Saint William of Vercelli – Hermit, Abbot, and Founder of Montevergine

ST. WILLIAM OF VERCELLI

Saint William of Vercelli was an Italian hermit and abbot who founded the Congregation of Monte Vergine. He is remembered for his deep spirituality, miracles, and commitment to monastic life.

Saint William of Vercelli was born around the year 1085 in Vercelli, northern Italy. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by relatives who ensured he received a good education. From early on, William desired a life of prayer, sacrifice, and solitude. At the age of 14, he set out on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, walking barefoot and living in poverty.

After returning from his pilgrimage, William dedicated himself entirely to God and chose the life of a hermit. He lived in extreme simplicity, seeking remote places where he could devote himself to prayer and penance. His holiness attracted attention, and others began to follow him.

Desiring solitude, he withdrew to Mount Vergine in southern Italy, where he founded a monastery in 1119. This would become the heart of the Congregation of Monte Vergine, also known as the Williamites. The monastery emphasized strict discipline, silence, manual labor, and a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Though William longed for solitude, he accepted the leadership of the growing community. He guided his monks with wisdom and humility, emphasizing obedience, charity, and detachment from worldly comforts. Miracles were attributed to him, and his reputation as a holy man spread across Italy.

He was also invited to the court of King Roger II of Sicily, where he became a trusted spiritual advisor. Despite his influence, William remained humble and returned often to his monastic life on the mountain.

Saint William died on June 25, 1142, at Montevergine. His spiritual legacy continued through the Williamite order, which eventually became part of the Benedictine tradition. He is venerated especially in southern Italy, and his life remains an example of contemplative devotion, leadership, and complete surrender to God.

Feast Day

25-6-1142

Birth Date

0-0-1085

Died Date

25-6-1142

Canonised Date

0-0-Pre-Congregation

Montevergine Abbey, Italy

O holy Saint William, Man of prayer and founder of peace, You sought solitude and found God's will. Help us to seek Him above all things, And live with hearts rooted in love. Amen.
ST. WILLIAM OF VERCELLI

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ST. WILLIAM OF VERCELLI

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