much of his later years founding monasteries and helping others grow in faith.
Many miracles came to be associated with William. Among the most famous is the account of a wolf that, according to tradition, became tame at the saint's command after killing one of his donkeys.
St. William reminds us that prayer is never meant to end with ourselves. A life centered on God naturally overflows into service, charity, and a willingness to help others find their way to Him.
St. William of Vercelli, pray for us!
