Saint William of Vercelli

"Let us strive after purity of heart, for the Holy Spirit dwells in candid and simple minds."
- Saint Philip Neri

Today is the feast day of Saint William of Vercelli, who is also known as William of Monte Vergine. William was born in 1085 at Vercelli, Italy. William's parents died when he was still young, and he was brought up as an orphan by one of his relatives. After a pilgrimage to Compostella, in Spain, William became a hermit on Monte Vergine in Italy. William attracted so many followers that a monastery was built. By 1119, William and his followers were united in the Benedictine congregation, and were called the Hermits of Monte Vergine or the Williamites. William headed the large group of his followers, but, because of the austerity of his rule, dissension spread among the monks and William left the Order to restore peace. William was taken in by Roger I of Naples who built a monastery for him in Salerno. William founded more monasteries throughout Naples. William died in 1142 near Nusco, Italy, at the Guglielmo monastery. William is the patron saint of Irpinia. 

Saint William of Vercelli, pray for us!

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Quote From Saint Philip, Picture Of And Information About Saint William Taken From:

http://www.saintsquotes.net/index.htm

http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2013/06/stwilliam-of-vercelli.html

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=585