Saint william of vercelli biography for kids

Sometimes, even a young child is able to make a decision that will change his life forever. This was the case with St William, who at the age of fourteen decided to go on pilgrimage – first to Santiago de Compostela, and then to the Holy Land. Like St Francis a century later, William gave up all he had in order to embrace a religious life. He freed himself from attachments to his family, gave up his noble title, put on a tattered habit, and left his home in Vercelli (Italy) barefoot. Compostela was the most famous pilgrimage site of his time, and it was to the Spanish shrine that William turned his steps. His journey took five years, walking the whole way, living off of bread and water, enduring hardships, sleeping on the bare earth. Along the way he spoke intimately with God, and proclaimed the Gospel to those he met.

An unimagined goal

Apart from Compostela, the goal of pilgrims in the 11th century was the Holy Land. When William returned from Spain, he turned his sights to Jerusalem. But “man proposes, God disposes”; and William could not contend with “the God of surprises.” Making his way through Italy in search of passage to the Holy Land, William was set upon in Brindisi by a band of criminals. When they found he had nothing to steal, the brigands turned to violence. Badly beaten, William was forced to interrupt his journey.
While recovering from his injuries, William went to meet with Giovanni da Matera, also a future saint. Da Matera argued convincingly that the attack of the bandits was a sign from God that William should dedicate his life to proclaiming the Gospel in Italy. In 1118, William went to the region of Irpinia, at the base of Monte Partenio, where he became a hermit.

Monks of Montevergine

As a hermit, he embraced solitude – but solitude was difficult to maintain. His fame as a holy man spread throughout the region, and people began to visi

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June 25

When they lived:

St. William of Montevergine, also known as Saint William of Vercelli, lived during the 11th and 12th centuries. He was born in the year 1085 and died on June 25, 1142.

Where they lived:

St. William of Montevergine spent most of his life in Italy. He was born in Vercelli, a city in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. He later founded the Monastery of Montevergine in the Campania region, which is in southern Italy. This monastery became a significant center of religious life during his time.

Notable world events during the time of their life:

• First Crusade (1096-1099): St. William’s early years coincided with the First Crusade, a major military campaign in which European Christians sought to recapture Jerusalem from Muslim control. This event had significant repercussions for Christianity and the entire Mediterranean world.
• Investiture Controversy (1075-1122): The Investiture Controversy was a power struggle between the papacy and European monarchs over the appointment of bishops and abbots. It had profound implications for the relationship between the Church and secular authorities, influencing the political and religious landscape of St. William’s time.
• Scholasticism Emerges (12th century): The 12th century saw the emergence of Scholasticism, a philosophical and theological movement that sought to reconcile faith and reason. Figures like St. Anselm and Peter Abelard played significant roles in this intellectual movement, which contributed to the development of Catholic theology.
• Birth of Genghis Khan (1162): Although St. William of Montevergine did not live to see this event, his lifetime overlapped with the birth of Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire. This event marked the beginning of a significant chapter in world history, with far-reaching consequences.

Patronage:

St. William of Montevergine is venerated as the patron saint of various groups and causes:

• Pa