William was born around the year 1085 in Vercelli, Italy. He was orphaned by his parents at a young age. Though without parents, God had not abandoned him. From a very young age, William was drawn to penance, prayer, and pilgrimage. After traveling as a pilgrim to Santiago de Compostela in Spain—on foot and barefoot—he returned to Italy with an even deeper longing for solitude with God.
He withdrew to Mount Vergine (the “Mount of the Virgin”) in southern Italy, where he lived as a hermit, practicing severe austerity. Yet even in the wilderness, people found him. His holiness attracted followers, and soon a new monastic community took shape around him. This became the foundation of the Congregation of Montevergine, a Benedictine-inspired order devoted to prayer, work, and Marian devotion.
William was known not just for miracles and fasting, but for spiritual leadership. He advised princes, healed the sick, and inspired sinners to conversion. Yet he always returned to simplicity. He died on June 25, 1142, at the monastery he had built on the mountain, his soul already anchored in the heights of heaven.
For all those discerning a life of deeper prayer and for those who live hidden lives of holiness (monks, hermits, and contemplatives). May their example draw the world closer to God.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who called Saint William of Vercelli
from the noise of the world to the silence of the mountain,
and from solitude to spiritual fatherhood,
grant that we, following his example,
may seek you above all things.
Through his intercession, strengthen us in discipline,
guide us in purity, and ignite in us a love for prayer.
May we, like him, trust in your providence,
and find joy not in comfort, but in surrender.
O Saint William, pray for us,
that we may climb the mountain of God
with steady steps and undivided hearts.
Saint William of Vercelli, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tomorrow’s saints of the day are Saint John and Paul, martyrs.
Share this with your family and friends! Keep getting inspired by these awesome saints!