William of Montevergine

Who they were

William, a youth of Vercelli, at fourteen gave up his noble title, put on a rough habit and set out barefoot, around 1099, on pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela: five years of walking, bread and water, nights on the ground and preaching along the road. Back in Italy he headed south to sail for Jerusalem, but near Brindisi robbers beat him. St John of Matera, whom he had met before, told him it was a sign to make Italy his mission.

In 1118 he climbed Monte Partenio in Irpinia and settled as a hermit. So many came to him that the hermit became an abbot, leading by example a life of penance, prayer and charity to the poor: the beginning of the Congregation of Montevergine. King Roger II of Sicily was his friend. He died at his monastery of Goleto in 1142.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: William has been honoured as a saint since his death. In 1942 Pius XII named him principal patron of Irpinia.

Why that counted as sanctity

William gave up rank and comfort to follow Christ as a pilgrim, accepted the change of path God sent him, and drew many to a life of prayer, penance and charity.

Connected on this site

• Pius XII Venerable
  “In 1942 Pius XII named him principal patron of Irpinia.” — this site's research