Roman martyrology: In the city of Bourges in Aquitaine, St. William was a bishop whose desirous of solitude and meditation, involved himself as a monk at the Cistercian monastery of Pontigny. Later he was Abbot of Chaalis and then elected bishop of Bourges, never abandoning the austerity of monastic life and distinguished by his love of the clergy, for the prisoners and the unfortunate.

Etymology: From the Germanic name Willahelm, which was composed of the elements wil "will, desire" and helm "helmet, protection".

Canonization date: 17 May 1217 by Pope Honorius III.

SHORT BIOGRAPHY

St. William came from a wealthy French family. Even as a boy, he did not waste time fooling around or being idle; he spent time praying every day. When he joined the Cistercian order, he tried to be a good monk. His fellow monks admired him, even though he was not trying to impress anybody.

He was born at Nevers, France, member of the family of the Counts there. His father Baldwin planned a military life for William. Educated by his maternal uncle Peter, the archdeacon of Soissons, before receiving ordination.

St. William had a great devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. He practiced penance without showing how hard it was. He always seemed to be happy and when he was made abbot of the community, he remained humble. He was just himself, drawn to religious life from an early age, William became a priest, canon of Soissons, and canon of Paris. Monk in the Order of Grandmont, noted for his austerities, his devotion and for the time spent praying at the altar.

In succeeding years, he was abbot of Fontaine-Jean, in Sens; abbot of Chalis, near Senlis; and bishop of Bourges, receiving consecration in 1200, when the archbishop of Bourges died, and he was chosen to take his place. He was grateful to be consecrated a bishop, but unhappy because of all the attention he would receive. He kept humble by performing penances for his own soul and for the conversion of sinners. Although William loved to be alone with God in the Blessed Sacrament, he knew it was his duty as archbishop to travel all over his diocese willingly. He celebrated the Eucharist, preached the faith and visited the poor and sick, to console them and bring them to Christ.

The also known as Patron of University of Paris, died on January 10, 1209. He was buried in the cathedral of Bourges. Rumor has it that miracles were reported by people who prayed at his tomb. William was proclaimed a saint in 1218 by Pope Honorius III